Delta-T Devices - Model EQ3 - Equitensiometer
The EQ3 Equitensiometer uses class leading ThetaProbe technology to avoid the many problems of water-filled tensiometers. It measures water potential (matric potential) in the range 0 to -1000 kPa and provides an accurate loggable output. It is particularly well suited for use in dry soils.
- Measurement: Soil water potential (matric potential) and soil temperature
- Accuracy:
- ± 10 kPa over 0 to -100 kPa
- 10% of reading over -100 to -1000 kPa
- ± 0.5°C (0 to 40°C for temp sensor)
- ± 0.75°C (-20 to +60°C for temp sensor)
- Soil moisture measurement range: 0 to -1000 kPa (-10bar)
- Salinity range: Suitable for all non-saline soils
- Temperature range: 0 to 40°C
- Output: 0 to 1.0 V differential, non-linear (Calibration data and graph supplied with each sensor)
- Resistance 5.8Ω to 28Ω for temp sensor
- Power requirement: 5-14 V, ~18 mA for 1 s
- Environmental: IP68
- Sample volume: N/A
- Dimensions and weight:
- 181 x 40.5 mm diameter
- weight: 0.3 kg (excl. cable)
- Sensor calibrations:
- Individual sensor calibrations supplied
- Recalibration advised every 2 years (depending on use)
- Soil calibrations: No soil calibrations required
- Convenient, accurate and reliable alternative to water-filled tensiometers
- Excellent range 0 to -1000 kPa
- Maintenance free: no refilling, degassing, or topping up
- Built in temperature sensor
- Buriable and frost resistant (IP68)
The EQ3 Equitensiometer offers maintenance-free operation over a wide soil water potential range. It provides reliable matric potential measurements as well as soil temperature.
The EQ3s measuring rods are embedded in a porous material (the equilibrium body). This material has a known, stable relationship between water content and matric potential. When the EQ3 is inserted into the soil, the matric potential within the equilibrium body equilibrates to that of the surrounding soils. The water content of the matric material is measured directly by the EQ3, and this can be converted into the matric potential of the surrounding soil using the calibration curve supplied with each Equitensiometer.
Installation and usage
The EQ3 is buriable (IP68) and maintenance-free. It can be inserted into augured holes or positioned in the wall of a trench (which is then carefully back-filled). Optional extension tubes assist placement and removal when burying at depth.
The EQ3 is rugged, maintenance-free (no refilling, degassing, or topping up required), frost resistant and low powered; this means it can left installed at remote sites over long periods of time. In such instances it is possible to access sensor data wirelessly via a GPRS enabled data logger such as the Delta-T GP2.
Please note that despite its many strengths, the EQ3 should not be seen as a rapid response sensor that covers the full range of water potentials at high accuracy. Such a sensor does not yet exist. EQ3 equilibration time is typically several hours.
