Water Sampling

Drone water samplers for lakes, tailings ponds and hard-to-reach water bodies — collect samples without a boat or a crew.

SPH Engineering's remote water sampling system flies a Ruttner sampler out to the sampling point, lowers it to a set depth and brings the sample back for laboratory analysis. In India it suits water utilities, irrigation and water-resources departments, mining companies monitoring tailings ponds, environmental consultants and research labs.

How to choose a drone water sampling system

• Sample volume and drone: the drone water sampler collects 1 L on a DJI M300 RTK and up to 5 L on heavy-lift drones; SPH Engineering also lists the DJI M600 Pro.
• Mount: the sampler hangs below the aircraft on a universal heavy-payload mount for DJI M350/M300 RTK or the version for DJI M400.
• Control and depth: the SkyHub onboard computer runs the sampling fully automatically, with a radar altimeter controlling the descent and a messenger release closing the sampler.
• Mission planning: sampling missions are planned and flown in UgCS.

Need river level or flow data as well? See hydrology and water sampling payloads.

Frequently asked questions

How far from the shore can the drone take a sample?

SPH Engineering gives a practical distance of a few hundred metres, with a technical limit of a few kilometres from the take-off point.

How is the sampling depth set?

By the height the drone descends to before the messenger is released. The radar altimeter gives SkyHub a real-time altitude to control that descent.

What is in a typical system?

A compatible drone, SkyHub, a radar altimeter, the Ruttner sampler with its messenger release device, a heavy-payload mount and UgCS for planning. We confirm the exact parts for your drone.

What does it cost, and how long does delivery take?

The system is quoted per configuration, because the drone, mount and software change the total. Ask for the current lead time with your quote.

Is training available?

Yes. SPH Engineering's UgCS courses are available through HobiTech, priced on request; see Training & Certification.