Novel sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment

By designing a new type of portable sediment sampler, which utilizes a vacuum pump and electronic control components to achieve automatic sampling, the problems of large size, bulkiness, and uneven sampling in existing technologies have been solved, thereby improving sampling efficiency and data accuracy.

CN224066408UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-31CHINA HYDROELECTRIC ENGINEERING CONSULTING GROUP CHENGDU RESEARCH HYDROELECTRIC INVESTIGATION DESIGN AND INSTITUTE
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-20
Publication Date
2026-03-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing suspended sediment samplers are large and heavy, making sampling time-consuming and labor-intensive, and they cannot sample continuously and uniformly, affecting sampling accuracy and data accuracy.

Method used

A novel sediment sampler was designed, comprising a base, support, container, and sampling tube. It employs a vacuum pump and electronic control components, using the vacuum pump to create a pressure difference for automatic sampling. Combined with telescopic components and a height adjustment knob, it adapts to different water depths and reduces disturbance to the water flow. The sampling tube's bend optimizes water flow guidance, and the transparent glass container facilitates observation.

Benefits of technology

It improves the portability and operational efficiency of the sampler, ensures sampling accuracy and data accuracy, reduces interference with water flow, and enhances the stability of the equipment and the representativeness of the samples.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel sediment sampler suitable for suspended sediment in the technical field of hydraulic engineering, which comprises a base, a support, a container and a sampling tube, the support is connected with the base, the container is fixed on the support, the container is provided with a closed inner cavity, the container is hermetically connected with a connecting tube communicated with the inner cavity of the container, and the sampling tube is connected with the connecting tube. A vacuum pump in sealed connection with the connecting pipe is arranged on the support, the bottom end of the container is in sealed connection with a discharging pipe, the first end of the sampling pipe is in sealed connection with the container and communicated with an inner cavity of the container, the second end of the sampling pipe is used for sucking silt, a first water stop valve is arranged in the sampling pipe, and a second water stop valve is arranged in the discharging pipe. The electric control assembly is electrically connected with the first water stop valve, the second water stop valve and the vacuum pump. The sampling device solves the technical problems that the existing device is large in size, heavy, low in sampling accuracy and incapable of continuously and uniformly sampling, and is simple in structure and capable of continuously and uniformly sampling.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water conservancy engineering technology, and in particular to a novel sediment sampler suitable for suspended sediment. Background Technology

[0002] Suspended sediment, which remains suspended in water flow and migrates with it, is typically composed of fine sand and clay particles and constitutes a significant portion of the total sediment transported in rivers. It often presents a series of challenges to hydraulic engineering projects, such as causing sediment accumulation in reservoirs, altering river channel morphology, and leading to siltation at water intake points and throughout the waterway system. Therefore, studying the particle size distribution, dry density, and settling velocity of suspended sediment in reservoirs—physical parameters reflecting its geometric, gravitational, and hydraulic properties—allows for a deeper understanding of the movement of suspended sediment, changes in suspended sediment inflow and outflow, and scouring and deposition patterns within the reservoir. This provides a scientific and objective basis for the safe operation of reservoir flow and suspended sediment management and water conservancy control.

[0003] Workers often use suspended sediment samplers to collect and analyze data from different areas of a river to monitor and address the impact of suspended sediment on water conservancy and hydropower projects. Currently, handheld, fixed suspended sediment samplers are commonly used. When using these samplers, a boat is typically rowed to a designated area, and then a sampler such as a bottle or bucket is used to collect sediment and water samples from different areas. However, existing suspended sediment samplers are generally large and cumbersome, making sampling time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient. Furthermore, these samplers require immersion in the water, which significantly interferes with the local flow field, affecting the suspended sediment concentration and sampling accuracy. Additionally, because sediment is not uniformly distributed in the water, manual single-point sampling is highly random, making it difficult to accurately obtain the true sediment content at the sampling location, resulting in significant data variability and uncertainty. Therefore, how to design a sampler that is simple in structure, easy to carry and operate, and capable of continuous and uniform sampling is a problem that must be solved by those in this field. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the technical problems of existing suspended sediment samplers being large and heavy, having low sampling accuracy, and being unable to continuously and uniformly sample, this utility model provides a novel sediment sampler with a simple structure that can continuously and uniformly sample suspended sediments.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A novel sediment sampler suitable for suspended sediment includes a base, a support, a container, and a sampling tube. The support is connected to the base, the container is fixed on the support, the container has a closed inner cavity, and the container is sealed to a connecting tube communicating with the inner cavity of the container. A vacuum pump is installed on the support and sealed to the connecting tube. A discharge pipe is sealed to the bottom of the container. The first end of the sampling tube is sealed to the container and communicates with the inner cavity of the container. The second end of the sampling tube is used to draw sediment. A first stop valve is installed inside the sampling tube, and a second stop valve is installed inside the discharge pipe. The sampler also includes an electrical control component, which is electrically connected to the first stop valve, the second stop valve, and the vacuum pump, respectively.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a telescopic component and a height adjustment knob. The base and the bracket are connected by the telescopic component, which includes a connecting rod and a sleeve. The connecting rod and the sleeve are vertically arranged. The sleeve is fitted over the outside of the connecting rod. The connecting rod can slide freely in the vertical direction inside the sleeve. The sleeve has a threaded hole that passes through its inner and outer walls. The height adjustment knob is threadedly connected to the threaded hole and abuts against the connecting rod for fixing the connecting rod.

