Water

Water Sampling
Sampling device
device for
for SeaPerch
SeaPerch Underwater
Underwater
Remotely
Remotely Operated
Operated Vehicle
Vehicle (ROV)
(ROV)
Kendall
KendallThacker
Thacker
Department
DepartmentofofMechanical
MechanicalEngineering
Engineering
(Undergraduate)
(Undergraduate)
Brigham
BrighamYoung
YoungUniversity
University
Provo,
UT
Provo, UT84602
84602
Email: kendallthacker@gmail.com
Sampling water at varying depths is a critical procedure to help students understand the properties and
Sampling
of water
at varying
depthsblah
blah are
blahno commercial sampling devices that are compatible with the
composition
of a body
of water.
Currently there
functionality of a SeaPerch ROV. However, the design for such a device can partially be taken from a Van Dorn
sampler. The main difference being a smaller size and the use of an electronic solenoid instead of a sinking weight
to trigger the sampler closed. This sampling device can be made inexpensively from materials purchased at local
stores and online. Upon being tested, the success rate in capturing a sample of water was 91%. Reasons for
unsuccessful captures include a weak solenoid magnetic force and leaking end caps. As students create their
water sampling device, they can expect to learn applications in electric circuitry, mechanical movement, and
magnetism. The opportunity also exists for students to improve the design.

Introduction
Collecting good samples of water are critical for
students to understand the physical, chemical, and
biological features of a body of water. Obtaining a
good sample is easily done from the shore, dock
or a boat. But when a boat is not accessible as
recommend by the Environmental Protection
Agency [1], students are limited in their ability to
collect diverse samples. This challenge can be
overcome by using a water sampling device in
conjunction with a SeaPerch underwater Remotely
Operated Vehicle (ROV).
The advantage of a SeaPerch ROV compatible
water sampling device, is that it provides a way to
capture water samples in locations previously
difficult to access. Most commercial devices only
sample water that is vertically below the user. A
SeaPerch changes that. If sampling from the shore
or dock of a lake, samples could be taken up to 50
feet away (or as long as the tether cable is).
Additionally, a SeaPerch can be navigated under
docks or into underwater caves which are not
accessible with commercial sampling methods.
A device after this manner will help students to
measure a wide variety of water properties. This

device
doesnt
actually
perform
the
measurements, but it provides a sample in which
can be analyzed using external lab equipment.
Properties such as pH level, salinity, alkalinity, total
suspended solids, etc. may be measured this way.
This is a much more economic and efficient
approach than providing each student with
specific instruments to attach to their SeaPerch.
In addition to being a useful tool to aid in water
sampling, this device will provide valuable hands
on experience for the students who engage in the
building process. Students can expect to learn
basic principles such as electric circuitry, principles
of magnetism, mechanical systems, and beneficial
techniques for water sampling.
The overall purpose of this paper is to describe the
design for a small, simple, and inexpensive water
sampling device that is compatible with SeaPerch
ROVs.

Methods
Background Information
Capturing samples of water at discrete depths is a
very common procedure in scientific study today.
There are a wide variety of commercial sampling
devices, but the two types most often
recommended are the Van Dorn Sampler and
Kemmerer Sampler [2].
The Van Dorn Sampler is very popular due to its
simplicity and reliability.
Below is a basic
schematic
of
its
different
parts.

seals are released and they elastically close off the

ends of the tube.
The design of a Van Dorn sampler is very
functional, but not completely compatible with a
SeaPerch ROV. First, the smallest commercial Van
Dorn sampler is 2 Liters in volume which is too
large for a small SeaPerch. Second, the cost of a
Van Dorn bottle is around $200. Third, and most
significantly, using a weighted messenger to
release the trip mechanism will not work with a
SeaPerch. This is because the SeaPerch ROV will
not remain vertically below the user, and the CAT5
tether between the ROV and operator will not
remain taught. Therefore, any attempt to slide a
weighted messenger along this tether will not be
successful. If a Van Dorn type sampler is used,
there must be another way to release the trip
mechanism.
The second most commercially used sampler is the
Kemmerer sampler. Below is a basic schematic.

Figure 1. Van Dorn Sampler

A Van Dorn sampler is essentially a hollow
tube with two rubber end plugs that close
and capture a water sample.

