Soil Vapour Surveys are normally used to determine gas
presence before drilling on various types of site including,
Petroleum service stations, Chemical plants, and along Pipe
lines etc.
SVS are normally undertaken by drilling holes into the
ground to allow a gas monitor to take readings of any gas
traces that are present. Small diameter holes usually (16mm-25
mm diameter) are drilled through soils and weak rock, including
clays, silts, sands, gravels and chalk. This is primarily
used for shallow site investigations to a maximum depth
of 450 mm. In practice, the actual depth achieved is dependent
on local ground conditions and underground services.
Method & Reinstatement
A Hilti or similar industrial drill is used to drill a
hole powered from an 110v generator. This enables hard surfaces
to be cored prior to sampling or testing the ground underneath.
When sampling on soil a spike bar can be used instead.
The hole is reinstated with a grout, cement or tarmac
plug dependent on the finish that has been drilled.
On pipeline routes, highways etc. or over large areas
the unit can be mobilized rapidly between different hole
locations by using a van (fitted with flashing beacons &
chevrons) to carry the generator and drill.
