Porous Ceramics

Porous Ceramics are an integral part of many soil-monitoring and sampling instruments. The ceramic matrix serves as the interface between the soil matrix and the instrument. The ceramic material is porous, and allows water to pass into and out of the instrument.  A pressure gradient across the ceramic wall will cause water to flow through the ceramic.  The pressure gradient may be due to a pressure being applied, as occurs when using a ceramic pressure plate in a pressure chamber.  The gradient may be due to a tension being applied, as occurs when using a tensiometer in the soil.  The gradient may be due to a vacuum being applied

Ceramics are available in a variety of shapes and sizes for use in replacing damaged components on existing instruments or for constructing new ones.