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Lab Extractor System Components

Pressure Extractors

Pressure Extractors are used in determining the water-holding characteristics of soil samples. Wetted soil samples are placed in the extractor, and a known pressure is applied, which forces the removal of any water held to the soil at a lower pressure. By analyzing the sample at several different pressures, the characteristic pressure versus water content relationship can be determined for the soil.

A variety of extractors are available for analyzing different sizes and quantities of samples, and for analyzing samples in different pressure ranges. All Pressure Extractors require a source of regulated pressure for operation. See the section on Air Compressors and Pressure Control Manifolds for suitable equipment.

• 100 Bar Extractors
• 1000 Pressure Membrane Extractor
• 1020 100 Bar Pressure Membrane Extractor
• Tempe Cells
• 1400 Tempe Pressure Cell
• 1405 Tempe Pressure Cell
• 1425 Tempe Cell Stand
• 15 Bar Extractors
• 1500 15 Bar Pressure Plate Extractor
• 0685 Ceramic Cup Extractor
• 5 Bar Extractors
• 1600 5 Bar Pressure Plate Extractor
• Pressure Plate Cells 0675 Series

100 Bar Extractors

1000 Pressure Membrane Extractor

The Model 1000 Pressure Membrane Extractor incoporates disposable cellulose membranes in the extraction of water from soil samples over a pressure range of 0 to 15 bars. A compression diaphragm in the lid holds the samples in firm contact with the membrane, ensuring proper hydraulic contact needed for the extraction process. The Model 1000 (shown to the right with PM Hinge attached to lid and soil sample retaining rings, not included) includes the following components:

• top and bottom plates, 1.6 cm high by 28 cm inside diameter cylinder and clamping bolts,
• cylinder seal O-rings,
• screen drain plate,
• compressing diaphragm, and
• eccentric clamping screw assembly.

Connecting hoses (2 required), cut celullose membrane discs, PM Hinge, and torque wrench with socket are ordered separately. Soil sample retaining rings and cylinders of various heights are available separately.

1020 100 Bar Pressure Membrane Extractor

The Model 1020 100 Bar Pressure Membrane Extractor is used to analyze the waterholding characteristics of soil samples at extremely high pressures. The Model 1020 uses a cellulose membrane supported on a screen drain plate. The cylinder is 5 cm high, with an inside diameter of 25 cm. The Model 1020 consists of:

• top and bottom plates,
• cylinder, all connecting bolts and seals,
• screen drain plate, and
• a side exhaust valve.

A high pressure hose for connecting the extractor to a pressure source must be ordered separately. Cellulose membranes, soil sample retaining rings, and an electrical leadthrough are available separately.

Tempe Cells

1400 Tempe Pressure Cell The Model 1400 Tempe Pressure Cell is used to determine the water-holding characteristics of a soil sample in the 0 to 1 bar pressure range. The cell accepts an undisturbed soil sample contained in a 5.7 cm diameter cylinder, such as that taken with the Model 0200 Soil Core Sampler. Smaller cores may be placed inside the 5.7 cm diameter brass cylinder if desired.

The Tempe Cell comes with:

• top and bottom Plexiglass plates,
• a porous ceramic plate,
• a brass cylinder, and
• all sealing and connecting hardware.

A variety of porous ceramic plates and brass cylinders are available. An external pressure source is connected to the Tempe cell using Neoprene tubing.

1405 Tempe Pressure Cell

The Model 1405 Tempe Pressure Cell is used to determine the water-holding characteristics of a soil sample in the 0 to 1 bar pressure range. The cell accepts an undisturbed soil sample contained in a 8.8 cm outside diameter cylinder, such as that taken with the Model 0212 Soil Core Sampler. Smaller cores may be placed inside the 8.8 cm diameter brass cylinder if desired.

The Tempe Cell comes with:

• top and bottom Plexiglass plates,
• a porous ceramic plate,
• a brass cylinder, and
• all sealing and connecting hardware.

1425 Tempe Cell Stand The Model 1425 Tempe Cell Stand provides a convenient location to place Tempe Cells while in operation, or to store while not in use.

15 Bar extractors

1500 15 Bar Pressure Plate Extractor The Model 1500 15 Bar Pressure Plate Extractor is used to analyze the water-holding characteristics of soil samples throughout the pressure range of interest in most agricultural applications. The pressure vessel is 10 cm deep and has an inside diameter of 30 cm. Up to 3 ceramic plates can be accomodated at one time, allowing approximately 36 x 8.8 cm samples to be analyzed simultaneously.

The Model 1500 shown above fitted with the PM hinge consists of: a pressure vessel and lid, clamping bolts, O-ring seals, and outflow tube assemblies. The extractor can also be ordered with three 15-bar ceramic plates, and right angle outflowtubes included. Soil retaining rings as (shown to the left) are availbale separately.

0685 Ceramic Cup Extractor Cup Extractors can be used to calibrate all types of electrical moisture measuring blocks. It is also suitable for soil moisture extraction work with vacuum systems. The Cup Extractors are 8.3 cm in overall height by 6.4 cm outside diameter and will fit into the 1500 and 1600 Extractors. Inside cup dimensions are 4.5 cm, diameter by 5.1 cm deep.

5 Bar Extractors

1600 5 Bar Pressure Plate Extractor

The Model 1600 Pressure Plate Extractor allows analysis of the water-holding characteristics of soil samples in the 0 to 5 bar pressure range. The pressure vessel is 22 cm deep and has an inside diameter of 30 cm. Up to 4 ceramic plates can be accomodated at one time, allowing approximately 48 each 5.7 cm diameter samples to be analyzed simultaneously.

The Model 1600 consists of a:

• pressure vessel and lid,
• clamping bolts,
• O-ring seals, and
• outflow tube assemblies.

The 1600 is shown to the left with the lid on and to the right with the lid off.

Pressure Plate Cells 0675 Series

• The global standard used for soil water retention measurements and extractions
• The widest selection of 0.5 bar to 15 bar
• Reusable for years of cost effective service
• Each plate tested for air entry and flow
• Fits all Soilmoisture pressure extractors and most competitive extractors

These pressure plate cells have been the de-facto standard for the measurement of soil moisture retention studies worldwide. The development of these ceramic cells by Soilmoisture in the 1950's led to the now universally accepted method for measurement of multiple soil samples extracted on a single reusable ceramic plate. Researchers' dedication to our Soilmoisture cells is understandable. Each cell is carefully hand fabricated from our fine porous ceramic plate materials and wrapped in a tough Butyl rubber backing with a non-metallic screen support. The unit is tied around the edges with stainless steel wire. Each cell is tested at the rated air entry value to assure that there is no bleeding through the porous ceramic and there are no leaks in the rubber backing.

As indicated earlier, these cells are generally used in pressure extraction equipment for the studies of liquid retention at various pressures/tensions. They can also be used in special applications requiring large surface area filtering or drainage.

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