Water Sampling Bottles - BlueZone Group

Essential Tools for Oceanographic Research

Water sampling bottles are indispensable instruments for oceanographic scientists and researchers. Their primary use is to collect water samples that reveal the chemical and biological composition of aquatic environments across the globe. These samples provide critical insights into the state of oceans, lakes, and other water bodies. Depending on research goals, water sampling expeditions use two primary bottle orientations: Horizontal and Vertical.

Horizontal Water Sampling Bottles

Horizontal bottles are designed to collect water at specific depths, making them ideal for sampling stratified water layers near the seafloor. These bottles are manually deployed and activated using a messenger system.

Due to their orientation, horizontal bottles are not free flushing, which means water does not flow as readily through them as in vertical bottles. To ensure accurate sampling, it is recommended to wait a few minutes after reaching the desired depth before activation.

For added versatility, an optional fin attachment is available, allowing the horizontal bottle to align with water currents. This feature helps collect a more representative sample by directing the bottle into the flow of water.

Vertical Water Sampling Bottles

Vertical bottles are the most popular choice among researchers, thanks to their versatility and efficiency. These bottles are free flushing by default, allowing water to pass through them continuously until they are closed at the desired depth.

Capable of reaching depths of up to 7,000 meters, vertical bottles are suitable for a wide range of applications. They can be deployed individually or integrated into advanced sampling systems, such as a General Oceanics Rosette or Sea-Bird Carousel, often paired with a CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) measuring device for comprehensive water column profiling.

Like their horizontal counterparts, vertical bottles can also be manually deployed and activated with a messenger, offering flexibility in deployment methods.

Whether you’re conducting stratified layer studies with a horizontal bottle or undertaking deep-sea sampling with a vertical bottle, these tools provide reliable solutions for collecting high-quality water samples. Their adaptability and precision make them essential for oceanographic expeditions and research initiatives.

For more information on water sampling bottles or to find the right model for your needs, contact the BlueZone Group sales team.