Amoozemeter

Description

Fig 1. 'Amoozemeter' [1]

Fig 2. Dr. Aziz Amoozegar Professor of Soil Physics at North Carolina State University [2]

The Amoozemeter, also known as a compact constant head permeameter (CCH), was developed in 1999 by Dr. Aziz Amoozegar, a professor of Soil Physics at North Carolina State University[1][2]. The Amoozemeter is described as an experimental tool vital in the process of measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) within the porespace of the unsaturated zone.[3]

Function

Standard procedures for determining the level of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) within the unsaturated zone are often difficult to perform. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) can be determined by the constant-head well permeameter technique or the Amoozemeter in less than 30 minutes, using a few liters of water and small-diameter auger holes. The Amoozemeter or compact constant-head (CCH) permeameter is designed to maintain a constant height of water (>5 cm) at the bottom of a 4 to 10 cm diameter hole in the unsaturated zone, and measure the amount of water flowing into the hole. The main unit of the Amoozemeter is used for measuring Ks from the soil surface to a depth of 2 m. To determine saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) beyond a 2-m depth, a special flow-measuring reservoir, equipped with a portable pressure transducer, is connected to the device and inserted to the bottom of the hole. The Amoozemeter is designed with a water capacity of 5 liters, capable of delivering a maximum flow rate of 3 × 10−6 m3s, can handle most landscapes without additional aid, and is easily transported.[3][4][6]

Additional Equipment

Constant head permeameter with reservoir (with combined) Mariotte-bottle
Dissipation unit
Auger drill and equipment
Measure tape or folding meter stick
Datasheets for denoting saturated hydraulic Conductivity 
Stop watch
Water vessels for additional supply

Video Tutorial

Fig 1. 'Amoozemeter' [1]

How to Use an Amoozemeter for Soil Ksat. 2011.[1]

Sources

[1] Jo House. 2019. Amoozemeter Field Demonstration for Determining Landfill Clay Liner Hydraulic Conductivity. Civil & Environmental Consultants. Inc. [2] Aziz Amoozegar. NC State University (Department of Crops and Soil Sciences). https://cals.ncsu.edu/crop-and-soil-sciences/people/sscaag/. [3] Price, K., C. R. Jackson, and A. J. Parker. 2010. Variation of surficial soil hydraulic properties across land uses in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA. Journal of Hydrology 383:256–268. [4]“Methods for Measuring Hydraulic Conductivity and Drainable Porosity.” Agricultural Drainage /, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, 1999, https://doi.org/10.2134/agronmonogr38. [5] How to Use an Amoozemeter for Soil Ksat. 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pkBUl9sdOc [6] Amoozegar, A. 2020. Examination of models for determining saturated hydraulic conductivity by the constant head well permeameter method. Soil and Tillage Research 200:104572.