GROUNDWATER

SAMPLING - MAN.

GROUNDWATER SAMPLING
MANUAL DEVICES
Introduction - Bailers
Bailers - Disposable
Bailers - Reusable
Bailer Accessories
Other Samplers

The purpose of groundwater sampling is to retrieve a sample that is

representative of the in-situ chemical characteristics of water in the
formation.

Introduction to Bailers

GROUNDWATER
SAMPLING - MAN.

What is a bailer?
Most bailers consist of some form
of tubing with a one-way check
valve at the bottom. Water in a
tank or groundwater well will fill
the bailer when it is submersed.
On retrieving the bailer, the check
valve closes containing a sample
of the contents of the well or tank.
Bailers come made from various
materials (polyethylene, Teflon,
stainless steel, acrylic), lengths (from
30cms to 180cms), widths (19mm to
90mm) and with numerous features
like weighted, unweighted, single
check-valve, double check valve,
controlled flow bottom, etc. Even
with the advent of automated
groundwater purge/sampling
systems, the bailer remains a popular
sampling tool. Despite the apparent
simplicity of the bailer, it is one of
the most difficult tools to use for
representative groundwater sample
collection. As with other activities
in groundwater monitoring, bailer
use should be separated into the
practical aspects of sampling and
the technical objectives of sample
collection.
When to use a bailer
The bailer is useful as a sample
collection device if the well is first
purged using a less disturbing
method (e.g. portable pump), when
the well is slow to recover or when
there is very little stagnant water
to be removed prior to sample
collection.
Advantages
Bailers offer several practical
advantages over other sampling
equipment:
Simple construction, reliable
operation
Does not require electric or
pneumatic power
One person operation
Extremely portable
Relatively easy to clean and
maintain
Inexpensive
Disadvantages
The greatest problem associated
with bailer use is the purging
activity. Monitoring wells that must
be purged of several standing
volumes of water require the
bailer to be introduced to the well

Five reasons to use

disposables

An introduction to Bailers

(1) Cost Effective

Disposable Bailers are much
cheaper than conventional ones.
Further why have your money
tied up in expensive conventional
bailers when you can buy
disposable bailers as and when you
need them.

numerous times. This repeated

intrusion into the well increases
the potential for drag down
contamination.
Further, when a bailer is repeatedly
dropped down the well such that
it impacts the water surface, two
problems can develop.
First, the impact of the bailer on the
water surface creates shock waves
that reverberate down the water
column. This loosens fine particles
in the formation, encouraging
them to migrate into the well,
making metals filtration more timeconsuming and difficult.
Secondly, the impact of the bailer
on the water surface creates a
splash that breaks water into
small droplets that are exposed
to atmospheric conditions. That
contributes to loss of dissolved
gasses leading to altered sample
chemistry. Target constituents
that are vulnerable to such change
are metals, alkalinity and volatile
organic compounds.
Similarly, when the bailer is lifted
from the well, water adhering to
the outer surface of the bailer body
drips to the surface. Those droplets
which will later be sampled, are
exposed to the biasing conditions
of the air above the water column.

(2) Accurate Samples

Residual contaminants can pollute
your samples and have extreme
consequences on the outcome of
your results.
Ensure the highest accuracy by
eliminating cross-contamination
with disposable bailers. Each unit is
decontaminated after manufacture
by washing and rinsing and then
individually packed and sealed.
(3) Time Effective
Eliminates time wasted on
decontaminating re-useable
bailers. No more field decon time.
(4) Equipment Damage
Save your expensive reusable
bailers from permanent damage
that can occur when it is exposed to
high concentrations of
contaminants.
(5) Employee health and safety
Employee exposure to toxic
substances during decon pose a
health risk due to cumulative
effects in the body.

