Tensiometer and method of determining soil moisture potential in below-grade earthen soil

Patent · Tue Jun 02 00:00:00 EDT 1998

OSTI ID:871583

Hubbell, Joel M ^[1]; Mattson, Earl D ^[2]; Sisson, James B ^[1]

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1. Idaho Falls, ID
2. Albuquerque, NM

A tensiometer to in situ determine below-grade soil moisture, potential of earthen soil includes, a) an apparatus adapted for insertion into earthen soil below grade, the apparatus having a below-grade portion, and, comprising; b) a porous material provided in the below-grade portion, the porous material at least in part defining a below-grade first fluid chamber; c) a first fluid conduit extending outwardly of the first fluid chamber; d) a first controllable isolation valve provided within the first fluid conduit, the first controllable isolation valve defining a second fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber through the first fluid conduit and the isolation valve, the first controllable isolation valve being received within the below-grade portion; and e) a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber, the pressure transducer being received within the below-grade portion. An alternate embodiment includes an apparatus adapted for insertion into earthen soil below grade, the apparatus having a below-grade portion, and including: i) a porous material provided in the below-grade portion, the porous material at least in part defining a below-grade first fluid chamber; and ii) a pressure sensing apparatus in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber, the pressure sensing apparatus being entirely received within the below-grade portion. A method is also disclosed using the above and other apparatus.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-94ID13223
• Assignee: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company (Idaho Falls, ID)
• Patent Number(s): US 5758538
• OSTI ID: 871583
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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adapted
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below
below grade
below-grade
below-grade earthen
below-grade soil
chamber
communication
comprising
conduit
conduit extending
controllable
defining
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determining soil
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embodiment
entirely
extending
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fluid
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ii
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isolation
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material
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method
moisture
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outwardly
porous
porous material
portion
potential
pressure
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soil
soil below
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tensiometer
transducer
valve