The patented CME Continuous Sample Tube System is a sampling device that was developed to provide continuous sampling when drilling with hollow-stem augers. The specimen enters the sampler barrel as the augers are advanced. Drilling fluids or air are not required.

The CME Continuous Sample Tube System consists of a 3″ x 5 ‘ sample tube with a cutting shoe that extends below the auger cutter head. The sample tube is operated on a hexagonal shank-and-socket drill stem column. The shank-and-socket drill stems are connected through a bearing assembly to the drill rig feed system and to a stabilizer plate to positively prevent rotation of the sample tube with rotation of the hollow stem augers. The first drill stem in the column has an adjustable length for varying the amount the sampler protrudes below the auger cutter head.

The stabilization of the sample tube, the tube extension adjustments and the clearance ratio of the cutting shoe with the sample tube are all important to sample recovery and sample quality. Tube stabilization has proven to be very important in providing the most consistent and highest quality sample.

Both clear plastic liners and steel liners can be used inside the sample tube to retain the sample. The use of the clear plastic liners allows you to visually examine the sample in the field and yet keep it contained for transport to a lab and later testing. The clear plastic liners can be reused several times.

The CME Continuous Sample Tube System has been used very successfully on many projects for various purposes in a variety of soil types. With this sample system, very efficient continuous sampling can be performed to provide a complete soil profile. Obtaining 95 to 100 percent recovery is more the rule than the exception. The variety of materials that can be sampled include silt, clay, some granular soils, glacial till, coal, shale, mine tailings and others.

One type of project where the continuous sample is used extensively is environmental projects where chemical or radiological contamination is suspected. Most of these projects desire or require high quality continuous samples and this can be achieved very adequately with the continuous samplers.