Humboldt H-4968, H-4967 Product Manual

product manual

06.18

H-4967 & H-4968

Speedy® 2000

Moisture Tester

1

Introduction

The Speedy® 2000 moisture tester is a portable system for measuring the moisture
content of a wide range of materials including soils, aggregates, dust and powders (and
liquids). The system consists of a rugged plastic case containing a low-pressure vessel
fitted with a pressure gauge and an electronic scale and accessories.

Moisture measurements are made by mixing a weighed sample of the material with a
reagent – calcium carbide – in the sealed pressure vessel. The reagent reacts chemically
with water in the sample producing acetylene gas that in turn increases the pressure
within the vessel. As the pressure increase in the vessel is proportional to the amount
of water in the sample, the moisture content can be read directly from the calibrated
pressure gauge.

The Speedy® 2000 is available in two sizes with a choice of moisture measurement
ranges as detailed below.

The calcium carbide reagent used with the Speedy tester is a hazardous product that
must be handled with care by the user and with consideration for the environment. Users
of the Speedy® 2000 must be familiar with the Speedy® 2000 Moisture Test Procedure
detailed in this manual.

Users must also follow calcium carbide transportation, storage, handling and disposal
guidelines in accordance with local regulations and/or the calcium carbide Safety Data
Sheet (SDS). Users should be familiar with the hazard identification, first aid measures,
fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, personal protection measures,
physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, and
ecological information as given in the SDS.

H-4968 Speedy® 2000 (6g)
Moisture Test Procedure

The test procedure is simple to follow and takes just a few minutes for most materials.
To ensure accurate and consistent results the procedure should be followed precisely.

1. Clean the Speedy Vessel. Prior to using the speedy
tester ensure that the inside of the Speedy cap and
vessel are empty and clean. Use the bristle brush to
remove any residues from previous tests.

Part No. Vessel Size

Measurement Range

H20%W/W

Max. Recommended

Particle Size

Sample Weight (g)

H-4967 Large 0 — 20 20mm 20g
H-4968 Standard 0 — 20 10mm 6g

Hazardous Warning

2

2. Select and prepare the sample. Ensure that the sample to be weighed and
placed in the Speedy is representative of the material that is under investigation.
Some materials, such as free-flowing powders and sands, need no preparation
whereas others may need to be ground prior to testing – please refer to the Sample
Preparation Table for further information.

Part No. Vessel Size

Measurement Range

H20%W/W

Sample Weight (g)

H-4968 Standard 0 — 20 6g

3. Weigh the sample. Place the empty measuring beaker
on the electronic scale and zero the scale (refer to the
electronic balance user instructions for further details).
Add small amounts of material from the sample until the
correct sample weight is reached. The sample weight is
determined by the size and measurement range of the
Speedy that is being used as detailed below:

4. Add the sample to the Speedy vessel. Pour the sample

into the chamber of the Speedy vessel as shown.

5. Add the reagent to the Speedy cap. Using the metal
scoop, add a minimum of two full scoops of reagent to the
Speedy cap cavity as shown.

6. Seal the Speedy. Hold the Speedy horizontally and
position the cap as shown. Swing the stirrup into position
and tighten the top screw to seal.

7. Mix the sample with the reagent. Hold the Speedy vertically with the pressure
gauge facing the ground and shake vigorously for 5 seconds. Rotate the Speedy
through 180° so that the pressure gauge faces the sky, tap the sides of the Speedy
to ensure the sample falls into the cap cavity and prop or hold the Speedy in this
position for 1 – 2 minutes.

8. Take the reading. Hold the Speedy horizontally and at eye
level and take the moisture content reading directly from the
pressure gauge.

3

9. Release the pressure. Hold the Speedy vertically with the
pressure gauge facing the ground. Locate the arrow on the
flange of the cap and point this away from yourself and other
people in your vicinity. Unscrew the top screw slowly to vent the
gas that may have been generated within the Speedy.

10. Remove the sample and reagent. Tip the contents of the Speedy directly into a
clean and dry open container and dispose of in accordance with Section 13 of the
Calcium Carbide Material Safety Data Sheet.

11. Clean the Speedy. Clean the Speedy vessel and cap and measuring beaker in
preparation for the next moisture measurement.