TYPES OF DISPOSABLE
BAILERS

VTECH Bailers

Single Check Valve

Includes a dome design
polyethylene top (A) to avoid hang
ups during bailer retrieval and
retain the ball for top emptying.
Dome Design bottom avoids hang
ups when lowering the bailer.
Available in 20, 38 and 75mm OD.

Single Check Weighted

Combines all the features of the
Single Check Valve Bailer with a
polyethylene coated weight (A) to
allow sample extradition from any
well depth. Available in 20, 38 and
75mm OD.

Double Check
Combines all the features of the
Single Check Bailer with a second
check valve (A) and a polyethylene
coated weight (B) for sample
extraction from any well depth. The
second check valve isolates sample
as the bailer is removed from the
well. Available in 38mm OD only.

VOC Removal Device

Disposable VOC Sampler uses a
unique design that allows sample
transfer to VOA vials without loss of
VOCs. Provides a slow sample flow
for transfer to VOA vials.

VTech manufacture a wide range

of disposable bailers from standard
single check bailers to double check
and weighted in various sizes.
Polyethylene (HDPE) material and
FEP material.

GROUNDWATER
SAMPLING - MAN.

Bailers - Disposable

Benefits
Wide range of diameter sizes
and lengths
Domed ends for no hang-ups
down the well

Ordering Information
VOS91946SR
VTECH PE bailer

38 x 914mm

Individually or box 24
VOS91946SWR VTECH PE weighted

bailer(s), 38 x 914mm

Individually or box 24
VOSPE75SR
VTECH PE bailer

19 x 914mm

Individually or box 24
VOSPE75SWR
VTECH PE weighted

bailer, 19 x 914mm

Individually or box 24
VOSSST-36-021W VTECH VOC Removal

Device, Box of 24
VOSPE3SR
Vtech weighted FEP

bailer 38x914mm

(box of 12)
VOSSST-36-021W Vtech weighted

FEP bailer 38x914mm

(box of 12)
VOSSST-36-021 Vtech FEP bailer

38x914mm

(box of 12)
VOSSST-36-021 Vtech FEP bailer

38x914mm

(box of 12)

Bulk
Discounts
Available

Bailers - Disposable

GROUNDWATER
SAMPLING - MAN.

Clear-View Disposable PVC Bailers

Clear-View PVC bailers are economically priced and perfect to assist in field
sampling that may require visual inspection of the sample taken. Specially
designed tops allow samples to be poured accurately, with little or no splashing.
The 38mm bailers feature a 16mm opening allowing for large volumes to rapidly
fill the bailer with minimal disturbance to the sample.

4m
m

x91

38m
m

PVC

Bai

Cle

ar-V
iew

Tested and approved

Recently the Manufacturer has
conducted the most extensive spike
test available, under method 8260B
and 8270. Results on the PVC were
equal to polyethylene, in all areas
recognized. Furthermore, the
time where the disposable
bailer comes in contact with
the sample is not long
enough to cause any
adverse reaction, thus
resulting in no cross
contamination issue.

lers

Features
Material is clear to assist in field sampling that may require visual inspection
of the sample taken. (Actually see the product sampled from ground water
remediation wells and fuel tanks, for example).
PVC naturally sinks in water due to its specific gravity, relative to water. No
weights to restrict flow of sample entering and exiting bailer.
PVC is very rigid, stays straight, not bending or distorting under normal care.
Quality materials:
Tubing - Virgin medical grade Poly Vinyl Chloride. (Same medical grade
PVC resin used in the manufacturing of catheters, for treatment of medical
patents.)
Tops and Bottoms - ABS
Ball - High grade PVC material
Specially Designed Top:
- Allows samples to be poured accurately, with little or no splashing
- Strong rigid tethering attachment for secure fastening of bailer rope
- Each part is press fitted and double welded, to assist in the bonding of
tube to top device
Specially Designed Bottoms:
- Redesigned ball seat helps to deter sticking of ball, with out sample loss,
between ball and device.
Large 16.5mm opening allows for large volumes of product to
rapidly fill the bailer with minimal disturbance to the
sample. Also speeds up sampling and or purge
time, thus saving money.
- Each part is press fitted and
welded, for little or no leaking
between tube and bottom device.

