How does the Shipek Grab operate?

When the grab touches the bottom, inertia from a self-contained weight releases a catch and helical springs rotate the inner half cylinder by 180°. After turning, the scoop remains closed by the residual torque of the scoop spring. Because the rotation of the bucket is extremely rapid, its shear strength is far greater than the sediment strength, thus cutting cleanly, particularly in soft clays, muds, silts & sands.

After closing, the sample has optimum protection from washout during retrieval by the cylindrical design. This is because, unlike most bottom samplers, the bucket closes with its separation plane aligned in a horizontal rather than in vertical direction. Good samples can be retrieved even when pebbles as large as 2 to 5 cm prevent the bucket from closing properly. And, if you take care to rotate the bucket, you can prevent sample washout completely.

On the deck of your boat, the scoop is quickly removed from the frame by releasing two retaining latches, one at each side of the body. Your sample is then ready for immediate study or transport.

How do I use a Van Veen Grab or Dredge?

1. The Van Veen Grab requires a winch (66-C10), winch mount (66-C52) and stainless steel cable (61-B14) for proper operation. Attach one end of the cable to your winch and the other to the dredge. Ensure that all connections are very tight to prevent loss of the sampler.
2. Set the Pinch-Pin (tripping mechanism) on the dredge. The Pinch-Pin must be inserted with the flat portion facing up and down. Be careful not to place fingers or hands on or into any pinch points.
3. Lower the dredge through the water column. Make sure that in the final 1-2 feet there is little to no disturbance.
4. Trip the dredge by allowing the line to become slack. The jaws should clamp shut, grabbing a sediment sample.
5. Winch the dredge to the surface in a slow, even manner.
6. Bring the dredge into your boat and tilt slightly to pur off the water. Be careful not to pour out the sediment!
7. Empty the contents of the dredge into a Ponar Wash Frame (188-E50).
8. Collect and handle samples as your procedures dictate.
9. Decontaminate the dredge between each unique sample location, or have a clean, dedicated dredge for each sample location.

How do I use a Standard Ponar Grab or Dredge?

1. The Standard Ponar Grab requires a Winch (66-C10), winch mount (66-C52) and stainless steel cable (61-B14) for proper operation. Attach one end of the cable to your winch and the other to the dredge. Ensure that all connections are very tight to prevent loss of the sampler.
2. Set the Pinch-Pin (tripping mechanism) on the dredge. The Pinch-Pin must be inserted with the flat portion facing up and down. Be careful not to place fingers or hands on or into any pinch points.
3. Lower the dredge through the water column. Make sure that in the final 1-2 feet there is little to no disturbance.
4. Trip the dredge by allowing the line to become slack. The jaws should clamp shut, grabbing a sediment sample.
5. Winch the dredge to the surface in a slow, even manner.
6. Bring the dredge into your boat and tilt slightly to pur off the water. Be careful not to pour out the sediment!
7. Empty the contents of the dredge into a Ponar Wash Frame (188-E50).
8. Collect and handle samples as your procedures dictate.
9. Decontaminate the dredge between each unique sample location, or have a clean, dedicated dredge for each sample location.

How do I use a Petite Ponar Grab or Dredge?

1. Using a bowline knot, attach the necessary length of rope to the Wildco Petite Ponar dredge.
2. Set the Pinch-Pin (tripping mechanism) on the dredge. The Pinch-Pin must be inserted with the flat portion facing up and down. Be careful not to place fingers or hands on or into any pinch points.
3. Lower the dredge through the water column. Make sure that in the final 1-2 feet there is little to no disturbance.
4. Trip the dredge by allowing the line to become slack. The jaws should clamp shut, grabbing a sediment sample.
5. Lift the dredge to the surface in a slow, even manner.
6. Bring the dredge into your boat and tilt slightly to pur off the water. Be careful not to pour out the sediment!
7. Empty the contents of the dredge into a Wildco Wash Bucket (190-E25) or Ponar Wash Frame (188-E50).
8. Collect and handle samples as your procedures dictate.
9. Decontaminate the dredge between each unique sample location, or have a clean, dedicated dredge for each sample location.