E.S.I. Environmental Sensors Inc.
E.S.I. Environmental Sensors Inc. is an established
environmental technology company based in Victoria, British
Columbia. The Company's principal focus has been the
development, manufacture and marketing of environmental
instruments. The company is broadening its scope of operations
to provide systems based solutions for soil and water
management. ESI is currently organized around its moisture monitoring technology.
Moisture Infiltration Monitoring Division
1. GRO.POINT is a rugged, portable, and easy to use product line
that is specifically designed so that farmers and commercial
growers can optimize irrigation programs. This in turn
maximizes yield and crop quality, saving water, energy and
improving farm profitability. ESI has established a subsidiary
in California and hired a highly experienced Product Manager to
better serve the agricultural market in the United States and
Mexico.
GRO.POINT is currently being integrated into a line of state-of-
the-art irrigation control systems so that the operator may
manage crop irrigation manually, or select options leading to a
fully automated system.
2. MOISTURE.POINT is an award winning soil moisture monitoring
system using a patented TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry)
technology. MOISTURE.POINT is unique in that it provides
simultaneous and extremely precise monitoring of moisture levels
at up to seven different depths with a single probe. No other
instrument can make this claim, and there are MOISTURE.POINT
systems operating in over 30 countries around the world.
Applications where these systems are being used include:
* Landfills, remediated and hazardous waste sites, roadways,
farms, and airports, are major sources of groundwater
contamination. MOISTURE.POINT systems are used to monitor
moisture levels and their role in the transport of toxins into
water systems such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers.
* Floods, water-borne erosion, and landslides, cause major
disruptions around the world. MOISTURE.POINT systems are being
used in several countries for, determining riverbank stability,
and monitoring slopes prone to landslides.
* Forestry is evolving from simply cutting down trees, to
dynamic management of a renewable resource. MOISTURE.POINT
systems are being used by both scientific organizations to
enhance the existing knowledge base on tree-growth and watershed
management, and by forestry companies who wish to grow tree
seedlings in the most efficient manner possible. Commercial
interests also use MOISTURE.POINT to determine a forests lumber
production potential, by monitoring water take-up and
subsequent tree growth rates.
On-going Research and Development
ESI is working with a government agency, and two multinational
oil companies to develop a new instrument that measures to a
high degree of accuracy the water cut of a producing oil well.
This device, which uses a proprietary technology exclusive to
the Company, has the potential to be installed in a significant
number of the worlds oil wells, and in pipelines. Development
is advancing rapidly, with field-testing in progress during the
spring and summer of 1999. This product, when brought to
market, should significantly reduce the production cost to take
oil from the ground, as well as identifying the point at which
an oil well becomes uneconomic, and should be shut down.
ESIs proprietary technology is also being used in the
development of another product in co-operation with Canadas
Federal Department of Agriculture. There is a defined and
recognized international need for an instrument that
simultaneously measures soil moisture, density and soil depth.
The product, known as a cone penetrometer, has been developed
under a joint venture agreement, with the Department carrying
almost all of the financial expenditure to date. Very
significant interest has already been indicated by over forty
international organizations in purchasing a cone penetrometer as
soon as it is available. Target unit selling price is $10,000.
Research papers using data collected with the instrument have
been presented at international symposia on soil science.
ConnectIT-1997
Company Details
Year Established:
1973
Total Sales ($CDN):
$1,000,000 - $5,000,000
Number of Employees:
20
Company Information
Pierre Ballester
Title:
Sales & Marketing
Area of Responsibility:
Export Sales & Marketing
Telephone:
(250) 479-6588
Fax:
(250) 479-1412
Email:
Click Here
Deborah Mantell
Title:
Admin/Exec Assistant
Area of Responsibility:
Administrative Services, Finance/Accounting
Telephone:
(250) 479-6588
Fax:
(250) 479-1412
Email:
Click Here
Gail Gabel
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Area of Responsibility:
Management Executive
Telephone:
(250) 479-6588
Fax:
(250) 479-1412
Email:
Click Here
Products
Landfill Monitoring And Site Remediation
Soil Moisture Monitoring Equipment For Civil Engineers
Engineers, hydrologists and geologists require detailed moisture
content data to properly evaluate soil stability.