Bulk
Discounts
Available

Ordering Information
ESPCV153 Clear-View PVC Bailer, 38 x 914mm
ESPCV703 Clear View PVC Bailer, 18 x 914mm
ESPCV463 Clear View PVC Bailer, 12 x 914mm
Available individually or box of 24
ESPCVSED VOC Removal Device, Polyethylene, Box of 24

Teflon Reusable Bailers

QED Norwell Bailers
The Norwell family of products
includes a complete set of mixand-match bailer components
that are ideal in either dedicated
or portable applications. Norwell
bailers have become the sampling
device of choice because of their
highly innovative and exceptionally
functional designs.

Ordering Information
48mm (1-7/8) dia. Bailer
QED36274 Norwell bailer, 350cc standard

top and bottom
QED36275 Norwell bailer, 1050cc

standard top and bottom
QED36276 Norwell bailer, 350cc, point

source top and standard

bottom, Teflon
QED36277 Norwell bailer, 1050cc point

source top and standard

bottom
QED35388 Norwell bailer, 350cc standard

top and bottom,

bottom-emptying
QED35389 Norwell Bailer, 1050cc

standard top and bottom,

bottom emptying
QED35380 Norwell bailer, 350cc point

source top and bottom,

bottom emptying
QED35393 Norwell bailer, 1050cc point

source top and bottom,

bottom emptying
Narrow Diameter Bailers
QED35505 Norwell bailer, 180cc standard

bailer, 19mm x 900mm
QED35506 Norwell bailer, 80cc standard

bailer, 25mm x 300mm
QED35507 Norwell bailer, 240cc standard

bailer 25mm x 900mm
Components for
48mm (1-7/8) dia. Bailer
QED35395 350cc extension tube
QED35366 1050cc bailer extension tube
QED35367 Bailer extension coupling
QED35396 Standard top
QED35368 Bailer point source top
QED35397 Standard bottom, poppet

style
QED35384 Norwell bottom emptying

check assembly
QED36231 Standard bottom, ball style

Stainless Steel
Reusable Bailers
Dormer Series
The Dormer series stainless steel
bailers are Australian made. They
have a screw on bottom checkvalve to allow cleaning of the bailer
interior. The top is a welded loop.

Monoflex
Monoflex stainless steel bailers
are made of Type 304 Stainless
Steel and are nearly as chemically
resistant as Teflon. Stainless steel
bailers are designed for durability
and are easy to decontaminate.
Stainless Steel Bailers are
designed for chemical
inertness and durability,
however if youre sampling
for metals then best to use a
teflon or PVC bailer. It is not
recommended to use a stainless
steel metal bailer when
sampling metals.

Monoflex SS Bailer

Ordering Information
EEQDB4510SSR Open Top Standard

45 mm x 1m
EEQDB3810SSR Open Top Standard

38mm x 1m
EEQDB4510SSRPS Point source bailer

45mm x 1m
EEQDB4510SSR2B Standard SS Bailer

42mm x 915mm
MFXTS053
Standard SS Bailer

13mm x 915mm
MFXTS153
Standard SS Bailer

27mm x 915mm
BME224601
Bailer brush for

38-50 mm bailers,

1m long
EEKBC50HD
PVC carry case,

threaded end cap,

50mm x 1m

PVC Reusable Bailers

The White PVC bailers are the
lowest cost type of reusable bailer.
PVC bailers are extensively used
for sampling in most sampling
conditions.
White PVC Bailer
The Monoflex regular bailer has an
open top and a single check valve
at the bottom. Use it for purging
and sampling.

GROUNDWATER
SAMPLING - MAN.

