NGWA Event and Education Recordings Archive

One of the most common tasks in characterizing environmental sites is the collection of soil samples using direct-push tools with rigid, plastic liner sleeves. We estimate that tens of thousands of these sleeves are used annually in the U.S. alone. They traditionally have been opened using sharp blades that pose a serious hazard and have caused laceration injuries. The tearing action of the blade can leave a jagged edge at the line of opening, which itself creates a laceration risk. The study introduces a sampling sleeve with pull-tabs, which allow it to be opened without a sharp blade, thus improving safety and ease of use.

Zipliner technology (U.S. patent No. 8,459,374) was invented by ARCADIS. Geotech Environmental Equipment Inc. holds the trademark and license to manufacture Zipliner sleeves for AMS PowerProbe direct-push sampling equipment. Zipliner prototypes were tested in the field in shallow, fine- and coarse-grained soils (up to 6 meters depth). Zipliner sleeves are opened using a battery-powered drill with a specially designed bit known as a "ZipTool" or with needle-nose pliers.

As of September 2013, more than 1000 Zipliner sleeves have been used at field sites. Zipliner has operated comparable to standard liner sleeves under field conditions at depths up to 12 meters. Soils have ranged from compacted clays to silty sands to angular gravels. They have opened successfully without a sharp blade using Ziptool. Additional use in various geologic settings and depths may lead to further design refinement and will provide an understanding of the full range of Zipliner applicability in terms of depth, geologic settings, and temperature conditions. Future planned developments include the manufacture of Zipliner for use with other types of drilling equipment. The lead author received the 2013 National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Technology Award in recognition of the development of Zipliner.