MOISTURE.POINT monitoring systems enable these professionals to
analyze soil conditions with a high degree of accuracy, and make
their recommendations with confidence.
Current applications of MOISTURE.POINT in the Civil Engineering
field include:
* Development and design of water resources and irrigation
drainage systems;
* Moisture monitoring under structures;
* Moisture monitoring in earth-filled dams;
* Disaster prediction research related to topographical changes;
* Analysis of sand arrestation and coastline protection/erosion;
* Analysis of changeable water flow affected by melting snow;
* Determination of water penetration and evaporation from soils;
* Moisture monitoring in cement and cement building materials.
MOISTURE.POINT's primary advantages are:
* Installation of the system is simple, inexpensive, and with
minimal site disturbance - no site excavation work is required,
and data obtained represents an accurate reflection of the
surrounding soil.
* The system is extremely durable - even for extended periods of
time under the worst climatic conditions.
* MOISTURE.POINT data is easily collected on-site or remotely
using conventional acquisition techniques and communications
methods (including cellular). MOISTURE.POINT systems include a
standard RS232 port for access to raw data, waveform display and
system settings via personal computer.
Following is a selection of typical MOISTURE.POINT applications
in the field of civil engineering.
Airport Groundwater Monitoring
Gardermoen Airport, Norway
Norway's use of MOISTURE.POINT may be significant first step to
international information transfer on protection of groundwater
resources.
http://www.esica.com/products/moisture/apps/air-app.htm
MOISTURE.POINT systems are being used at the new Gardermoen
Airport in Norway as part of a national study designed to
provide a model of pollutant transportation and establish
remedial actions against spreading of pollutants from the
airport to the groundwater.
Since the airport is situated on top of Norway's only clean
underground freshwater aquifer, it is critical to understand the
environmental impacts of the new airport on the subsurface. The
surrounding land has diagonal soil layers comprised of different
materials, with an approximate slope of 15 degrees. This slope
could result in flow rates that significantly differ from the
water infiltration models they had previously devised. The
MOISTURE.POINT multiplexed system was installed to validate
the flow models that have been designed, and to better
understand the impact of potential airport-related groundwater
contaminants.
The Gardermoen Project is part of an extensive national project
to increase understanding of how contaminants are bound and
degraded in soil and groundwater, and thus to understand and
predict their behaviour and spread. The study is also looking at
the effects of contaminants on the natural processes in the soil
and at the interaction with global biogeochemical cycles. The
objective of the program is to further strengthen Norwegian
expertise in contaminant hydrogeology. This expertise will
enable Norwegians to supply industry and governmental agencies
around the world with knowledge to develop new technologies and
guidelines to protect groundwater resources and remediate
contaminated soil and aquifers.
Heavy Vehicle Traffic
Puerto Rico and Vicksburg, Mississippi
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Waterways Experimental
Station in Vicksburg, Mississippi is developing a soil moisture
chart for heavy vehicle operators. The chart will indicate how
much precipitation the soil can withstand before vehicles cannot
be driven across the surface and how long after the
precipitation before vehicles can be driven again. The study
includes monitoring of soil moisture, soil strength, and
precipitation events for a variety of soil types.
Two MOISTURE.POINT instruments and Type K profiling probes (4
x 6) are being used. Phase I of the project was conducted in
Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has diverse topography, soil types and
micro-climatic regions, all within close geographic proximity,
making it an ideal location for this type of study. Soil
moisture, weather station and soil strength data were collected
from February until June of 1997. The MOISTURE.POINT system
provided excellent results.
In August 1997, the experiment was moved to Vicksburg,
Mississippi, where the soil moisture, weather station and soil
compaction data from Puerto Rico was also being analyzed.
Throughout the remainder of the summer and fall, the study
looked at the relationship between heavy vehicle traffic and
soil moisture in a variety of sand, silt and silty loam soils
along the banks of the Mississippi River.
Road Monitoring
Tennessee, U.S.A.