Bailers - Reusable

Clear PVC Bailers

The Monoflex standard clear PVC
bailer has an open top and a single
check valve at the bottom. Used for
purging and sampling, when you
need to view the sample.

Ordering Information
Clear Bailers
MFXTPT153

MXTPT162

MFXTPT163

MFXTPT352

MFXTPT353

White Bailers
MFXTPO843

MFXTPO153

MFXTPO133

MFXTPO163

Bailer PVC Transparent

27 x 920mm
Bailer PVC Transparent
42 x 600mm
Bailer PVC Transparent
42 x 980mm
Bailer PVC Transparent
89 x 600mm
Bailer PVC Transparent
89 x 920mm
Bailer PVC white
21 x 914mm
Bailer PVC white
27 x 920mm
Bailer PVC white
33.4 x 920mm
Bailer PVC white
42 x 920mm

Teflon is a E.I. DuPont Registered Trademark.

Norwell is a Norton Co. Registered Trademark.

Bailers - Reusable

GROUNDWATER
SAMPLING - MAN.

PVC Point Source Bailers

A point source (or double check)
bailer has a check valve at each end
of the bailer allowing the capture
of a grab a sample from a discrete
depth under water. As the bailer is
lowered down through the water,
the water washes through the
bailer. However, when the bailer
is stopped and pulled up, the two
check valves close and prevent any
further water entering the bailer,
capturing the water from the point
where the decent was stopped.
Point source bailers are availailable
in Clear or White PVC. The
removable top and bottom make
cleaning the bailer quick and easy.

PVC Bottom
Emptying Devices
For Monoflex reusable bailers
Monflex manufacture bottom
emptying devices (with or without
tap) to allow emptying of the bailer
contents through the lower ball
check without loss or contamination.
The tap is useful if the sampling
program requires multiple small
sample containers to be filled. The
devices are made of PVC in sizes to
fit MF Bailers.

Teflon Bottom
Emptying Devices
For Monoflex reusable bailers
Monoflex provide bottom emptying
devices (with or without tap) to
allow emptying of the bailer
contents through the lower ball
check without loss or contamination.
The tap is useful if the sampling
program requires multiple small
sample containers to be filled. The
devices are made of Teflon or PVC in
sizes to fit Timco Bailers.

Clear-View Disposable
Hydrocarbon-Only
Bailers
Bailers can be used to sample and
even remove free floating product
on the surface of groundwater.
Free product sampling using
standard bailers for this purpose
may not be always possible, and in
the limited situations where they
are, the samples are not a true
representation.
From the Clear-View bailer
manufacturer come the CV-H series
of disposable PVC bailers. The
CH-H bailers have an inlet the same
diameter as the bailer body hence
it cuts an accurate core diamter
through the free product layer. They
are low cost bailers used to purge
product only out of a well.
Similar to the other Clear-View
bailers, the CV-H bailers are low
in cost and lower still in bulk
quantities.
These bailers have a ball whose
specific gravity is in between water
and product. Hence it lets any water
drain out, yet retains any product.

With Tap

Without Tap

Ordering Information
MFXBPWD1.66x36 PVC Point Source

Bailer, 42mm x 914mm, White
MFXBPCD1.66x36 PVC Point Source

Bailer, 42mm x 914mm, Clear
Other available diameters

18mm, 22mm, 27mm, 34mm,

61mm, 89mm

Bailer
Dia.
21mm
27mm
33mm
42mm
89mm

Bailer
Dia.
20mm
27mm
35mm
42mm

PVC

PVC

w/out Tap
MFXTPB84
MFXTPB15
MFXTPB13
MFXTPB16
MFXTPB35

with Tap
MFXTPTB84
MFXTPTB15
MFXTPTB13
MFXTPTB16
MFXTPTB35

Teflon

Teflon

w/out Tap
MFXTB07
MFXTB15
MFXTB13
MFXTB16

with Tap
MFXTTB07
MFXTTB15
MFXTTB13
MFXTTB16

Ordering Information
ESPCV153H Hydrocarbon only

disposable bailer,

38mm x 920mm
Available individually or box 24

VTech Bailer Twine

Bailer Brush

Lab test results show the lowest

leachout compared to other tested
twine.