Before the sampler is dropped in the water, the

two end seals are pulled up and attached to the
trip mechanism. The sampler is then dropped into
the water and lowered vertically below the boat
(or dock) to the desired depth. A weighted
messenger (usually a heavy steel weight) is
dropped down the rope from the boat. When the
messenger strikes the trip mechanism, the end

Figure 2. Kemmerer Sampler

A Kemmerer sampler is a vertical
water sampling device that relies on a
weighted messenger to tripper the
end caps to close
A Kemmerer sampler operates in a very similar
manner to the Van Dorn sampler. A weighted
messenger is dropped from above along the rope,
which releases two end caps that seal the tube.
The difference being that the Kemmerer uses

springs to close the end seals, while the Van Dorn

uses an elastic cord. Additionally, this sampler is
traditionally made of metal compared to plastic.
As with the Van Dorn sampler, the Kemmerer is
not compatible with a SeaPerch because it relies
on a weighted messenger being dropped from
directly above.
Both the Van Dorn and Kemmerer samplers have
been effectively used to study a wide variety of
water properties. In a study of the phytoplankton
population of a lake in France, the author Kemka
used a Van Dorn Sampler exclusively to make his
measurements [3]. Similarly, Langley used a
Kemmerer sampler to study mercury pollution in a
river and its effects on fish population [4].
Additionally, some researchers are already using
larger ROVs to study the properties of lakes [5].
There is substantial evidence that a SeaPerch
sampling device patterned after these models
could also be expected to be useful in a variety of
applications.

The whole instrument must be waterproof

and submergible.

Proposed Design
With these challenges in mind, a design patterned
after the Van Dorn Bottle seems to be best. The
materials and parts used can be found at local
hardware stores or from common online
distributors. A list of parts, vendors, and prices
can be found in Table 1. Additionally, Figure 3
shows a partially assembled picture of the
different components.

The challenge will be to adapt the design of a Van

Dorn and Kemmerer sampler to become
compatible with a SeaPerch ROV. The main
alterations will be to scale down the size and to
include a type of electronic trip mechanism,
instead of relying on a weighted messenger.
Design Challenges
In designing and building this sampling device,
several design challenges must be overcome.
These challenges can be summarized as follows:

Use an electronically actuated trigger to

release the end caps instead of a mechanical
weighted messenger.
Be small enough to mount on existing
SeaPerchs.
Be cheap enough that it can be reproduced
easily.

Figure 3. Components of sampling device

compatible with a SeaPerch ROV

Table 1. Material List for SeaPerch Water Sampling Device

Part

Specs

Vendor

Pipe
Electronic Switch

1 diameter PVC or ABS by 2 long

Simple on/off switch. Variety of options

Home Depot
McMaster; part # 7397K21

Solenoid

24 volt AC replacement solenoid for

sprinkler valves
Standard drubber 12x12 by 1/8 thick
12 of bailing wire or comparable quality
1 x aluminum tubing. 1/8 thick
by 1 long

Amazon

$10.00

McMaster part # 9455K76

Home Depot
Local metal supplier like
Metal mark. Likely to be
found in scrap bin
---

$6.50
$1.00
$1.00

$2.18
-----$33.86*

Rubber sheet
Wire--Stiff
Aluminum tubing
Flexible electrical wire
Zip Ties

Need about 4. Could be taken from end

of CAT5 cable
8 long or longer standard zip ties

Electrical & Duct tape

Any type

Home Depot model #

295732
Home Depot

Hot Glue
CAT5 cable

Stand Hot glue

Should already be installed with SeaPerch

----Total Estimated Cost

***This is a high cost estimate, many of these materials can be found around the house.

Price
$4.00

$6.18

---

$3.00

How it works
As seen in Figure 3 & 4, the design closely
resembles that of a Van Dorn sampler. The main
difference being the trip mechanism that releases
the end caps is a solenoid. When there is no
electrical current being supplied to the device, the
solenoid pin extrudes from the bottom of the
mounting bracket and holds the end caps open.
When an electrical current is applied, the pin
retracts and releases the end caps to seal off the
ends of the pipe.

Figure 4. Assemble Device

This figure demonstrates the main components of

the water sampling device.

Proposed Testing
In order to test the reliability of this sampling
device, several tests will occur.
First, the
repeatability of the trigger mechanism will be
tested in both dry and wet conditions. For each
test, the device will be fully setup and then
released. The success rate will be measured.
The second test will be to test the effectiveness of
the end caps sealing. If the caps do not seal
tightly, the encapsulated sample will be
contaminated as the SeaPerch moves around. To
perform this test, the sampler will be filled with
red dyed water and the end caps closed. The
device will then be submerged and agitated in
clear water. Any dye released is an indication of a
leak.

Results
Results from Building

Results from Testing the Seal

The completed device was successful in meeting

the four design challenges. First, a solenoid was
used to allow the operator to release the end caps
by simply flipping an electronic switch. Second,
the device is small enough to be attached to a
SeaPerch. The final dimensions are 8 in length,
6 tall, and 2 in width. The final weight is
approximately 0.65 lbs. Third, the final total cost
of construction was $33 (see materials list) which
is much cheaper than any other commercial
sampling device. Fourth, the device successfully
operates while submerged indicating effective
waterproofing.