[0008] Furthermore, the support has an H-shaped structure with a vertical crossbeam in the middle. One side of the support has two connection ends, each with a fixing groove. The container and vacuum pump are fixed to the two connection ends of the support through the fixing grooves.

[0009] Furthermore, the fixing groove is formed by riveting two arc-shaped units together.

[0010] Furthermore, a sponge cushioning pad is arranged inside the fixing groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the second end of the sampling tube is provided with a bending section, which includes a straight section and a bent section. One end of the straight section has a feed inlet, and the other end of the straight section is connected to the bent section. The central axis of the straight section remains horizontal.

[0012] Furthermore, the bent section is rotatably connected to the sampling tube.

[0013] Furthermore, the length of the straight section is 1cm-2cm.

[0014] Furthermore, the container is made of transparent glass.

[0015] Furthermore, the connecting tube is a rubber hose.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] 1. Simple structure, easy to carry and operate, and capable of continuous and uniform sampling: The sediment sampler integrates the base, support, container, sampling tube and electrical control components into a compact design, significantly reducing the overall size and making the equipment easier to carry and operate on-site, improving work efficiency and flexibility. The electrical control components close the first and second stop valves and control the vacuum pump to extract air from the container cavity, creating a certain pressure difference between the inner cavity and the external sand-laden water flow. Opening the first stop valve allows the sand-laden water flow to be sucked into the container, enabling efficient automatic sampling and precise control of the sampling rate and volume. This avoids disturbance to the local water flow caused by manual sampling. The vacuum pump creates a pressure difference between the inner cavity and the outside of the container, allowing for continuous extraction of sand-laden water flow from the water body within a certain period of time.

[0018] 2. Height Adjustability: The design of the telescopic component and height adjustment knob gives the sampler the ability to adjust its height, enabling the equipment to adapt to different water depths. This feature greatly expands the applicability of sampling. When the sampler can be appropriately adjusted according to the water depth, it can avoid the sampler body or sampling tube from sinking too deep into the water, thereby reducing direct obstruction to the water flow, keeping the water flow unobstructed, reducing human interference with the flow field, and improving the accuracy and practicality of data collection.

[0019] 3. Enhanced structural stability: The H-shaped support structure and double arc-shaped unit riveting fixing grooves enhance the overall stability and durability of the sampler, ensuring reliable operation of the equipment in complex aquatic environments and reducing the risk of damage caused by external forces.

[0020] 4. Sample protection and cushioning: The sponge cushioning pad design inside the fixing slot provides extra protection for the container and vacuum pump, reducing impact and vibration during transportation and use.

[0021] 5. Optimized sampling process: The design of the sampling tube bend, especially the inlet of the straight section located at the end of the straight section, and the horizontal central axis of the straight section, not only reduces the water flow resistance during sampling, but also makes the sampling more in line with the natural water flow, effectively improving sampling efficiency and sample representativeness, and enhancing the reliability of data analysis.

[0022] 6. Optimize water flow guidance: Setting the length of the straight section to 1cm-2cm can reduce the resistance of sand-laden water flow into the sampling tube, making it easier for sand-laden water flow to be sucked into the sampling tube. This will prevent excessive eddies or back pressure caused by an excessively long straight section, which would reduce sampling efficiency.