This nylon brush is perfect to ensure complete decontamination of bailers. The

brush is 64.5mm in diameter and 76.2mm long with a 914.4mm wire handle.

The prewound, disposable

nylon twine eliminates crosscontamination. Available in 30m and
90m lengths. Extremely strong with
70kg break strength. Comes in handy
cardboard hub cartridges that mount
easily on the VTech Bailer Reel.

Ordering Information
BME224601 Bailer Brush for cleaning

reusable bailers

Storage & Retrieval Reels

Made of tough weather resistant polyethylene, this reel is an ideal way to retrieve
and store cable/rope. Maximum capacity of 65m of polyrope, 160m of twine, or
100m SS cable. Comes with built-in stand.

Ordering Information

Other Twine
Also available from EnviroEquip are
a range of stainless steel flexible
cables, PVC coated steel wire and
nylon poly twines.

Ordering Information
VOSTW100R

VOSTW300R

ARP0004250

ERM167231

Nylon Bailer Twine, 30m

Individually or Box 24
Nylon Bailer Twine, 90m
Individually or Box 15
Poly Twine, 4mm dia
250m roll
SS Cable, 2.4mm dia
Available per metre

GROUNDWATER
SAMPLING - MAN.

Bailer Accessories

ERMEZREEL Storage/Retrieval Reels

VTech Bailer Reels

The VTech Bailer retrieval system is an easy yet cost-effective way to speed up
sampling whilst eliminating cross contamination. It features a sturdy reel refillable
with VTech bailer twine rolls. The unit features a sturdy 18cm diameter reel with
free-spin preventer that makes bailing and sampling faster and easier. Top handle
is easy to hold while winding or releasing.

Ordering Information
VOSTWRR

VTech Bailer Retrieval Reel

Other Samplers

GROUNDWATER
SAMPLING - MAN.

Bailer Carry Case

HydraSleeve

Protect your reusable bailer in a

No-Purge Sampler

handy case
Add life to your expensive bailers
Rugged PVC cases keep your
bailers clean and scratch free
Provide an ideal decontamination
vessel
Screw-on end cap for easy access
Long enough to store accessories
like bottom emptying devices

The HydraSleeve is used in

place of purging and low-flow
sampling methods in groundwater
monitoring wells to obtain
representative, real time, discrete
interval sample of ALL compounds
under natural groundwater flow
conditions.

Made of PVC with threaded cap on

one end, these bailer carrying cases
are essential for transporting and
storing expensive reusable bailers,
especially in rugged field conditions.

Ordering Information
EEKBC50HD Carrying case for up to

45mm OD bailers

The HydraSleeve is effective for

sampling slow recharge wells,
for monitoring interfaces, and for
concentration profiling. Simply
lower the empty sampler to the
desired interval, let the well return
to undisturbed conditions, and pull
the sampler through the sample
zone.
Features & Benefits
Low displacement
Flexible, allowing you to sample
crooked or constricted wells
Self-sealing inlet valve
Cost Saving - HydraSleeve
generates no purge water
for disposal and requires no
expensive equipment
Sample Slow Recharge WellsLower turbidity than purge and
sample. Its slim cross section
minimizes disturbance
Fast and Easy - HydraSleeve
collects samples in less than
fifteen minutes and cuts
field time by half or more. No
decontamination. No special
training or tools required. It
comes in a small, convenient
package.
Sample Discrete and Multiple
Intervals - Secure several
HydraSleeve samplers to a single
tether and obtain concentration
profiles.
User should allow sufficient time for
well to return to equilibrium prior to
sampling.