Researchers in the Agricultural Engineering and Civil
Engineering Departments of an American University are using
MOISTURE.POINT to monitor substrate water content below
asphaltic concrete pavement. The objective of the research is to
demonstrate the seasonal variation in water content and
temperature in pavement substrates, and to measure the effects
of these variations on pavement performance. Three test sites
have been selected for this study, representing the range of
environmental and geotechnical conditions that exist across
Tennessee.
MOISTURE.POINT profiling probes have been placed horizontally
in the soil substrate, stone substrate and asphalt stabilized
base layer beneath the outer wheel path of the roadway. The
installation was done from a trench constructed in the shoulder
of the road. These profiling probes will allow monitoring of a
wetting front moving horizontally in the substrate.
MOISTURE.POINT single segment probes have been placed in the
asphaltic concrete, installed during construction, before the
material cooled.
At each site, rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, wind
speed, and solar radiation will be monitored. Temperature
sensors have been placed in the asphalt concrete through a core
hole. Non-destructive Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) tests
will be periodically performed at each site to correlate
pavement performance with environmental conditions. This will
permit direct observation of the effects of substrate water
content variations on pavement performance.
A MOISTURE.POINT multiplexed datalogging system has been
installed in a metal enclosure inside a concrete vault outside
the roadway shoulder at each site. The system will collect data
from the probes, substrate and pavement temperature sensors,
rainfall tipping buckets and other climatological sensors.
Atmospheric Research
Kansas, U.S.A.
The Argonne Boundary Layer Experiment (ABLE) is a new research
initiative devoted to addressing a myriad of unresolved
fundamental questions in atmospheric research. The initial focus
of ABLE will be measurements of the planetary boundary layer
where most interactions between the atmosphere and humans take
place. Many important scientific issues are being addressed
including natural disaster reduction, public safety, and water
resource management.
MOISTURE.POINT is being used in one study to better understand
the relationship between soil moisture, soil hydraulic processes
and precipitation length scales. A total of 16 sites will be
monitored using MOISTURE.POINT five-segment profiling probes
in the Towanda Sub-basin of Kansas. Spacing between the probes
will be approximately 10m along a transect to obtain a two-
dimensional representation of soil/water dynamics. The full
installation will be composed of two eight-probe transects
placed in a cross pattern.
Temperature measurements will be made at three depths in the
proximity of each probe to be used primarily for temperature
corrections. Remote access to the automated system will be
provided through the use of a cellular telephone modem link to
allow for data retrieval and continuous site monitoring. Rain
gauges will be installed to record date and time of each
precipitation event.
MOISTURE.POINT was selected for this study by researchers from
Oregon State University because two similar systems had already
been successfully deployed in the Boreal Ecosystem and
Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) to monitor soil moisture.
MOISTURE.POINT was selected to provide the moisture measurement
data for these studies because of its unique features, including
profiling of moisture at different depths with minimal soil
disturbance; easy installation and relocation; and performance
in different soil types.
Agriculture, Silviculture, And Soil Moisture Management
MOISTURE.POINT offers its users the unique ability to
accurately measure horizontal and vertical soil moisture
profiles - with virtually no disturbance to existing soil
horizons.
In the fields of agriculture, silviculture and irrigation,
MOISTURE.POINT has numerous possible applications, including:
* Determining correlations between soil moisture and other
environmental variables on plant growth;
* Accurately differentiating the moisture requirements between
plant species;
* Determining irrigation routines that provide an optimal root
environment for balanced plant growth;
* Determining irrigation routines that maximize water
conservation.
* Analyzing the distribution effectiveness of irrigation
systems;
Below is a selection of typical MoisturePoint applications in
agriculture, silviculture, and irrigation.
1. Agriculture
MOISTURE.POINT systems make it possible to conduct innovative
and valuable agricultural research around the world.
http://www.esica.com/products/moisture/apps/agri-app.htm
In each of the following applications, MOISTURE.POINT offers
researchers the unique ability to monitor a vertical soil
moisture profile. This can be accomplished with virtually no
disturbance to existing soil horizons and, with an unparalleled
degree of resolution in TDR-based data collection.
