Sacrificial (Lost) Cone System
Purchase
The Sacrificial Cone, or Lost Cone, system is a fast and cost-effective method for installing shallow piezometers in soft, unconsolidated ground where soil sample recovery is not required. It is widely used for groundwater monitoring, site investigations and environmental assessment projects.
The system utilises many of the same components as the Handheld Window Sampling System, replacing the sampling tubes with hollow steel casing fitted with a disposable cast iron sacrificial cone. The cone and casing are driven to the required depth using a percussive sampler, with additional casing sections added as installation progresses.
Once the target depth is reached, a narrow-diameter piezometer standpipe—typically 32 × 25 mm HDPE—is installed inside the casing. The sacrificial cone is then dislodged, allowing the steel casing to be withdrawn while leaving the standpipe securely installed within the borehole, ready for groundwater monitoring.
Key Features
Rapid installation of shallow piezometers
Ideal for soft and unconsolidated sediments
Uses proven Handheld Window Sampling System components
Disposable cast iron sacrificial cone
Leaves a permanent monitoring standpipe in place
Minimal equipment required
Cost-effective solution for temporary and long-term groundwater monitoring
Applications
The Sacrificial Cone System is ideal for:
Groundwater monitoring well installation
Environmental site investigations
Contaminated land assessments
Hydrogeological investigations
Landfill and brownfield monitoring
Construction and infrastructure projects
Please note: The Sacrificial (Lost) Cone method is an installation technique only and does not recover soil samples. Where soil sample collection is required, it should be used in conjunction with the Handheld Window Sampling System.
