What sediment capture devices are available in the market?

Marine particulate matter records a lot of information about biological activities, physical and chemical processes during its formation, transformation, and deposition. Therefore, it is of great significance for the study of particulate matter flux, marine sedimentology, global change research, and marine environmental monitoring research. Early sediment capture devices could only sample settling particles within a single time period. To obtain samples with temporal resolution, multiple releases were required, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive. The time series sediment trap is a sampling device that sinks to a certain depth in water and automatically collects sediment particles according to a pre-set working program. The collected samples have both accurate time and quantity, as well as high time resolution, making it an important means of collecting marine sediment particles.

KUM, a German company, specializes in producing sediment traps and can provide various specifications such as 14 sample bottles, 21 sample bottles, and 41 sample bottles. All sediments are equipped with trap grid baffles as funnel covers and single-sided suspensions.

The equipment framework (as shown in Figure 1) is composed of an open frame structure, effectively reducing water flow resistance. The outer frame is approximately hexagonal and can be used in parallel with multiple capture devices (frames), or other sensors can be mounted on the frame.

The funnel (Figure 2) is used to collect sediment. The funnel cover is made of a hexagonal honeycomb mesh made of special materials, which ensures high water flow stability and reduces sediment loss during the collection process.

The control unit (Figure 3) includes a control cabin and a drive motor, located above the sampling turntable. Both have pressure chambers and are connected by underwater cables. The control unit can be easily installed and disassembled during use, making it convenient for programming, battery replacement, and maintenance of the equipment.

The main body of the sampling turntable (Figure 4) is a circular base plate. The sample bottles are arranged in a circular shape and fixed under the bottom plate. Drive the motor to rotate the sample bottles one by one to receive the samples below the bottom outlet of the funnel, while sealing the other bottles relative to the external medium.