SAIL HERO SSGeosub2 Portable DC-Powered Submersible Low-Flow Sampling Pump

Overview

The SAIL HERO SSGeosub2 is a portable, direct-current (DC)-powered submersible pump engineered specifically for low-flow groundwater sampling in compliance with U.S. EPA Method 400.0, ASTM D5092-22, and ISO 5667-3:2018 standards. It operates on the principle of positive displacement using a single-stage impeller design, enabling precise, low-turbulence withdrawal of water from monitoring wells without inducing significant aquifer disturbance. Unlike high-flow peristaltic or vacuum-based systems, the SSGeosub2 maintains laminar flow conditions at rates as low as 100 mL/min—critical for minimizing drawdown, preserving in-situ geochemical equilibrium, and reducing turbidity during purge-and-sample protocols. Its stainless-steel construction ensures corrosion resistance in aggressive aqueous environments, including those with elevated chloride, sulfide, or low-pH constituents commonly encountered in contaminated site investigations and long-term hydrogeological monitoring networks.

Key Features

• Stainless-steel pump head and housing for durability in chemically variable groundwater matrices
• Digitally controlled variable flow rate (100–2500 mL/min), adjustable in real time via integrated push-button interface
• Onboard microprocessor stores well-specific parameters—including target flow rate, purge duration, and depth—enabling repeatable, operator-independent sampling sequences
• Digital LCD display provides immediate feedback on operational status, battery level, flow output, and error codes
• Short-circuit and thermal overload protection circuits ensure safe operation under field-deployed electrical conditions
• Compact form factor (4.5 cm diameter, 2 kg head weight) facilitates deployment in narrow-diameter wells (≥5 cm ID) and reduces logistical burden during multi-well campaigns
• Flexible power compatibility: accepts both AC line power (100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) and DC sources (12–24 VDC), supporting extended off-grid operation with external battery packs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SSGeosub2 is validated for use with standard polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and fluoropolymer (e.g., PTFE, FEP) sample tubing, minimizing analyte adsorption or leaching for trace metal, VOC, and nutrient analyses. Its low-flow capability aligns with regulatory guidance requiring minimal wellbore mixing—particularly essential for volatile organic compound (VOC) sampling per EPA Method 502.2 and dissolved gas profiling. The pump meets mechanical requirements for GLP-compliant field operations, and its programmable memory supports audit-ready documentation when paired with certified field logs. While not intrinsically rated for Class I, Division 1 hazardous locations, it is routinely deployed in non-explosive subsurface environments under OSHA 1910.120 and EU Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX) Category 3G assessment protocols.

Software & Data Management

Although the SSGeosub2 operates as a standalone hardware system without cloud connectivity, its embedded firmware supports full traceability through non-volatile parameter storage. Each well configuration—including flow setpoint, total runtime, and cumulative volume—is retained across power cycles and can be manually transcribed into LIMS-compatible electronic field notebooks (e.g., ESRI Field Maps, Fulcrum, or LabWare LIMS). When used in conjunction with calibrated flow meters (e.g., Gilson MiniPlus or Sierra Instruments QuadraTherm), the system satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when combined with procedural controls such as dual-operator verification and timestamped digital log entries.

Applications

• Regulatory-compliant low-flow groundwater sampling for VOCs, SVOCs, metals, and nutrients
• Pre-sampling well purging to achieve chemical stabilization per EPA guidance
• Time-series monitoring in confined aquifers where hydraulic head preservation is critical
• Installation in permanent monitoring wells equipped with dedicated riser pipes and drop-tube assemblies
• Mobile laboratory deployments requiring rapid setup, minimal footprint, and battery-backed operation
• Academic and consulting hydrogeology studies involving spatially dense well networks

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended submersion depth for the SSGeosub2 pump head?
The standard pump head is rated for continuous operation at depths up to 60 meters. Deeper deployment requires optional drop-pipe accessories and pressure-rated cable termination; consult technical support for site-specific hydrostatic validation.
Can the SSGeosub2 be used for sampling seawater or brackish groundwater?
Yes—the stainless-steel wetted components are suitable for saline matrices, though prolonged exposure to >3.5% salinity may require more frequent maintenance and inspection for crevice corrosion.
Does the controller support automated start/stop sequencing based on flow or volume thresholds?
No—operation is manually initiated and terminated; however, the stored well parameters allow consistent manual replication of prior sampling configurations.
Is calibration documentation provided with the unit?
The pump is supplied with a factory test report verifying flow linearity across the 100–2500 mL/min range using NIST-traceable rotameters; field recalibration is recommended annually or after 500 operational hours.
How is data integrity ensured during extended battery-powered operation?
All parameter settings are retained in EEPROM memory, unaffected by power loss; no volatile RAM is used for critical configuration storage.