• Determine the efficiency of your filter bed media with just one sample draw!
• Get multiple samples quickly without draining the filter bed
• Save money! No need for hazardous duty or confined space work

Finally, a filter bed media sampler that takes quick and consistent core profile samples of drinking water filter media. Only one person is needed to operate the Filter Judge for complete cross-sectional profiles of gravity filter bed media—without ever entering the bed! There's no more draining the filter bed and making it inoperable for an entire day (under lockout tagout procedures). Plus, there's no need for multiple personnel to dig and remove media for inspection, which requires expensive safety and confined space equipment, as well as the disinfection of the media. The Filter Judge will do it all, and save you time and money!

Samplers come in three sections for easy transport
Samplers come in three sections. The lower section is slotted to let media enter during sampling, and features measuring tape markings in inches along the length. (For markings in centimeters, order adhesive-backed metric ruler separately.) The solid middle section is extendable with optional 4-ft and 8-ft extensions (sold separately). The top section features two sturdy handles to easily operate the Filter Judge during sampling. Quick-connect clamps at each sectional joint make assembly fast and easy. Joints are reinforced with internal threading for added strength. These lightweight, durable samplers are constructed of polypropylene and NSF-approved PVC.

14-ft Filter Judge includes: hard plastic carrying/storage case (53 x 16 x 5") and a hard plastic carrying tube with handle (6"Dia x 78"L).

Note: Custom length sections are available; contact USABlueBook for more information.

How to build a sampler system:
A) First, measure the depth of your media bed (add 10% for media expansion). Select a 12-ft sampler for beds up to 39" or a 14-ft sampler for beds up to 66".
B) Next, measure the total distance from the media bed floor to the top of the operator's shoulders. The sampler's handles should reach the operator's shoulders when the operator is standing on the side of the filter bed. This ensures the operator will not have to lean over the railings or down into the bed.
C) Purchase one or more extension sections to extend your 12- or 14-ft sampler to reach the total desired height. Maximum recommended length is 26 ft.
Example: If the distance from the operator's shoulders down to the bottom of the bed depth (where the tool would bottom out when fully sunk) measures about 17-ft, then you need to add extra length to the Filter Judge sampler. Purchase one 8-ft extension for the 12-ft sampler, or one 4-ft extension for the 14-ft sampler.

The Filter Judge is easy to use!
Take samples during the mild backwash cycle of the media bed. This ensures the filter media is slightly fluidized, so accurate profile samples can be drawn. To operate:
1. Simply lower the Filter Judge into the media bed during a mild backwash. The tool's weight will settle it through the media layers and into the bottom of the bed. Note: Filter Judge will NOT sample support gravel underlayers.
2. Turn the handle to open the slotted chamber in the lower section, and rotate it again to close and capture the media.
3. Lift the Filter Judge to quickly drain any captured water as it is removed from the bed. No voids will be left in the media since the backwash will simply refill in the area.
4. Finally, lay the Filter Judge down horizontally and visually inspect the sample to determine layer depth and transitions, depth of any interface zone between layers, and formations of contaminations such as mudballs. You can also remove the sample and send to your lab for further analysis.