The results from testing the sealing ability of the

end caps were fair. The average volume of sample
encapsulated was approximately 175 mL. After
the sampler captured a volume of water and was
lifted out of the water, the water tended to leak
out. If the end caps were pushed in tighter by
hand before it was removed from the water,
hardly any sample leaked out.

Results from Testing

Two different experiments, dry testing and wet
testing, were conducted to test the repeatability
and dependability of the electronic trigger. In
both tests, the solenoid successfully retracted the
majority of the time. But in a small portion of the
tests, the solenoid was not successful in retracting
the pin and therefore releasing the end seals. The
results are displayed in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Success rates for testing of the

trigger mechanism

This figure shows how often the solenoid

retracted and effectively released the end seals
for both dry and submerged conditions.

The results from the red dye test were promising.

After filling the sampler with red-dyed water, and
driving the SeaPerch around, there was very
minimal red dye released into the tank. The dye
that did escape was released right along the seam
of one of the end caps. While still underwater, the
end seals were fully opened and the sampler
quickly flushed itself of the red dye.

Discussion
The failure of the solenoid pin to retract during
some of the test is most likely due to the solenoid
not having enough power to overcome the friction
force between the pin and the end cap loops.
Before exploring possible solutions to this
problem, a brief overview of how a solenoid works
will be beneficial.
Simply put, a solenoid is a device that converts
electrical current into mechanical work. The
hollow cavity of the solenoid is surrounded by
numerous coils of wire (see Figure 6). When an
electric current flows through these coils, it
induces a magnetic field. This magnetic force is
what pulls the steel pin up.

that when the end seals were pushed in by hand

before removing from the water, there was hardly
any leaking. This greater force could be achieved
by using more rubber bands or using a different
elastic material. Additionally, the size and form of
the end seal could be modified to improve the
seal.
Future Study

Figure 6. Schematic of how a solenoid works

This figure demonstrates how electrical current is
converted into mechanical work.

If the magnetic fore can be increased, it is more

likely that the frictional force between the pin and
the tethers can be overcome. The magnetic force
can be described by the equation:

Where is the magnetic force, is a constant, N

is the number of coils, L is the length, and is the
applied current. Theoretically, the magnetic force
could be increased by increasing the number of
coils or decreasing the length, but both of these
would require completely modifying the solenoid.
Therefore, the only practical option is to increase
the current by increasing the voltage. During
testing a 12 volt battery was used, but if a larger
power source could be used, the solenoid could be
expected to perform more reliably. It is also
expected that as the battery wears down, the
solenoid may have a higher probability of not
retracting.
The failure of the end caps to prevent leaking
could also be improved by using a greater tensile
force to pull in the end caps.
This
recommendation is based upon the observation

There are several opportunities for students to

improve the design of this sampler. As discussed
previously, the solenoid pin failed to retract 9% of
the time. A different orientation of the solenoid
may reduce that failure rate. Using something
other than the solenoid may also be a viable
alternative. Improving the sealing capabilities of
the end seals is another area of the design that
could be improved by students. Suggestions
include experimenting with different materials or
different shapes for the cone.

Conclusion
A water sampling device that is compatible with a
SeaPerch ROV is a powerful tool in helping
students explore and study a body of water. This
device allows students to gather a variety of
samples, even from just a single location.
There are currently no commercial sampling
devices that can fulfill this need but inspiration for
an appropriate design was taken from the Van
Dorn sampler. Instead of using a weighted
messenger to release the trip mechanism, an
inexpensive solenoid valve was used.
Testing of the device returned favorable results,
but they were not flawless. The sampler only
successfully encapsulated a volume of water 91%
of the time and leaked some of the sample upon
removal from the water. These flaws provide an
opportunity for students to further iterate on the
design by improving the trip mechanism and also
the material used for the end caps.

References
1. Decker C, Simmons K. Surface water sampling. Athens, Georgia: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Science and Ecosystem Support Division; 2013. Report nr SESDPROC-201-R3.
2. Surface water sampling: Field sampling guidance document. Richmond, California: U.S.EPA Region 9
Laboratory; 1999. Report nr 1225.
3. Kemka N. Phytoplankton of the yaounde municipal lake (cameroon): Ecological succession and
populations structure. Revue Des Sciences De l'Eau 2004;17(3):301-16.
4. Langley DG. Mercury methylation in an aquatic environment. Journal Water Pollution Control
Federation, Vol 45, no 1, p 44-51, January 1973.9 Fig, 3 Tab, 15 Ref. 1973 Jan 1973.
5. Klump JV, Paddock R, Lovalvo D. A multiple-loop, ROV controlled, in-situ water sampler. Journal of
Great Lakes Research 1992;18(2):309-16.