Intelligent Fully Automatic 4‑gang Variable Head Permeameter
Description
The BTU-CVP-4 intelligent fully automatic 4-gang variable head
permeameter is a laboratory apparatus used to determine the
permeability coefficient of sandy soils or soil‑aggregate mixtures.
It features a 4-gang structure allowing simultaneous variable head
permeability tests on four soil specimens. The instrument includes
a built‑in multi‑channel data acquisition unit and dedicated
post-processing software for automated data collection and
analysis.
Test Standards
l ASTM D2434(Standard test method for permeability of granular
soils)
l ASTM D5084(Standard test methods for measurement of hydraulic
conductivity of soils using variable head)
l ISO 17892-11(Geotechnical laboratory testing- Determination of
permeability)
l GB/T 50123-2019(Standard for geotechnical testing method-
Variable head permeability section)
Specification
| Item | Parameter |
| Structure | 4-gang (4 independent channels) |
| Specimen diameter | 100 mm |
| Specimen height (flow path) | 100 mm |
| Head range | 0- 600 mm |
| Head resolution | 1 mm |
| Head accuracy | ±0.3% of full scale |
| Applicable materials | Sandy soils or aggregate mixtures |
| Data acquisition | Built-in multi-channel unit, simultaneous acquisition of 4 channels |
| Software | Dedicated post-processing software |
| Water supply tank capacity | Approx. 2 L (automatic refill by micro pump) |
| Water level measuring tubes | Two sets of acrylic tubes, 20 mm diameter |
| Valve configuration | 3-way 2-position ball valve + hand‑tightened reaction device
(prevents particle loss) |
Detail
l Permeability cell: Includes cell, cell base, upper pressure piston, fixing bracket,
etc.
l Anti-particle loss design: The base is equipped with a 3-way 2-position ball valve and a
hand‑tightened reaction device to prevent loss of coarse particles
during testing.
l Water supply system: A micro pump automatically fills the 2 L water tank to maintain a
stable head.
l Water level measuring panel: Two sets of acrylic water level tubes (20 mm diameter) allow
clear reading of head height (0-600 mm).
l Automated data acquisition: Built-in multi-channel acquisition unit simultaneously records
permeability data from 4 channels, reducing manual errors.
l Post-processing software: Dedicated software for data management, permeability coefficient
calculation, and report generation.
Application
- Determination of permeability coefficients of sandy soils and
gravel‑sand mixtures
- Permeability studies for earth dams, roadbeds, embankments, and
other engineering structures
- Evaluation of seepage characteristics of coarse‑grained soils used
as fill materials
- Teaching and research in university geotechnical laboratories
- Obtaining permeability parameters in geotechnical site
investigations
Advantages
l 4-gang high efficiency: Tests up to 4 specimens simultaneously, greatly improving testing
throughput – ideal for batch testing.
l Suitable for coarse-grained soils: Specifically designed for sandy soils and mixtures, overcoming
clogging or particle loss issues common in conventional
permeameters.
l High-precision head measurement: 1 mm resolution, ±0.3% FS accuracy ensures reliable data.
l Highly automated: Built‑in acquisition unit + software for real‑time head
monitoring and automatic k‑value calculation.
l Anti-loss design: Hand-tightened reaction device and 3‑way ball valve effectively
prevent fine particles from being washed away.
l Large specimen size: Φ100mm* 100mm specimen provides a more representative sample for
coarse‑grained soils.
What To Choose
| Requirement | Recommendation |
| Multiple sandy soil specimens need simultaneous testing | 4-gang structure- tests 4 samples in one run |
| Coarse-grained or gravelly soils | Anti-particle loss design; dedicated structure prevents clogging
and fines loss |
| Automation and data accuracy required | Built-in acquisition unit + software reduces human error and
automatically calculates k-value |
| University or laboratory batch testing | High efficiency, stable performance-suitable for teaching and
production testing |
| Need clear visual observation of head | Acrylic water level tubes allow direct reading while the system
automatically records |
Process Flow
l Specimen preparation: Prepare a Φ100mm × 100mm sandy soil or mixture specimen according
to standard procedures.
l Specimen installation: Place the specimen into the permeability cell, ensuring a good
seal with no side leakage.
l System connection: Connect the water level tubes, water supply tank, 3‑way valve,
and data acquisition unit.
l Saturation and degassing: Saturate the specimen using the water supply system and remove
air bubbles from the lines.
l Set initial head: Set the initial water head height (within 0–600 mm range).
l Start test: Activate the pump to maintain head; the acquisition unit
automatically records water level vs. time for all 4 channels.
l Calculate permeability coefficient: The software automatically computes the permeability coefficient
for each specimen using the variable head formula.
l Generate report: Produce a test report including head‑time curves and permeability
coefficient results.
