The KSAT is an instrument that measures the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) of soil samples. Hydraulic conductivity—the rate at which water flows through soil—is a key component in most models that simulate water flow, solute transport, and runoff.

The KSAT measures saturated hydraulic conductivity. Its companion instrument, the HYPROP, measures unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Both instruments are designed and built by German instrument maker UMS.

The KSAT offers:

• Completely integrated package – unlike typical apparatus for measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity, the KSAT comes with everything you need to make a measurement. You can set it up right out of the box.

• Small footprint—Full integration allows the KSAT to use minimal bench space.

• Automation-no timing outflow, weighing beakers, or making judgment calls.

• Better data—dramatically improves accuracy by reducing human error.

• Both Constant and Falling Head methods.

• Easy-to-use software—performs all calculations and makes temperatue corrections based on the viscosity of water.

• Compatibility with HYPROP—use the same sample for saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity measurements.

• Wide Range—measure conductivities from 10,000 - 0.1 cm/d.

• Based on the inversion of Darcy’s Law.

• Complies with DIN 19683-9 and DIN 18130-1.

Fully Integrated Way to Measure Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity

• Saturated vs. Unsaturated

• Accurate

• Removes Human Error

• Directly Calculates Ksat

• Temperature Corrections

Designed for Routine Lab Measurements

Unlike traditional instruments that measure saturated hydraulic conductivity, the KSAT is a fully integrated, precision- engineered instrument. All connections are well-designed and fully tested. All pieces work with the software to automate KSAT measurements.

Data Goes Straight to Computer

• KSAT connects to a computer via USB. Easy to use software reads KSAT values and stores the data automatically on your computer.

• Switch Easily Between Constant and Falling Head

Get More Data from the Same Sample

• Uses HYPROP-Compatible Sampling Ring

How to Run a Typical Test

• Connect the KSAT to your computer via USB.

• Fill the instrument with water and set the zero point in the software.

• Place the soil sample in the instrument.

• Determine which method (constant or falling head) you wish to use and connect the appropriate attachment.

• For falling head, fill the burette to a pre-selected pressure head. Select "falling head" and enter a sample name. Open the burette cock quickly. The software will automatically start measurements and will determine when the measurement is complete (typically within seconds to minutes for high conductivity soils and up to 24 hours for very low conductivity substrates such as unstructured clays). 

• For constant head, fill the burette with up to 20 cm of water and push the constant head to the pressure head you would like to maintain (eg., 5 cm). Select "constant head" and enter a sample name and water column levels you are going to read. Click "start measurement" and open the burette cock quickly. Click on screen when the water column passes the selected levels.