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(905) 238-5242
sales@waterra.com

(905) 238-5242
sales@waterra.com

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR GROUNDWATER MONITORING SINCE 1985
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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR GROUNDWATER MONITORING SINCE 1985

Low Flow Groundwater Sampling Pump

Waterra Low Flow Pump for Sampling

Low Flow Groundwater Pumps are an evolution of the Waterra Pump (Inertial Pump) developed in Canada in the 1980’s. The Low Flow system is a hand operated reliable and inexpensive pump comprised of a foot valve and a length of sampling tubing.

This system can be used in very narrow diameter piezometers or constricted sampling points. The flow rate for this system is quite small hence the name Low Flow. Waterra Pumps are often dedicated to wells due to their low cost and to avoid cross-contamination or de-conning issues.

Waterra Pump System - Micro Flow for groundwater monitoring wells

Narrow Piezometers

Tubing:
3/8 inch x 1/2 inch

Max Flow: 
1/2 gpm = 1.9 lpm
Max Lift:
100 feet = 30 m

Here's How a Waterra Low Flow Pump Works

  1. A D-13 or SS-13 Waterra Foot Valve is attached the bottom end of a length of either LDPE or HDPE Waterra Tubing.
  2. The Foot Valve – Tubing combo is inserted into the well, Foot Valve first, until the valve is submerged beneath the water table to the desired pumping depth.
  3. The tubing is then oscillated (pulled up and then pushed down) over a short vertical range (about 1 foot (30 cm) of motion by hand.
  4. Alternatively a Lever Arm or Hydrolift Electric Actuator can be used to move the tubing up and down.
  5. Water builds up in the oscillating tubing until it discharges at surface.

Illustration of Hand Operation

Low Flow System

Illustration showing operation of Waterra Pumps groundwater sampling system

Details of the Waterra Low Flow Pump

Waterra D-13 Delrin (acetal) Foot Valve with Low Flow HDPE and LDPE Tubing. Pump for sampling groundwater
Waterra SS-13 Stainless Steel Foot Valves with Low Flow HDPE and LDPE Tubing

The Low Flow System is popular for use in narrow diameter piezometers as the OD of the down hole system is about 1/2 inch (13mm).

The D-13 and SS-13 (Delrin and Stainless Steel Foot Valve: OD = 13 mm) can deliver a sample from as deep as 100 feet (30 m) and flow rates with this system are usually less than 1/2 gallon per minute (1.9 lpm). Both Valves thread up into the Low Flow Tubing.

Waterra Low Flow Tubing measures 1/2 by 3/8 inch (12.5 x 9.5 mm) and is available in 100 and 500 foot rolls of either LDPE or HDPE. LDPE is a bit more flexible and easier to work with. But, HDPE is more inert and stiffer for deep well applications.

Foot Valves - Low FlowLow Flow TubingTubing Actuators
D-13

SS-13
LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
— 3/8" OD X 1/2" ID
100 and 500 foot rolls

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
— 3/8" OD X 1/2" ID
100 and 500 foot rolls

FEP (Teflon)
— 3/8" OD X 1/2" ID
call for availability
By hand is most common

Lever Arm

Hydrolift 2
Waterra D-13 Delrin (acetal) Foot Valve pair for sampling groundwater with Waterra Pump Low Flow Tubing
Waterra SS-13 Stainless Steel Foot Valves - pair - with Low Flow HDPE and LDPE Tubing for groundwater sampling
Waterra Pumps Low Density Polyethylene Low Flow Tubing for Groundwater Sampling
Waterra Pumps High Density Polyethylene Low Flow Tubing for Groundwater Sampling
Waterra Lever Arm - Pump for sampling groundwater
Waterra Hydrolift Pump - Tubing Actuator

Low Flow System: < 1/2 gpm & max 100 feet – drive points - (< 1.9 lpm & 30 m)

Waterra Pump Accessories

Waterra Lever Arm - Pump for sampling groundwater

Waterra Lever Arm – Tubing Actuator

Waterra Hydrolift Pump - Tubing Actuator

Waterra Pump Hydrolift – Tubing Actuator

Waterra Pumps High Density Polyethylene VOC Tubing for Groundwater Sampling

Waterra Pumps HDPE VOC Tubing

Waterra Pumps Low Density Polyethylene VOC Tubing for Groundwater Sampling

Waterra Pumps LDPE VOC Tubing

Waterra Tubing Cutter

Waterra Tubing Cutter

Waterra Valve Wrench for Foot Valves

Waterra Valve Wrench for Foot Valves

Waterra 0.45 Micron Groundwater Filter - FHT & FMT

Waterra 0.45 Micron Groundwater Filter – FHT & FMT

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