The increased penetration depth of the Piston Corer has made it one of the basic tools used in the study of marine sediments. Piston core samples are usually longer, less disturbed and more complete than those from gravity corers. 

The main advantages of a Piston Corer over a Gravity Corer are the longer and less disturbed samples. The action of the piston reduces internal friction and prevents plugging. Cores up to 30 m are possible in soft sediments and muds.

The system is lowered to the seabed, where the messenger operated release mechanism triggers the final free fall penetration to obtain a core sample. The mechanical trigger enables the free fall distance to be adjusted via the length of cable from clamp to counterweight.

Applications:

Geological studies 

Marine chemistry 

Sedimentology 

Exploration 

Ocean floor processes

Features:
 

Up to 30 m cores
Messenger operation 

Minimal 'down' time 

Varying core lengths 

Robust and easy to use
 

Technical Specifications:

Core Lengths: 9 m, 18 m or 30 m (other lengths available on request) 

Internal core diameter: 100 mm 

Barrel diameter: 140 mm

Trigger core length: 2 m (internal diameter, 72 mm) 

Total weight: 1500 kg (18m system)

For further information on OSIL's range of Sediment Corers please read our Sediment Sampling Brochure.