Tubing, Footvalves and Flow Rates

Riser Tubing

High density polyethylene (HDPE) tubing is most frequently used. It is low cost, provides high strength and durability, and good sampling properties. Available in various sizes, the tubing comes in coils of 100, 200, or 500 ft. (30, 60, or 150 m). PTFE tubing is also available.

 

Footvalves

Footvalves consist of a check ball inside the valve body, and are available in Delrin or stainless steel, in a variety of sizes from 5/8" to 1" (16 mm to 25 mm) diameters. Tapered threads enable the footvalve to self-tap onto either end of the riser tubing.

The Mini Inertial Pump (403 MIP) consists of two stainless steel inserts and a check ball that are easily installed inside the 1/4" x 0.17" (6mm x 4.3 mm) tubing.

 

inertial pump footvalves

 

Pump Specifications
Pump Assembly Footvalve Footvalve Dia. Tubing Selection
mini inertial pump footvalve 403 MIP 1/4" (6 mm) 1/4" x 0.17"
(6 mm x 4.3 mm)
d16 inertial pump footvalve D16 5/8" (16 mm) 5/8" x 1/2"
(16 mm x 12.5 mm)
ss16 inertial pump footvalve SS16 5/8" (16 mm) 5/8" x 1/2"
(16 mm x 12.5 mm)
ss19 inertial pump footvalve SS19 3/4" (19 mm) 5/8" x 1/2"
(16 mm x 12.5 mm)
d25 inertial pump footvalve D25 1" (25 mm) 5/8" x 1/2"
(16 mm x 12.5 mm)

 

sampling with inertial pumps

 

Flow Rates

Flow rate is a function of the momentum generated in the tubing. It varies with tubing length, submergence depth of the footvalve, flexing of the tube, and the rate at which the tubing is pumped.

Higher volumes are obtained with the use of electric or gasoline powered surface pumping mechanisms.