Sampling Equipment: Vacuum vs Peristaltic

Benefits of SIRCO Water Sampling Equipment

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The SIRCO Handbook for
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Vacuum Sampling is the definitive most superior method of taking automatic samples with water sampling equipment. Key advantages over peristaltic sampling include:

• Greater Accuracy. Stronger suction means a more representative sample.
  
  
• Increased Reliability. No parts that wear down quickly.
  
  
• Repeatibility. The system takes samples within +/- 2cc's (+/- 2%)!
  
  
• Higher Verticals. Lifts up to 28 Feet, at speeds above the EPA minimum of 2.5 ft/sec.
  
  
• Faster Transport Velocities. Up to 7 ft/sec.
  
  
• Greater Distances. Water sampling equipment is capable of draws over 250 feet away!
  
  
• Less Replacement Parts. In particular intake tubing.
  
  
• High Volume Sampling. 5/8" ID capability of intake tube increases volume by 66%! Helps prevent blocking and improves accuracy for high solid content.
  
  
• Air Purge. Clears sample line before and after sampling.
  
  

Why we use Vacuum Sampling Equipment

Although we could use peristaltic sampling technology, and offer our water samplers at a lower cost, it simply does not measure up to the quality standards we at Southwell stand by. The vacuum method of sampling is the top method available, and our samplers tend to reliably take water samples for a LONG time.

Advantages to Vacuum Sampling Equipment

Vacuum sampling has enormous advantages over peristaltic sampling for taking water samples. Peristaltic samplers use a "squeezing" process to bring samples into the chamber, a process which is less reliable, weaker in strength, and breaks down more quickly over time. Vacuum sampling of water or wastewater provides enormous power and durability. Samples can be taken more quickly, greater distances and heights, and larger samples can be taken, particularly useful for influent and effluent sampling.

EPA Report on Sampling Equipment comparing Vacuum and Peristaltic Sampling Methods*

“...it is the opinion of the Field Investigations Section that high-vacuum sampling equipment produces more representative samples. On waste sources with appreciable concentrations of large and/or heavy settleable material such as raw municipal wastewater, the section makes every effort to install a high vacuum unit when compatible with the site conditions and data requirements. Since these units yield higher results, they are of advantage to treatment plants in determination of removal efficiencies.”

* Excerpt from the Harris Keffer Report, p.80-81, available from NTIS, Document PB259875