[0023] 7. Visual monitoring: The transparent glass container allows direct observation of the sampling process and sample condition, which not only improves the intuitiveness and efficiency of the sampling operation, but also facilitates immediate inspection of sample quality and volume. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel sediment sampler suitable for suspended sediments according to this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the container and the sampling tube;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the base and the telescopic component;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the bracket and the electronic control components;

[0028] The components in the diagram are labeled as follows: 1-base, 2-support, 3-container, 4-sampling tube, 5-fixing groove, 6-connecting pipe, 7-vacuum pump, 8-discharge pipe, 9-first stop valve, 10-second stop valve, 11-electric control assembly, 12-connecting rod, 13-sleeve, 14-bending section, 141-straight section, 142-bending section, 15-height adjustment knob. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] First, it should be stated that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are clearly and completely described. The described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of this application, and not a limitation of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "axial" or "radial" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation structure and operation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0032] It should be noted that, in this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixation" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 4 This utility model provides a novel sediment sampler suitable for suspended sediment.

[0034] In some embodiments, a novel sediment sampler suitable for suspended sediment includes a base 1, a support 2, a container 3, and a sampling tube 4. The support 2 is connected to the base 1, the container 3 is fixed on the support 2, the container 3 has a closed inner cavity, and the container 3 is sealed to a connecting pipe 6 communicating with the inner cavity of the container 3. A vacuum pump 7 is provided on the support 2 and sealed to the connecting pipe 6. A discharge pipe 8 is sealed to the bottom end of the container 3. The first end of the sampling tube 4 is sealed to the container 3 and communicates with the inner cavity of the container 3. The second end of the sampling tube 4 is used to absorb sediment. A first water stop valve 9 is provided inside the sampling tube 4, and a second water stop valve 10 is provided inside the discharge pipe 8. The device also includes an electrical control component 11, which is electrically connected to the first water stop valve 9, the second water stop valve 10, and the vacuum pump 7, respectively.

[0035] The working process of this scheme is as follows: Before the sediment sampler enters the water area, the first stop valve 9 and the second stop valve 10 are closed by the electronic control component 11. After entering the water area, the vacuum pump 7 is started to extract air from the inner cavity of the container 3, so that a certain pressure difference is formed between the inner cavity and the external sediment-laden water flow. When the water layer to be sampled is reached, the first stop valve 9 is opened and the vacuum pump 7 is closed, so that the sediment-laden water flow is sucked into the container 3. After the sampling is completed, the first stop valve 9 is closed, thus obtaining the sediment-laden water flow of the sampled water layer. The vacuum pump 7 creates a pressure difference between the inner cavity of the container 3 and the outside, so that the sediment sampler can automatically sample. By adjusting the vacuum pump 7, the sampling rate and volume can be precisely controlled, avoiding the disturbance of the local water flow caused by manual sampling. The pressure difference between the inner cavity of the container 3 and the outside can continuously extract sediment-laden water flow from the water area within a certain period of time.

[0036] For the connecting pipe 6, rubber hoses, copper pipes, stainless steel pipes or plastic pipes can be selected, and no special restrictions are made here.

[0037] The connection between bracket 2 and base 1 can be an integral fixed connection, a detachable bolt connection, or a telescopic connection, as long as it can ensure a stable connection between bracket 2 and base 1. No special restrictions are imposed here.

[0038] As for how to fix container 3 to bracket 2, a groove adapted to container 3 can be made on bracket 2, and then fasteners can be used for fixing and installation; alternatively, a clasp with two mounting units can be installed on bracket 2, and container 3 can be fixed by the two mounting units enclosing and locking it; or glue or other fixing methods can be used, as long as container 3 can be fixed to bracket 2, there are no special limitations here.

[0039] In some embodiments, the device further includes a telescopic component and a height adjustment knob 15. The base 1 and the support 2 are connected by the telescopic component, which includes a connecting rod 12 and a sleeve 13. The connecting rod 12 and the sleeve 13 are vertically arranged, and the sleeve 13 is fitted over the connecting rod 12. The connecting rod 12 can slide freely in the vertical direction within the sleeve 13. The sleeve 13 has a threaded hole penetrating its inner and outer walls. The height adjustment knob 15 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole and abuts against the connecting rod 12 for fixing the connecting rod 12. The design of the telescopic component and the height adjustment knob 15 gives the sampler the ability to adjust its height, enabling the device to adapt to different water depths. This feature greatly expands the applicability of the sampling. When the sampler can adjust its height appropriately according to the water depth, it can prevent the sampler body or sampling tube 4 from sinking too deep into the water, thereby reducing direct obstruction to the water flow.

