Permeability, or K-factor, refers to the capacity of the soil to drain off water. It is determined on one hand by the geometry of the complex of pores, depending on the texture and structure of the soil, and on the other hand on the intrinsic features of the soil solution (viscosity and density).
The soil water permeameter can be used to measure the saturated permeability of undisturbed soil samples in sample rings. The permeability factor gives accurate information about:
- The presence of disturbing soil layers that prevent outflow of precipitation
- The correlation between permeability and other soil properties such as porosity, granular composition, etc.
- The vertical and horizontal permeability
The permeameter is available as an open system, or a closed system with a water pump. The advantages of a closed permeameter compared to an open system are:
- Location independence, as no drainage is needed
- Constant water temperature, equal to the temperature in the laboratory, which guarantees constant viscosity
- Always the same water quality
- Saves water
MODEL VARIANTS
- A: Open system, 5 ring holders for Ø 53 and 66 mm
- B: Open system, 10 ring holders for Ø 53 and 66 mm
- C: Closed system, 5 ring holders for Ø 53 and 66 mm
- D: Closed system, 10 ring holders for Ø 53 and 66 mm
- E: Closed system, 25 ring holders for Ø 53 and 66 mm
