ETC Comprehensive Pask Constant Head Permeameter Kit with 3-Piece Auger (MOST FLEXIBLE)

Description

Our Comprehensive ETC  Permeameter Kit (with Auger) provides our most flexible coverage compared to other options and is the most efficient for testing all soil types from sands and loams to heavy clays, soil liners, and everything in between. The high quality AMS 3-piece auger has been specially selected for our kit, and stores conveniently inside the durable, hard-sided carry case.

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 (CHWP) single ponded height method 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.
• NEW! 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 moderately permeable soils can usually be completed in only 30 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 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:

1. ETC Standard Constant Head (Pask) Permeameter with custom ABS cap and stainless steel clip
2. ETC Slow Soils Constant Head (Pask) Permeameter with custom ABS cap and stainless steel clip
3. AMS three-piece, Riverside auger, nominal (auger cylinder) diameter 2 ¾”
4. Custom twisted wire brush
5. Water extraction kit (syringe and tubing for removing excess water from over-filled well holes)
6. ETC Quick Reference Field Calculation Tables (based on an assumed well hole size of 3 ¼” (8.3cm)
7. Pask Permeameter User Guide
8. Hard-sided carry/storage case.

The three-piece Riverside soil auger used to prepare the well hole is manufactured by industry leader, AMS Samplers.

The standard duty auger head is strong and durable, and will stand up to the wear and tear of daily use. They have a stainless steel cylinder, and a rounded carbon-steel bail which improves torque resistance. The cutting blades (bits) are hand-forged, heat-treated with tungsten-carbide, hard-surfaced edges. 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 blades create a borehole diameter that exceeds the cylinder by approximately 1/4–1/2 in. (0.64–1.27 cm) to reduce drag. The auger provided with our kits produces an average finished well hole diameter of approximately 3 ¼” (8.3cm). 

The auger extension (shaft) and T-handle are made of chromoly steel. All components attach quickly and securely with specially selected linchpins (snap pins). The compact profile of the pins reduces the potential to accidentally dislodge soil from the inside of the well hole. The convenient pin connection also allows for “reverse augering” if the auger were to become stuck.

Auger dimensions: 125cm (49″) x 43cm (17″) x nominal (auger cylinder) 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 ETC, 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. Permeameters may not look exactly as shown. The color and material used for some components of the permeameter are subject to change at the discretion of  Dynamic Monitors. Volume discount pricing for multiple kits or components may be available at the discretion of Dynamic Monitors. Contact us for more information.

Order online (preferred), or over the phone. Contact us at or 1-888-747-7645 (SOIL) if you have any questions.