BAT Permeameter
Using the the BAT GMS, in situ hydraulic conductivity tests can be routinely performed, both in unsaturated and saturated soils. The BAT Permeameter combines with the BAT Piezometer equipment and the BAT MkIII Filter tip.
Test assembly
The BAT Permeameter incorporates a Test container. The container is sealed in both ends with a flexible septum.
At its lower end the Test container temporarily interconnects with the BAT MkIII Filter Tip, using a double-ended injection needle. At its upper end the Test container interconnects with the BAT IS pressure sensor, also by using an injection needle. Thus making possible measurement of the pressure, P, inside the Test container.
Conducting a permeability test
The BAT Permeability test is based on measurement of the rate of flow into or out of the Test container. This rate is computed by measuring the pressure change in the Test container, which by using Boyle´s law can be translated into a volume change. Analysis of the time-pressure record thus yields the coefficient of permeability, k.
Inflow or outflow tests
The BAT Permeability test can be performed either as an inflow or as an outflow test. The former type of test, starts with an empty Test container, having a lower starting pressure, P0, than the equilibrium pore pressure, U0, in the tested soil. The outflow test, on the other hand, starts with a partly water filled Test container, having a higher pressure, P0, than the equilibrium pore pressure, U0.
Automatic testing procedure and easy calculation of k – values
By using the logging function of the BAT IS Sensor, pressure data are collected automatically at a preselected time-interval.
The time-pressure record can be fed directly into a portable computer for an immediate field calculation of the coefficient of permeability, the k –value.
Applications
Typical in-situ applications for the BAT Permeameter are: