Water content measurements with TDR packer systems

Solexperts developed a so-called TDR packer system to determine the water content in claystones. Inflatable packer sleeves are used to precisely seal defined borehole sections. Depending on the test results, the packer seats can be subsequently moved. The entire packer system can also be removed after the completion of a test campaign and be installed in another borehole.

The TDR sensors (Time Domain Reflectometer) are emplaced in the packer sleeve. In this way. the sensor is precisely located and the contact between sensor and borehole wall is always ensured. For the emplacement of the sensor, a defined area is cut out on the surface of the rubber sleeve.