The test procedure is simple to follow and takes just a few minutes for most materials.
To ensure accurate and consistent results the procedure should be followed precisely.

1. Clean the Speedy Vessel. Prior to using the speedy tester

ensure that the inside of the Speedy cap and vessel are
empty and clean. Use the bristle brush to remove any
residues from previous tests.

2. Select and prepare the sample. Ensure that the sample to be weighed and

placed in the Speedy is representative of the material that is under investigation.
Some materials, such as free-flowing powders and sands, need no preparation
whereas others may need to be ground prior to testing or pulverized during the
test –please refer to the Sample Preparation Table for further information.

3. Weigh the sample. Place the empty measuring beaker

on the electronic scale and zero the scale – Refer to the
electronic balance user instructions for further details.
Add small amounts of material from the sample until the
correct sample weight is reached. The sample weight is
determined by the size and measurement range of the
Speedy that is being used as detailed below:

H-4967 Speedy® 2000 (20g)
Moisture Test Procedure

Part No. Vessel Size

Measurement Range

H20%W/W

Sample Weight (g)

H-4967 Large 0 — 20 20g

4

4. Add the sample to the Speedy vessel. Pour the sample into

the chamber of the Speedy vessel as shown. Place pulverizing
balls into the chamber if required – refer to Sample
Preparation Table.

5. Add the reagent to the Speedy cap. Using the metal scoop,

add a minimum of two full scoops of reagent to the Speedy
cap cavity as shown.

6. Seal the Speedy. Hold the Speedy horizontally and position

the cap as shown. Swing the stirrup into position and tighten
the top screw to seal.

7. Mix the sample with the reagent. Hold the Speedy vertically with the pressure

gauge facing the ground and shake vigorously for 5 seconds. Rotate the Speedy
through 180° so that the pressure gauge faces the sky, tap the sides of the Speedy
to ensure the sample falls into the cap cavity and prop or hold the Speedy in this
position. Alternatively, if the pulverizing balls are being used, hold the Speedy
horizontally and shake it in an orbital motion to make the balls spin around the
inside of the Speedy vessel. Do this for 20 seconds and then rest for 20 seconds.
Repeat this process two or three times. The spinning balls pulverize the sample to
give a more reliable measurement.

8. Take the reading. Hold the Speedy horizontally and at eye

level and take the moisture content reading directly from the
pressure gauge.

9. Release the pressure. Hold the Speedy vertically with the

pressure gauge facing the ground. Locate the arrow on the
flange of the cap and point this away from yourself and other
people in your vicinity. Unscrew the top screw slowly to vent
the gas that may have been generated within the Speedy.

10. Remove the sample and reagent. Tip the contents of the Speedy directly into a

clean and dry open container and dispose of in accordance with Section 13 of the
Calcium Carbide Material Safety Data Sheet.

11. Clean the Speedy. Clean the Speedy vessel and cap and measuring beaker in

preparation for the next moisture measurement.

5

User Guidance Notes

Proportional Test Technique

If the moisture content of the material exceeds the measurement range of the
Speedy being used then the Proportional Test Technique may be used to obtain
measurements. This involves halving the normal sample weight and doubling the
gauge value. For example:

Assume a H-4967 Speedy with a measurement range of 0 – 20 H2O% W/W is

being used to test soil with a nominal moisture content of 30%. The sample is
prepared as required and half the normal weight – 10g – is weighed and placed
in the Speedy. The test procedure is followed and a gauge value of 14.7% is
recorded. This value is then doubled to give the actual moisture content
of 29.4%.

The proportional test may also be used to obtain clearer readings in very dry material

by doubling the sample size and halving the gauge value.

Temperature

For optimum performance the Speedy tester and sample should be at 20°C (68°F)
when used. If this is not practical, take at least three tests in quick succession to
equilibrate temperatures as far as possible. Ignore the first and second test results and
record the later results.

Correction Factors

When compared with oven test results, Speedy readings may be low if the material
under investigation contains volatile components other than water as these may
evaporate with the water at elevated temperatures. Correction factors for given
materials can be established by plotting graphs of Speedy test results against oven
test results.

Measuring Liquids

Speedy testers may be used to measure the moisture content of certain liquids (most
commonly oils) by adapting the test procedure as follows:

1. Weigh the liquid sample as normal

2. Place the liquid in a clean mixing vessel and add two to four scoops of dry sand.

Mix thoroughly and place the mixture in the Speedy vessel.

