Tensiometer, drive probe for use with environmental testing equipment, and methods of inserting environmental testing equipment into a sample
AssigneeBechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
InventorsJoel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of inserting a tensiometer into a sample, comprises providing a drive probe configured to be engaged by direct push equipment; supporting a porous member from the drive probe; and driving the drive probe into the sample using a cone penetrometer. A tensiometer comprises a drive probe configured to be engaged by direct push equipment or a cone penetrometer; a porous member supported by the drive probe; and a pressure sensor in pressure sensing relation to the porous member.
Claims30
A tensiometer comprising:
- a drive probe configured to be engaged by a drive rod of direct push equipment;
- a porous member supported by the drive probe;
- and
- a pressure sensor in pressure sensing relation to the porous member.
A drive probe for use with environmental testing equipment, comprising:
- a conical tip portion;
- and
- a hollow elongated portion extending from the tip portion and having an inner surface, an outer surface, and apertures extending between the inner surface and outer surface, the drive probe further including an inner tapered surface in fluid communication with the inner surface of the hollow elongated portion, the tapered surface having a first diameter proximal the tip portion and a second diameter, greater than the first diameter, distal from the tip portion, the tapered surface being configured to be selectively engaged by a drive rod of direct push equipment, the drive probe further including an end portion opposite the tip portion, the end portion including an inner surface having an inner diameter greater than the second diameter and having inner threads configured to mate with outer threads of an outer guide pipe of direct push equipment.
A method of inserting a tensiometer into a sample, comprising:
- providing a drive probe configured to be engaged by a drive rod of direct push equipment;
- supporting a porous member from the drive probe;
- and
- driving the drive probe into the sample using direct push equipment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.