Microspray Irrigation Management Study
USDA-ARS, California
Researchers are studying the effects of a microspray irrigation
system on soil moisture distribution near large walnut tree root
systems, versus in open areas. The correlation between soil
moisture levels, soil pests and their control is also being
studied. The trial is being replicated over five years in order
to evaluate the long term impacts and the success of this
irrigation management technique.
The flexibility and ease of installation of the MOISTURE.POINT
system has allowed researchers to obtain moisture level
information in and around large root systems, providing accurate
data collection in confined areas.
Study of Impact of Greenhouse Effect on Water Availability
Department of Geography, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Researchers in Switzerland are currently studying the impact of
the greenhouse effect on water availability for plants.
MOISTURE.POINT systems are being used to measure soil moisture
data for this study. Fifty one-square-metre cells with one-third
of metre Plexiglas walls and a lid have been positioned on a
steep slope with a southern exposure. Inside each cell, the
atmosphere is artificially augmented with C02 delivered through
a perforated conduit system. This artificial atmosphere is
designed to emulate the atmosphere a few decades from now, based
on the current C02 rate of increase.
The cells are equipped with C02, 02 and temperature sensors. A
circular antenna laid on the soil in each cell emits a frequency
that brings earthworms to the surface. Counting the worms in
each cell permits an assessment of the biological activity of
the soil.
Until recently, the study did not include accurate soil moisture
data as the researchers had been unable to find probes suitable
to this application. To be effective, the probes had to be
installed in the soil to a depth of one metre without causing
major disruption to the soil structure. Also, the probes had to
be installed with little available surface area given the
existing suite of sensors. MOISTURE.POINT was selected for its
unique ability to meet these requirements.
Assessment of Water Retention of Farm Fields under Varying
Tillage Techniques
Charlottetown Research Centre (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
At this facility, researchers are using MOISTURE.POINT to
assess the water retention characteristics of farm fields under
varying tillage techniques, with a focus on conservation
tillage. This technique allows the residual mulch from potato
plants to remain in the top soil layer, which is believed to
reduce evapo-transpirative loss. At the same time, it is
theorized that conservation tillage facilitates rapid water
infiltration during irrigation or precipitation events.
2. Silviculture
MOISTURE.POINT makes it possible to increase growth and yield,
while saving on water, power and fertilizer.
http://www.esica.com/products/moisture/apps/silv-app.htm
Tree nurseries are increasingly using new techniques, such as
large potted seedlings and air-slit containers, in their effort
to cultivate strong, healthy plants with well-developed root
structures. Although it has been proven that irrigation
techniques play a critical role in seedling physiology,
traditional approaches to determining seasonal soil water
requirements during the growth period have been typically
qualitative. There has not been a quick, accurate means of
measuring the water content in the potting medium (comprised of
peat, vermiculite and sand)...until the development of
MOISTURE.POINT. This is the first system to provide routine,
precise volumetric moisture monitoring capability in a broad
range of soils, including peat and other porous media used in
greenhouse cultivation.
MOISTURE.POINT provides the empirical data necessary for
greenhouse specialists to establish effective irrigation
routines that optimize growth and yield in their nursery.
Greenhouse specialists can monitor water content of their soils
in 'real-time', and irrigation can easily designed to
accommodate seasonal conditions, tree species and planting media
variations.
Measuring Moisture Content in Peat Substrates
Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources, Canada
A recent study was undertaken by the Quebec Ministry of Natural
Resources in which water content was measured three times per
week, using 24 probes in peat substrates within the tree
production greenhouses. The MOISTURE.POINT system was used to
determine moisture levels in several small containers by
arranging one long single-diode probe to pass through several of
the containers. MoisturePoint provided reliable measurement of
water content in peat and vermiculite potting mixes with an
average accuracy of better than 3%, reproducible from week to
week. As well, ministry greenhouse staff were able to maintain
preset moisture levels.
3. Irrigation
Successful use of MOISTURE.POINT in raspberry farming allows
for accurate scheduling of irrigation and saves 10 percent in
watering costs for the season.
http://www.esica.com/products/moisture/apps/irig-app.htm
MOISTURE.POINT systems were installed in established raspberry
fields near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The region has
an annual moisture deficit of approximately 432-mm per growing
season and raspberries must be irrigated to achieve optimum
production.