3. Continue with the test as detailed in the Moisture Test Procedure.

Wet Weight to Dry Weight Conversion

The pressure gauges used with the Speedy® 2000 testers are calibrated to give the
moisture content expressed as a percentage of the sample’s wet weight. If required,
the measured value (MWW) can be expressed as a percentage of the sample’s dry
weight (MDW) by using the following formula:

100 x M

WW

100 - M

WW

M

DW

=

6

Fault Diagnosis

Suspect Low Reading

If gauge readings are lower than you expect or anticipate check the following:

1. Test procedure has not been followed correctly. Ensure correct sample weight is

used. Ensure sample is placed in the Speedy vessel and reagent is placed in the
Speedy cap. Ensure Speedy vessel and cap are united and sealed in the horizontal
plain to prevent premature contact of reagent and sample.

2. Inadequate cleaning of Speedy vessel and cap between tests. Ensure all residues

from previous tests have been removed from the cap and vessel before starting a
new test.

3. Insufficient reagent. Repeat the test using an additional scoop of reagent.

4. Ineffective reagent. Ensure that the reagent is fresh. Note that the color of fresh

reagent is dark grey; ineffective reagent (that has been exposed to moisture in the
air or other sources) will have turned light grey in color.

5. Inadequate sample preparation or sample-reagent mixing. Consider grinding the

sample prior to weighing and/or (for Large Speedy only) using pulverizing balls.

6. Temperature effects. Low readings may be recorded if the Speedy is used in

very low temperatures. Take numerous readings in quick succession to raise the
operating temperature of the Speedy.

7. Pressure loss. Visually check the cap washer for signs of holes or leak paths. Remove

pressure gauge and visually check pressure gauge washer. Visually check Speedy
vessel and cap for hairline cracks.

8. Defective pressure gauge. Does the needle sweep smoothly across the scale plate?

If not, replace the gauge, or return the Speedy tester to an authorised distributor for
service.

Suspect High Reading

If gauge readings are higher than you expect or anticipate check the following:

1. Ensure correct sample weight is used.

2. Ensure Speedy is held in the horizontal plain at eye level when reading the pressure

gauge.

3. Temperature effects. High readings may be recorded if the Speedy is used in very

high temperatures. If the Speedy is warm/hot to touch as a result of taking many
readings in quick succession, allow time for it to cool down before taking more tests.

4. Defective pressure gauge. Does the needle return to zero after releasing pressure

from the Speedy? If not, replace the gauge, or return the Speedy tester to an
authorised distributor for service.

Recommended Spares and Consumables

It may be wise to consider having the following spares and consumables to hand when
using the Speedy tester, especially in remote locations:
Batteries for the electronic scale, 3-off AA/LR6 1.5V
Speedy cap washer
Pressure gauge washer
Pressure gauge (note the measurement range)
Cleaning brushes

Other spares parts for the Speedy vessel are available on request.

Material Type Recommended Preparation

Aggregate

Check maximum sample size; crush if larger than

maximum recommended particle size

Dust None required

Liquids Mix with dry sand – see User Guidance Notes

Powders None required

Sand None required

Soils

Grind with mortar and pestle prior to testing, or use pulverizing balls.

Refer to Large Size Speedy – Moisture Test Procedure

Warranty

Humboldt Mfg. Co. warrants its products to be free from defects in material or
workmanship. The exclusive remedy for this warranty is Humboldt Mfg. Co., factory
replacement of any part or parts of such product, for the warranty of this product please
refer to Humboldt Mfg. Co. catalog on Terms and Conditions of Sale. The purchaser is
responsible for the transportation charges. Humboldt Mfg. Co. shall not be responsible
under this warranty if the goods have been improperly maintained, installed, operated
or the goods have been altered or modified so as to adversely affect the operation,
use performance or durability or so as to change their intended use. The Humboldt
Mfg. Co. liability under the warranty contained in this clause is limited to the repair or
replacement of defective goods and making good, defective workmanship.

Sample Preparation Table

Humboldt Mfg. Co.

875 Tollgate Road
Elgin, Illinois 60123 U.S.A.

U.S.A. Toll Free: 1.800.544.7220

Voice: 1.708.468.6300

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]