WaterlooAPS

WATERLOO^APS™

Lack of a sufficient understanding of the subsurface conditions often leads to underperforming remedies. Development of a valid Conceptual Site Model (CSM) is the single most important activity for ensuring that sound site management decisions, including remedy selection and design, are made.

High-resolution site characterization implemented with dynamic work strategies is the most cost effective way to develop the type of CSM necessary for successful, cost effective remedies. WATERLOO Aquifer Profiling System(^APS)™ is a complete direct push subsurface data collection platform, combining high-quality discrete sampling capability with continuous, real-time hydrostratigraphic logging. This system has been utilized worldwide for the past 25 years in a broad array of environments. Using hybrid drive methods, the WATERLOO^APS has achieved depths of 600 feet below ground surface.

The WATERLOO^APS was the first direct push injection logging tool and is combined with very high quality sample collection. This combination provides the ability to:

Determine sampling depths in real-time based on hydraulic conductivity variations
Determine the distribution of both hydraulic conductivity and contaminant concentrations in 3D with only one push per location
Assess mass flux distributions and mass discharge using a single tool

The WATERLOO^APS collects very discrete samples due to:

Short (2-inch) screened interval
Small purge volumes
Prevention of cross contamination or follow in the hole or tool

RELIABLE RESULTS

The WATERLOO^APSwas originally designed and tested at the University of Waterloo by chemical hydrogeologists and is the only tool of its type to have been subjected to such scientific testing. Drag down, or cross contamination, is minimal in comparison to other tools. The profiler does not need to be tripped between samples and, due to its stainless steel sampling train, is free of sorption and desorption associated with tools using polymer tubing.

Real time hydrostratigraphic profiling in the same push with discrete depth sampling, without withdrawing the tool between samples, allows for very efficient high-resolution groundwater contamination investigation.

SAVING TIME AND MONEY

KPRO helps us select depths at which to collect samples based on changes in stratigraphy as opposed to random or predetermined “blind” intervals. The IK and sample collection are accomplished in a single push to obtain data more quickly and cost effectively.

It enables a better understanding of the site’s hydrostratigraphy for the creation of more accurate conceptual site models and flow and transport models.

It identifies impermeable zones so time is not wasted trying to collect water samples in suboptimal locations. Low permeability zones can, and should, be sampled using high-resolution soil sampling techniques. By sampling the interfaces of high and low K zones the WaterlooAPS data can identify where those aquitard materials are likely to contain contaminant mass and therefore should be targeted for detailed soil core profiling and analysis.

REAL-TIME HYDROSTRATIGRAPHIC LOGGING AND SAMPLING IN A SINGLE PUSH

The KPRO system incorporated into the WATERLOO^APS is the original injection logging hydraulic profiling tool. As the tool is advanced, clean water is injected into the formation while depth, pressure, and flow rate are monitored. From these data, a real-time continuous log of the Index of Hydraulic Conductivity is calculated. It is not necessary to drive the tool once to log the hydrostratigraphy and again to sample—both are accomplished in a single push. Hydraulic head distributions can be determined if a common datum is established for the site and the ground surface elevation is known. In shallow water table conditions the depth to the potentiometric surface is measured using an uphole transducer. If the water table is deep (greater than the suction limit ~ 27 ft bgs) then a downhole transducer can be used to measure the pore pressure and converted to a hydraulic head.

MULTIPLE MODELS FOR VARIOUS HYDROGEOLOGIC CONDITIONS

WATERLOO^APS225 A 2.25-inch OD version is the most robust model, built to be used with the Geoprobe 8040 rigs for maximal depth penetration. The tip has more open area for higher sampling rates and reduced clogging. The 225 can be used with either a peristaltic pump or with the downhole nitrogen drive positive displacement pump.
WATERLOO^APS175 The 1.75-inch OD version is the same diameter as the original Waterloo Profiler but utilizes more durable direct push rod and has the unique APS tip design.