All Sentek sensors work best when installed in such a way that surrounding soil disturbance is minimised. Correct installation requires good access tube to soil contact to avoid preferential path flow of water down the side of the tube. Specialised tools and instructions have been developed to enable this quality install on each probe type.
Installing EnviroSCAN and Diviner 2000 Probes
Three options are available for installing EnviroSCAN and Diviner 2000 access tubes:
The Sentek Standard (direct) method:
A metal cutting edge is fitted to the end of the access tube, and the tube is held in vertical position using a tripod.
A slightly undersized hole is drilled in small increments just ahead of the access tube, using an auger positioned through the tube.
The access tube is then hammered into the undersized hole, with the cutting edge shaving away the remainder of the soil, to provide a tight fit of the access tube into the soil, with minimal external compression.
Augering and hammering is alternated until the tube is fully inserted into the ground. The inside of the tube is then cleaned, dried and sealed at the bottom using a specially designed bottom stopper.
A top cap is glued in place to ensure that external moisture cannot enter the tube.
The access tube is then ready for insertion of the probe electronics.
The Sentek Fast-1 method:
Used for installation up to a maximum depth of 1.2m
Purchase from Fast-1 installation access tube options
Position and fix tripod in place with EnviroSCAN collar installed
Thread the poly-guide onto the auger extension piece
Using a 47mm auger for sand, 53mm auger for loam or 54mm auger for heavy clay, pre-auger a hole to the required depth, allowing space for the soil shavings to accumulate at the bottom
Insert the 56mm Fast-1 tube into the hole. Insert into the tube a piece of round steel tubing and knock this in with a post knocker until the tube reaches the desired depth
The Slurry method
Purchase from slurry installation tube options
Using 61mm auger head, auger a hole to the depth of the access tube
Mix Kaolinite/cement mixture and/or soil removed from augering in a bucket
Pour the smooth slurry mixture into the hole and insert the sealed tube
Click here to download the EnviroSCAN and Diviner 2000 Installation Manual.
Installing Drill & Drop probes
Both the Drill & Drop probe and the auger used to install it have been designed with a precision taper. This means that the auger diameter is larger at the top than it is at the bottom. This allows the fully sealed probe to be installed directly into the soil being measured, without any slurry mixture or backfilling.
The 60cm (24”) probe requires the 60cm (24”) auger and the 120cm (48”) probe required the 120cm (48”) auger.
The method for installation is:
Position the base plate and screw in the three base plate pins (Optional: attach leg extension to accommodate uneven ground)
With a motorised auger, drill down the centre of the base plate until the top of the auger reaches ground level (for a flush to surface install)
Remove the three pins and base plate
Insert the probe and press it firmly into the soil
Click here to see the Drill & Drop installation manual
Installing EasyAG Probes
EasyAG probes are housed in special plastics that are pre-fitted with a cutting edge, bottom stopper and top cap. While using the same core principles of installation as for the EnviroSCAN probes, the slim-line design and short length of the probe, combined with the pre-assembled plastics, allow for quick and simple installation.
EasyAG access tubes are installed by:
Positioning a base plate to stabilise the access tube during installation
