Geotechnical sampling tools

A robust, simple corer that recovers intact sediment cores in almost any water depth, driven by gravity and a configurable weight stack. Penetration is tuned to the ground by adding or removing weights; a quick-release barrel system lets the crew swap barrels in under a minute between drops. A non-return valve retains both the barrel and the sample, creating a vacuum above the core while letting water escape on the way in, simple, safe operation with excellent recovery and a piston option where the ground demands it.

• Water depth – full ocean depth rating.
• Barrels – 1–12 m, in 1 m increments; two standard barrel sizes (≈84 mm and ≈106 mm sample diameter).
• Configurable weights – from ~40 kg up to ~500 kg to control penetration force.
• Construction – carbon steel, galvanised or powder-coated, with a stainless-steel option for long, trouble-free service.
• Consumables – shared with the vibration and piston corers in the range.
• Deployment – A-frame, crane or launch-and-recovery system; pairs with a drop trigger (below).

A simple, reliable mechanical trigger that releases a gravity corer at the seabed and re-arms rapidly between drops, the key to productive multi-sample coring runs. It releases when a trigger weight touches down, after which the corer is recovered on its line.

• Compatible – with all corer weights and barrel sizes.
• Configurable – for any barrel length and drop height.
• Construction – galvanised; ships on a standard pallet for easy mobilisation.

A family of grabs for sampling unconsolidated sediments and benthic fauna, from soft ooze to sand, gravel and small pebbles, in shallow water through to the deep ocean. Each is configured with ballast to suit the seabed and current; all are stainless or galvanised marine-grade, low-maintenance and deployable from an A-frame or crane.

• Centre-pivot (scoop) grab – a spring-driven bucket that rotates 180° on touchdown for a virtually undisturbed, enclosed sample; ~3L capacity, ~0.05 m² sample area. Suited to benthic and near-offshore sampling.
• Clamshell (twin-bucket) grab – lead-weighted jaws that close positively for secure recovery in shallow or deep water; a double-bucket configuration doubles throughput per deployment, with extra ballast for strong currents and hard seabeds. Deck stand and seabed-frame options available.
• Bulk / coarse-sediment grab – for bulk samples of sand and gravel and benthic macrofauna; interchangeable buckets (≈0.1 m² and ≈0.2 m²) and modular ballast, with a deck frame for easy on-deck retrieval.

The go-to tool for near-undisturbed sampling of deep, soft sediments in biological, chemical and geochemical work. Doors stay open during descent to minimise the bow-wave effect and yield the least-disturbed sample in their class; adjustable ballast and penetration limits stop over-penetration even in very fine sediment. A removable side panel exposes the intact sample for inspection before release, with drain plugs to draw off surface water and prevent wash-out.

• Sample sizes – 0.1 m², 0.25 m² and 0.5 m² standard; other sizes built to order.
• Penetration control – adjustable ballast and stops to prevent over-penetration.
• Construction – stainless steel; supplied on a deck stand for safe handling and sample retrieval.
• Mechanical trigger – deploys automatically on seabed touchdown.