Device for Taking Samples from the Bottom Boundary Layer of a Water Body

Devices using a winch are currently used for taking samples in the boundary layer formed at the bottom of a water basin. In order to minimize the potential mixing effect at the whole length of the sampling tube, the design is presented where the sampling tube disassemble into sections is provided with horizontal valves dividing the interior of the tube into layers isolated from each other in the presented application, several shorter sampling tubes are used with their inlet holes being located at different heights. Thus, layers located at different heights are sampled by different sampling tubes. Substitution of contacts elements (shoes) with a contact surface, e.g. inflatable support belt, guarantees the stability of the sampling tube on the soft bottom. To ensure the vertical stability of the sampling tube, the device is provided with an upper stabilizing balloon. Regulating the buoyancy of the support belt and upper balloon by changing their filling degree, the device can be taken at regulated speed to the bottom of a water basin and lifted from the bottom to the surface without using any lifting cable.