Tuesday, 8 November 2005
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Design of a Thermocouple-Based Soil Thermometer.

Eric Brevik and Richard Faucett. Valdosta State University, Dept. of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences, Valdosta State Univ., Valdosta, GA 31698-0055

The design of a simple, inexpensive soil thermometer will be presented. Components of the thermometer include Type-T thermocouple wires and connectors, 2” and 3” diameter PVC pipe and glue, #10½ one-hole rubber stoppers, dry sand, and all-weather caulking. A main PVC pipe is cut to the desired length using the 2” diameter pipe. Holes are drilled and routed to allow the thermocouple wires to be set at the required depths relative to a reference point marked on the main pipe. When the thermometer is installed, it is pushed into the soil until the reference point is at ground level, meaning that each hole represents the soil depth at which temperature is taken. The thermocouple wires are set into the routed holes and held in place with all-weather caulk. After the caulk sets the pipe is backfilled with dry sand, which acts as insulation and prevents the pipe from floating if set below the watertable. A #10½ stopper is placed over the top opening with the wires running through the hole. Caulk is placed around the wires and the edges of the stopper, and a 2” to 3” adapting collar glued over the stopper. A short piece of 3” diameter PVC is glued onto the collar to act as a storage area for the Type-T connectors. Placing a 3” PVC cap over the storage area to protect the thermocouple connectors from the elements finishes off the thermometer. Total cost is about $25 per thermometer.

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