The farm currently has two types of irrigation systems - a hand-
moved sprinkler system in one field and a trickle system in a
second field. Moisture monitoring equipment was used in both
fields to determine the effectiveness of the irrigation to
develop new watering schedules to save water.
One probe was installed in the sprinkler-irrigated field in the
row line of the raspberry plants. In the trickle irrigated
field, two probes were installed, one in the row midway between
two point-source emitters and the other probe between the
raspberry rows, approximately 1.5 metres from the emitters.
The moisture data were recorded along with the time of day and
weather conditions. Initially, readings were taken at three-to
four-day intervals and then at closer intervals near sprinkler
irrigation times.
The sprinkler irrigation system was initially operated on a
timed schedule that was independent of soil moisture levels.
After the first two cycles of operation, the maximum soil
moisture levels for different depths were determined. Similarly,
minimum moisture levels to sustain food crop production were
established. This enabled sprinkler irrigation scheduling to be
planned based on safe moisture levels, rather than on time. The
user claims that the instrument not only saved water due to more
accurate scheduling knowledge, but it also saved 10% of the cost
of the irrigation water for the season.
Soil Moisture Monitoring Equipment
MOISTURE.POINT uses patented TDR technology to produce increased
signal levels, enabling the system to operate in a broader range
of soils. MOISTURE.POINT delivers contiguous profiles with up to
seven readings from a single probe. The MOISTURE.POINT System
is designed to handle a broad range of industry and research
applications. Landfill Monitoring, Irrigation, Civil
Engineering, Agriculture, Forestry, Mining, Site Remediation,
Research.
Optimizing The Use Of Irrigation In Crop Management
GRO.POINT is a rugged, easy to use, and maintenance-free
instrument for soil moisture management. It provides immediate
and accurate responses to changes in soil moisture in the root
zone, and is designed to remain in the soil for the duration of
a crop, or even on a permanent basis. GRO.POINT can operate on a
stand-alone basis, or is easily integrated into an ESI or other
automated irrigation control system.
Designed and developed by ESI, GRO.POINT is a cost-effective
soil moisture-sensing instrument that provides accurate
measurement of soil moisture by volume. GRO.POINT uses a
refined TDT technology that was specifically developed to
provide growers with the management information that is required
to enable them to:
* obtain higher yields
* grow better quality crops
* optimize water use
* reduce excessive leaching.
Manufactured in stainless steel with all interfaces sealed in
epoxy, the GRO.POINT soil moisture instrument will provide
years of reliable service. There are currently two models
available: the GRO.POINT Standard Sensor and the Extended Range
Sensor.
Environmental Products And Services
Moisture Monitoring Systems
Moisturepoint Soil Moisture Monitoring System
Moisture infiltration into solid and hazardous waste landfills, and tailings and waste rock deposits at mine sites produces toxic leachate that are a major source of groundwater contamination.
MoisturePoint soil moisture monitoring system provides dynamic information on moisture infiltration into the engineered natural soil cover systems over these waste facilities. This allows regulators to assess the performance of the cover systems and take remedial action, if necessary.
Offering an unprecedented combination of portability, ease of operation, and high precision, MoisturePoint is an award-winning, innovative system for measuring
volumetric soil moisture.
With over four years of development and laboratory/field testing, MoisturePoint is the ultimate moisture monitoring system offering its users the unique ability to monitor a vertical or horizontal soil moisture profile. MoisturePoint is specifically designed with features for both general purpose and scientific use, and it provides an unparalleled degree of accuracy and resolution - with virtually no disturbance to existing soil horizons.
Moisture-point Moisture Monitoring System
Bio-reactive landfills and composting facilities need the moisture level maintained within a very specific moisture range if the biodegradation of the waste is to be an effective process.
Offering an unprecedented combination of portability, ease of operation, and high precision, MoisturePoint is an award-winning, innovative system for measuring volumetric soil moisture.
