Low Flow Sampling 

VERSUS

Fractional Flowing Sampling

 

1. What is Fractional Flow® Groundwater Sampling?

In Fractional Flow® sampling from a groundwater monitoring well, a well is purged at a very low rate to minimize drawdown and avoid disturbance in the well, rather than purging a well at a high rate and removing 3-5 volumes of the casing.

So Why Is Fractional Flow Sampling A Better Alternative to Low Flow Sampling??
Less well disturbance leads to lower sample turbidity, which in turn reduces the variability in the sampling results. Purge volume is reduced up to 95%; it can reduce purge time/labor in most cases. Also, it reduces problems related to excessive drawdown and pumped volumes. Fractional Flow Sampling is the better alternative to Low Flow sampling due to the fact that dedicated 12-Volt DC Sample Champ groundwater pumps for Fractional Flow® sampling saves time in the field, eliminates cross contamination by dedication of the equipment, and increases sample integrity. A saving factor of 75% compared to Low Flow Sampling while renting the dedicated 12-Volt DC Sample Champ groundwater pumps!

2. What equipment do I need to do Fractional Flow® groundwater sampling?

• A Proactive 12-volt DC dedicated Sample Champ submersible sampling pump capable of consistently providing low flow rates without agitating the water in the well or altering sample quality.

• A flow cell to determine completion of purging.

• A water level measurement device to measure drawdown.

• And with a Proactive® 12 volt DC Sample Champ submersible pump, the field technician can Fractional Flow® sample in an easy and cost-effective way which is far superior to low flow sampling!

​​

3. What purge flow rate do I need to achieve?

Determine a purge flow rate which will minimize drawdown, commonly less than 1 liter/min.

​​

4. How long to purge?

Passing the purge flow through a flow cell measures key water quality parameters, allowing observation of the point when the readings become stable. This commonly occurs within 10-20 minutes, but depends on the well. Sample collection can begin at this point.

​​

5. How much will it cost?

Dedicated 12 Volt-DC Sample Champs® from Proactive® normally reduce costs enough to pay for itself in usually the first round of sampling! Yes, you read that right, usually within the first round of sampling! Another option is to simply rent 12-Volt stainless steel dedicated Sample Champs. The renting option is the most economical way to Fractional Flow® Sample compared to any other groundwater sampling instrument in the world! We at Proactive call this "Fractional Flow Technology." 

6. How will Fractional Flow® Sampling affect regulatory approval of my existing sampling program?
State and federal agencies acceptance of Fractional Flow® Sampling in place of Low Flow Sampling has been written into groundwater sampling guidelines worldwide. Proactive® currently has hundreds of sites using dedicated 12-Volt DC Sample Champ pumps for Fractional Flow® Sampling. Most of the time, local agencies require only a simple letter for switching over from Low Flow Sampling to Fractional Flow® Sampling. For situations where white papers may be needed, questions or complexities arise, call Proactive® for assistance.
 
7. How can I get started?
Call Proactive® today at 1.941.243.3930 (Toll-Free at 1.877.99.HYDRO) for immediate, no-obligation assistance. 

Or email us at solutions@proactivedirect.biz