Water sampler
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The SPH Engineering remote water sampling system is a drone-based system that takes water samples at long distances from the shore, where there is no boat or ship to reach the sampling point. HobiTech supplies it in India as an Official Partner of SPH Engineering.
System description
| Drone | DJI M300 RTK or DJI M600 Pro |
| Onboard computer | UgCS SkyHub, controls the water sampling process in a fully automatic mode |
| Altimeter | Radar altimeter for real-time altitude measurement and control of the descent to the sampling altitude |
| Water sampler | Ruttner water sampler |
| Sampler volume | 1 L (for DJI M300 RTK drone) or up to 5 L for heavy-lift drones |
| Ground control software | UgCS, to plan and control water sampling missions |
| System-specific component | Messenger release device |
Operation
| Sampling mode | Fully automatic |
| Practical distance | A few hundred metres |
| Technical limit | A few kilometres from the take-off position |
| Sampling depth | Set by the altitude to which the drone descends before the messenger release |
What is the drone water sampler used for?
Sensors that analyse water contamination, turbidity and similar values in situ are improving fast, but water sampling for later analysis in the laboratory will stay widespread in the foreseeable future. Traditional methods need direct access to the water body, and samples are gathered from the shore, a pier, a bridge or a boat. Without a boat or ship, taking samples at some distance from the bank is impossible.
A remote sampling system based on a drone solves that problem. Its main benefit is taking 1 L water samples at far distances from the bank or from water access points such as piers and bridges, when there is no boat or ship to reach the sampling location. It can also take samples from dangerous or contaminated waters, and where there is no access to the water body.
What does the system include?
The system combines well-known and proven components:
- A DJI M300 RTK or DJI M600 Pro drone.
- The UgCS SkyHub onboard computer, which controls the water sampling process in a fully automatic mode.
- A radar altimeter for real-time altitude measurement on the flight to the sampling location, and to control the descent to the altitude needed to take a sample from a set depth.
- A Ruttner water sampler with a volume of 1 L (for the DJI M300 RTK drone) or up to 5 L for heavy-lift drones.
- UgCS ground control software to plan and control water sampling missions.
The only component developed for this system is the messenger release device.
How does automated water sampling work?
- The drone flies in automatic mode to a set location.
- It descends to the required altitude.
- It releases the messenger to fill the sampler.
- It then ascends and delivers the sample to a set location.
The sample is taken exactly at the specified point. You choose the sampling depth by setting the altitude to which the drone descends before the messenger release.
How far from the shore can it sample?
The practical distance is a few hundred metres. The technical limit is a few kilometres from the take-off position, as the drone flies and takes the sample in a fully automatic mode.
Why buy the water sampler from HobiTech?
HobiTech is an Official Partner of SPH Engineering based in Bengaluru, India. Every order comes with a GST invoice, and our local team supports the sampler, the drone and the software. SPH training courses, including UgCS training, are also available. Read more on our SPH Engineering page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sampler does the system use?
A Ruttner water sampler, with a volume of 1 L for the DJI M300 RTK drone or up to 5 L for heavy-lift drones.
Which drones does the system use?
A DJI M300 RTK or a DJI M600 Pro.
Is sampling fully automatic?
Yes. The drone flies to a set location, descends to the required altitude, releases the messenger to fill the sampler, then ascends and delivers the sample to a set location. SkyHub controls the process and UgCS plans and controls the mission.
How far from the shore can it take a sample?
A few hundred metres in practice. The technical limit is a few kilometres from the take-off position.
Can I take a sample from a set depth?
Yes. You set the altitude to which the drone descends before the messenger release, and the radar altimeter controls the descent.
How do I buy the water sampler in India?
Use Request a quote on this page, or call HobiTech on +91 70225 26509. We confirm the price and configuration, and every order comes with a GST invoice.