Upstream Technologies MPD Infiltrometer, automates the MPD
ASTM STANDARD D8152 for calculating Field Hydraulic Conductivity (Ksat).
By automating this standard, human error is removed and since the calculations and report generation are fully automated by software,
summer interns and technicians can easily perform these tests in the field, (Engineer not required).
Because it is a falling head test, it requires
much less water (only 3 liters per test) and can be performed in a fraction of the time required for other methods.
This allows more tests to be conducted to account for soil and ground variability,
producing a site-wide average of all tests.
Having a site-specific Ksat value improves the design of infiltration practices, allows
verification of construction of these practices, and provides hard data for required annual inspections.
This method replaces the double ring infiltrometer test for saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat),
for design and monitoring of stormwater infiltration practices.
Economics
MPD Infiltrometer
Double Ring Infiltrometer
Test Time: 30 to 60 Minutes
Test time: 4 to 6 hours
Under 1 gallon of water
Hundreds of gallons of water required
Automated
Manual - Labor Intensive
Any person can operate
Requires a Licensed Engineer
As low as $15 per test
$1,000+ per test
Average multiple tests per site
Single data point for entire site
All data collection and mathematical processing performed automatically
ASTM Standard D8152 defines the methodology for performing a manual MPD test. This method is in the Public Domain.
Upstream Technologies has automated this ASTM standard allowing anyone to perform this test.
Upstream Technogies has patented this automation. U.S. Patent #10,739,242
Engineers
Use the MPD infiltrometer to provide a site-specific Ksat for design of infiltration practices.
No more relying on vague ranges provided by soil surveys! Also use it to quickly verify the construction
of these practices before authorizing payment to the contractor.
Public Works
Perform annual Ksat tests on all of your agencies rain gardens, infiltration basins, and swales.
Easily monitor any changes in infiltration capability over time.
History
The MPD methodology and calculations have a long history dating back to 1911 with the
Green-Ampt theory for estimating infiltration, which incorporates many variables that other methods,
such as Darcy's Law, do not. Some of these variables include: Soil Suction Head, Porosity, Hydraulic Conductivity and Time.
Two men, Philip & Dunne, then furthered this research and developed a methodology that incorporated the
use of a cylinder, filled with water and measured head drop over time. The subsequent math equations incorporate the
Green-Ampt theory
to predict the field saturated (or steady state) infiltration rate, also known as Hydraulic Conductivity.
Philip and Dunne published their methodology in 1993 for peer review.
The University of Minnesota modified Philip & Dunne's work with a variation to the equation in 2007,
renaming the method: Modified Philip Dunne or (MPD). This method has been peer reviewed and
vetted in the world-wide academic and scientific communities since 2007, becoming an
ASTM STANDARD D8152 in 2018.
