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Method and apparatus for determining the hydraulic conductivity of earthen material

Patent ·
OSTI ID:870433
 [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Idaho Falls, ID
+ Show Author Affiliations

An earthen material hydraulic conductivity determining apparatus includes, a) a semipermeable membrane having a fore earthen material bearing surface and an opposing rear liquid receiving surface; b) a pump in fluid communication with the semipermeable membrane rear surface, the pump being capable of delivering liquid to the membrane rear surface at a plurality of selected variable flow rates or at a plurality of selected variable pressures; c) a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the pump, the liquid reservoir retaining a liquid for pumping to the membrane rear surface; and d) a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the membrane rear surface to measure pressure of liquid delivered to the membrane by the pump. Preferably, the pump comprises a pair of longitudinally opposed and aligned syringes which are operable to simultaneously fill one syringe while emptying the other. Methods of determining the hydraulic conductivity of earthen material are also disclosed.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
United States Department of Energy
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-94ID13223; AC07-76ID01570
Assignee:
Lockhead Idaho Technologies Company (Idaho Falls, ID)
Patent Number(s):
US 5520248
OSTI ID:
870433
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (3)

Evaluation of the flow pump and constant head techniques for permeability measurements journal December 1989
Flux-Controlled Sorptivity Measurements to Determine Soil Hydraulic Property Functions journal September 1979
Determination of Diffusivity and Hydraulic Conductivity in Soils at low Water Contents from Nondestructive Transient flow Observations journal January 1986

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Related Subjects

/166/73/
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