With over four years of development and laboratory/field testing, MoisturePoint is the ultimate moisture monitoring system offering its users the unique ability to monitor a vertical or horizontal soil moisture profile. MoisturePoint is specifically designed with features for both general purpose and scientific use, and it provides an unparalleled degree of accuracy and resolution - with virtually no disturbance to existing soil horizons.
Services
Monitoring For Alternative Landfill Cover Validation
MOISTURE.POINT offers powerful decision support for alternative
landfill cover validation
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
maintains stringent regulations regarding the final cover of a
closed landfill. The intent of their 'Subtitle D' prescriptive
final closure is to create a cover which will eliminate water
infiltration and minimize erosion.
The EPA's prescribed cover includes a 6 inch 'erosion layer',
designed to support native vegetation, directly above an 18 inch
low-permeability 'infiltration layer', commonly composed of clay
or bentonite.
Solid Waste Landfill Closures
In many parts of the United States, clay or bentonite is not
locally available. To meet the EPA's prescribed landfill cover
definition in these regions, these infiltration layer materials
must be acquired and transported from other regions, at great
cost. An additional problem with both clay and bentonite is that
they are liable to crack and desiccate in arid regions, thus
undermining the integrity of the cap.
Alternative / Monolithic Cover Designs
Motivated by the above financial and operational incentives,
many cities, municipalities and landfill operators are looking
to close their solid waste landfills with an alternative final
cover. The monolithic approach, a final cover design comprised
of compacted locally available, low-permeability soil, is
quickly gaining acceptance at all levels, including government
regulators, environmental engineering firms and end users. The
net benefits are (1) significant cost advantages over the
prescribed cover design, and (2) reduced operational concerns in
terms of cover implementation and maintenance.
Implementation of an alternative landfill cover design requires
approval by government regulators. A prerequisite of the
approval process is validation of the integrity of the cover;
i.e.: Is it working? If a moisture monitoring system is required
to validate the performance of the alternative final cover,
E.S.I. Environmental Sensors Inc.'s MOISTURE.POINT provides the
solution.
Landfill Monitoring
Arizona, U.S.A.
Regulations have been developed in the United States to define a
cover design for landfill closures that provides an impervious
barrier to surface moisture infiltration and thus prevents
contamination of the groundwater. The regulations recognize that
regional variations may not suit the prescribed cover design,
and an allowance for alternative designs is included.
Alternative designs must pass a rigorous approval process.
Covers usually include the construction of a clay layer, which
is prone to desiccation and cracking in arid climates. When this
happens, the clay layer allows water to penetrate through it.
Alternative cover designs must maintain an unsaturated profile
inhibiting breakthrough and, where appropriate, enhancing evapo-
transpiration with native plant species.
A MOISTURE.POINT Landfill Monitoring System incorporates ESI's
patented multi-segment profiling probes together with a full
suite of meteorological sensors to provide a complete monitoring
system for alternative landfill cover validation. The probes are
installed vertically from the surface with minimal soil
disturbance. Additional system options include solar power and
cellular modem for remote, unattended operation and data
communications. The system is easy to use and provides reliable
moisture data in contiguous profiles with minimal site impact.
MOISTURE.POINT has little calibration sensitivity to variations
in soil structure, and provides a predictable response to
variations in soil conductivity, soil structure and
permeability. In addition, MOISTURE.POINT allows for post-
construction sensor installation without disturbing the soil
profile.
In a recent application in the State of Arizona, an alternative
test cover study has been implemented with a goal of
demonstrating that an effective alternative cover can be
constructed using locally available silty sand soils.
MOISTURE.POINT was selected to provide the data necessary to
validate the effectiveness of the alternative cover design.
The focus of the study is on two one-acre test covers
constructed at the landfill. Each test cover has a dedicated,
multiplexed soil moisture monitoring system, housed in a
weatherproof enclosure, located in a central location on the
test cover. Each test cover contains 29 soil moisture-sensing
probes, each providing readings at five different depths.
The data allows regulators from the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality to assess whether or not the test covers
meet the requirement of the regulations.
Irrigation Control Monitoring
Custom Engineering Of Environmental Monitoring Prd
Installation Of All Their Monitoring Systems
Maintenance Of All Their Monitoring Systems