[0040] In some embodiments, the bracket 2 has an H-shaped structure with a vertically arranged crossbeam in the middle. One side of the bracket 2 has two connecting ends, each with a fixing groove 5. The container 3 and the vacuum pump 7 are respectively fixed to the two connecting ends of the bracket 2 via the fixing grooves 5. The fixing groove 5 can be a groove on the bracket 2 adapted to the container 3, with a fastener used for fixing; alternatively, a surrounding component with two mounting units can be installed on the bracket 2 to enclose and lock the container 3, thus fixing the container 3.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fixing groove 5 is formed by two arc-shaped units riveted together.

[0042] In some embodiments, a sponge cushioning pad is arranged inside the fixing groove 5.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second end of the sampling tube 4 is provided with a bending section 14, which includes a straight section 141 and a bending section 142. One end of the straight section 141 has a feed inlet, and the other end of the straight section 141 is connected to the bending section 142. The central axis of the straight section 141 remains horizontal.

[0044] In some embodiments, the bent portion 14 is rotatably connected to the sampling tube 4.

[0045] In some embodiments, the length of the straight segment 141 is 1cm-2cm.

[0046] Setting the length of the straight section 141 to 1cm-2cm can reduce the resistance of the sand-laden water flow into the sampling tube 4, making it easier for the sand-laden water flow to be sucked into the sampling tube 4. This will prevent excessive eddies or back pressure from being generated due to the straight section 141 being too long, which would lead to a decrease in sampling efficiency.

[0047] In some embodiments, container 3 is made of transparent glass.

[0048] In some embodiments, the connecting pipe 6 is a rubber hose.

Claims

1. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment, characterized in that: The utility model relates to a kind of mud sampling device, including base (1), support (2), container (3) and sampling tube (4), support (2) is connected with base (1), container (3) is fixed on support (2), container (3) has enclosed inner cavity, container (3) is sealedly connected with connecting pipe (6) that communicates container (3) inner cavity, vacuum pump (7) is provided on support (2) with the sealed connection of connecting pipe (6), container (3) bottom end is sealedly connected with discharge pipe (8), the first end of sampling tube (4) is sealedly connected with container (3), and it is communicated with container (3) inner cavity, the second end of sampling tube (4) is used to suck up silt, first water stop valve (9) is arranged in sampling tube (4) inside, second water stop valve (10) is arranged in discharge pipe (8) inside, and still include electric control assembly (11), electric control assembly (11) is electrically connected with first water stop valve (9), second water stop valve (10) and vacuum pump (7) respectively.

2. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: Still include telescopic piece and height adjustment knob (15), base (1) is connected between support (2) by telescopic piece, telescopic piece includes connecting rod (12) and sleeve pipe (13), connecting rod (12) and sleeve pipe (13) are vertically arranged, sleeve pipe (13) is set outside connecting rod (12), connecting rod (12) can slide freely in sleeve pipe (13) along vertical direction, sleeve pipe (13) is opened with the threaded hole that passes through its inner and outer wall, height adjustment knob (15) is connected with threaded hole screw, height adjustment knob (15) is abutted with connecting rod (12), for the fixation of connecting rod (12).

3. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: Support (2) is H-shaped structure, the middle beam of support (2) is vertically arranged, one side of support (2) has two connection ends, both connection ends are equipped with fixed slot (5), container (3) and vacuum pump (7) are fixed on the two connection ends of support (2) respectively by fixed slot (5).

4. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: Fixed slot (5) is formed by riveting two arc units.

5. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: Sponge buffer pad is arranged in the inner side of fixed slot (5).

6. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The second end of sampling tube (4) is equipped with bending part (14), bending part (14) includes straight section (141) and bending section (142), one end of straight section (141) has feed inlet, the other end of straight section (141) is connected with bending section (142), and the central axis of straight section (141) remains horizontal.

7. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: Bending part (14) is rotatably connected with sampling tube (4).

8. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The length of straight section (141) is 1cm-2cm.

9. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Container (3) is transparent glass material.

10. A new type of sediment sampler suitable for suspended load sediment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Connecting pipe (6) is rubber hose.