In collaboration with AEA Technologies, Ltd. (now NuVision Engineering), DRI tested and further developed low-flow sampling devices for collecting water samples from deep wells using technologies originally developed for industrial tanks and piping systems. Rather than relying on electrical power, air pressure is used behind a flexible polyurethane plug or "pig" to push a water sample to the surface through bundles of flexible, U-shaped tubing placed in the well. A prototype of the sampler was used to collect samples in New Mexico at a depth of 250 feet in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories; and to a depth of 850 feet at the Nevada National Security Site. To test the long term performance of the sampling system, DRI and AEA Technologies worked with Nye County, Nevada on a permanent deployment at a well head. Nye County scientists were trained in the use of the sampling system when it was first put out in the field and tested. DRI's work with AEA Technologies was part of a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and funded through a joint U.S.-United Kingdom-European Union program for facilitating the transfer of promising environmental technologies.

Click to download article	The Phase II version of the deep well sampler in use at well UE-5N on the Nevada National Security Site.