Description
The field saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) or permeability of soil and septic fill can be quickly and easily measured in place using the ETC Pask Constant Head Permeameter Kit manufactured by Dynamic Monitors, a business unit of Engineering Technologies Canada Ltd. (ETC).
The Pask Permeameter is named after David Pask, a public health engineer formerly with the Nova Scotia Dept. of Environment, who advocated for its use in onsite sewage assessments. It has become very popular in Canada and the USA as a convenient and much less expensive alternative to other constant head permeameters such as the Guelph Permeameter®. The test procedure is based on the constant head well permeameter method (CHWP) described by Reynolds (2008) and by Elrick and Reynolds (1986).
ETC has prepared an updated, user-friendly guide which incorporates the research by Reynolds, Elrick and others. An abbreviated version of ETC’s User Guide has been incorporated into the new CSA B65-12 Installation Code for Decentralized Wastewater Systems and also the New Brunswick Department of Health’s Technical Guidelines for On-site Sewage Disposal Systems.
Check this blog article for a detailed 20 point comparison of the ETC Pask Permeameter to the Guelph Permeameter.
Click here to review a document which summarizes the difference between the Simplified Falling Head Permeameter and the ETC Pask Constant Head Permeameter.
Advantages of the ETC Pask Permeameter Kit:
- Much more accurate and repeatable method of assessing the soil’s drainage properties than the percolation test.
- Unlike others, we use clear lightweight, and durable polycarbonate for the upper reservoir, rather than heavy PVC. This makes our permeameter extremely light, minimizing the potential for it to sink into the soil and cause errors.
- Our permeameter features a custom designed ABS cap with a secure, stainless steel clip. No more concerns about losing rubber stoppers in the bottom of the well hole!
- Very fast – a test on most soils can usually be completed in only 15 to 45 minutes.
- Small amount of water needed, typically 0.5 usgal (2 Liters) per test in medium permeability soils.
- Very visual; easy for homeowners and clients to see how it works, and whether they have “good” soil or not.
- High quality, durable soil auger (manufactured in the USA by industry leader AMS Samplers) helps to ensure the well hole is of the proper shape with a flat bottom.
- Calculations are made easy using ETC’s Quick Field Reference Tables.
- The well height created by the ETC Constant Head permeameter helps to minimize the impact of errors caused by improper soil characterization (estimation of α*).
Kit includes the following:
- ETC Pask Permeameter (Factory second) with custom ABS cap and stainless steel clip
- AMS Professional Series, two-piece, Riverside auger, nominal auger diameter 2 ¾”
- Custom twisted wire brush
- ETC Quick Reference Field Calculation Tables (based on an assumed well hole size of 3 ¼” (8.3cm)
- Pask Permeameter User Guide
The AMS Professional Series one-piece Riverside soil auger included in the kit is used to prepare the well hole. The shape of the blades are ideally suited to achieve a uniform diameter, flat-bottom well hole, which is assumed in the CHWP theory and calculations. The auger produces an average well hole of 3 ¼” = 8.3cm diameter. These AMS augers have been beefed up from “bit to bail” and are perfect for those who want a strong, durable auger that will stand up to the wear and tear of daily use. They have a stainless steel cylinder, and carbon steel bail, shaft and T-handle. The auger features heat-treated, 11 gauge, high-carbon steel bits with stronger welds and extra tungsten carbide hard-surfaced edges. These Professional series augers are also reinforced with extra gussets welded at both the top and bottom of the bail. The gussets help prevent the bail from bending or twisting when augering into hard or rocky soils.
Auger dimensions: 127.5cm (50″) x 43cm (17″) x nominal auger diameter 2 ¾”
Auger weight: Approx. 5 lbs.
Note: Soil or fill containing abundant large gravel, cobbles or boulders may not be feasible to test using this, or any other type of Constant Head Permeameter.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
All prices are subject to change. Contact us at 902-940-0616 if you have any questions.
