The planning and execution of hydrological- and soil technical projects (for instance drainage and irrigation) is almost always preceded by geo-hydrologic research. The water and air permeability of the soil to a large extend determines how efficient an irrigation- or drainage system functions. Determining the saturated water permeability (horizontal as well as vertical) can be executed in the field or in the laboratory with a soil water permeameter.

In principle it is possible to design the soil water permeameters in any required size. The size is determined by the number of soil samples of which the saturated water permeability is to be determined simultaneously.

Designs for 5 up to 25 soil sample rings can be supplied. The permeameters are suitable for soil sample rings with an external diameter of 53 or 60 mm. A closed or an open system can be applied. In case of a closed system a storage cistern, a circulation pump and a filter are provided.
 
Applications

The soil water permeameter is used for measuring the saturated permeability of undisturbed soil samples in sample rings. The permeability factor (K-factor) gives accurate information about:

· the presence of disturbing soil layers which prevent a speedy outflow of precipitation;
· the correlation between permeability and other soil properties such as porosity, granular composition, etc.;
· the vertical and horizontal permeability.

With these data one can derive further conclusions for the benefit of:

· irrigation and drainage systems;
· well pumping;
· subsidence phenomena;
· predictions concerning the spread of polluting fluids resulting from calamities;
· soil improvement- and maintenance advice.

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