Sampler, BM-54

HIF/FISP Part # 4103004

The US BM-54 is a cable-suspended bed-material sampler. It is used to collect sand and gravel samples from the bed of a stream, lake, or a reservoir. Penetration into the bed material is approximately 2 in.

The US BM-54 is 22 in long and weighs 100 lbs. The body of the sampler is made of cast iron. The spring-loaded sampling bucket accommodates approximately 18 in³ (300 cm³) of material. Tension on the cable suspension line allows the bucket to be cocked in the open position by means of a wrench. Once the bucket is fully retracted within the bodshell of the sampler, it is ready to take a sample. To collect a bed-material sample, the sampler is lowered by reel until it rests on the bottom of the stream. Once the tension on the cable is reduced to a specified amount, the spring-loaded cocking device will release the bucket mechanism. The rapidly closing bucket penetrates the streambed and completely encloses a sample of the bed material. Gaskets prevent loss or contaminatiof the trapped sample. Once the sampler is raised to the surface, the bed material samplcan be transferred to a container. HIF Repairable.

Where and how the sampler is deployed in the field is as important as the fundamental design of the sampler. Additional information about how to properly use this sampler can be found in the following references:

Edwards, T.K., and Glysson, G.D., 1999, Field Methods for Measurement of Fluvial Sediment: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water Resources Investigations, book 3 chapter C2, 89 p.