Ordering Information
EONGSH110

EONGSH220

EONGSH130

EONGSH140

EONGSW311

EONFSF135

EONFSR110

EONFSR111
EONFSR270

HydraSleeve Sampler
45mmx762mm 500mL
HydraSleeve Sampler
64mmx762mm 1.6L
HydraSleeve Sampler
45mmx914mm 1.25L
HydraSleeve Sampler
45mmx1220mm 1.7L
Stainless Steel Weight
(reusable)
Snap Connectors
(reusable)
Handheld Reel & Spool
(reusable)
Extra Spool (reusable)
Spool (304m) 3mm
braided Poly Rope

Equilibrator

Solinst Model 425

Passive Diffusion Sampler

Discrete Interval Sampler

The Equilibrator Passive Diffusion

Sampler (PDS or PDB) is used in place
of purging and low-flow sampling
methods in groundwater monitoring
wells to obtain representative,
discrete interval samples of Volatile
Organic Compounds under natural
groundwater flow conditions.
Simply fill the sampler with
deionized water, install one or more
PDBs in the zone(s) of interest and
return at the next sample event
to collect samples and replace
samplers.

Model 425 is a stainless steel

sampler, with LDPE tubing
mounted on a convenient reel.
Discrete interval sampling is ideal
for obtaining truly representative
water samples from below floating
product layers or for obtaining
samples of the product itself. Can
also be used to profile open bodies
of water and boreholes, and to
collect samples from distinct levels
or points of inflow.
The sampler is pressurized when
lowered and upon retrieval, to
prevent water mixing at different
levels.

The Equilibrator is also used in

surface water and in stream bed
sediments and embankments to
identify and monitor contaminant
discharge areas.

Advantages
High quality samples
Sample has not been pumped
through tubing
No mixing of water from different
levels
Minimal disturbance of the water
Easy disassembly for
decontamination
Avoids purging and disposal of
purge water
Easy operation and
transportation

Why use the Equilibrator?

Reduce sampling cost by eliminating
field time spent purging and the cost
of purge-water disposal.
No expensive, complicated, or bulky
equipment to purchase, maintain,
or mobilize. Obtain depth-specific
concentration profiles. Reduce
sampling error and improve
repeatability.
Equilibrator design features
Built-in suspension handle, attaches
readily to suspension tether.
Semi-permeable LDPE membrane
holds deionized water and allows
transmission of VOCs into sampler.
Easy emptying methods; puncture
with VOC straw or remove plug
& pour. Filling port for field, lab, or
factory filling
Required Components

Equilibrator samplers, one per

sample interval

Deionized water to fill samplers

Fill kit (1 per deployment team,
reusable)

Tether/suspension cord (1 per well,

reusable)

Stainless steel weight (1 per well,

reusable)

Cable ties to attach PDBs

GROUNDWATER
SAMPLING - MAN.

Other Samplers

Ordering Information
EONGSD200 Equilibrator Diffusion

Sampler (45mm x 457mm)

350ml
EONGSW311 Stainless Steel Weight

(reusable)
EONGSW312 Extra Heavy Weight, 20 oz.

Stainless Steel, w/ Eyebolt

(reusable)
EONGSD310 Hanger Stainless Steel

(reusable)
EONGSD307 Fill Kit for standard

Equilibrator
EONFSF135 Snap Connectors

(reusable)
EONFSR110 Handheld Reel & Spool

(reusable)
EONFSR111 Extra Spool (reusable)
EONFSR270 Spool (304m) 3mm

braided Poly Rope

Ordering Information
SOL100401 Solinst Model 425,

25 mm x 600 mm Sampler

with Sample release device
SOL101857 Solinst Model 425,

50 mm x 600 mm sampler

with Sample release device
SOL105264 Solinst Model 425,

42 mm x 600 mm Sampler

with Sample release device

and in line check valve
SOL105191 Solinst Model 425T,

42 mm x 600 mm Sampler

with Sample release device

and in line check valve,

Transportable vessel