Page 3 of 11

March 2014

Protimeter Speedy

Moisture Test Procedure for Large Size Speedy

A large size speedy is shown in the photograph to the left. The moisture test

procedure is simple to follow and takes a just few minutes for most materials.

However, to ensure accurate and consistent results the procedure should be

followed precisely. To test your sample, refer to the photographs below and

complete the following steps:

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. See Table 4 on page 6 for further information.

3.

Weigh the sample: Place the empty measuring beaker on the electronic scale and zero the scale (refer to the electronic

scale 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 listed

in Table 3 below.

4.

Add the sample to the Speedy vessel: Pour the sample into the chamber of the Speedy vessel. If so indicated in the

Sample Preparation table, place pulverizing balls into the chamber.

5.

Add the reagent to the Speedy cap: Using the metal scoop, add a minimum of two full scoops of calcium carbide

reagent to the Speedy cap cavity.

6.

Seal the Speedy: Hold the Speedy horizontally and position the cap as shown. Then swing the stirrup into position and

tighten the top screw to seal.

7.

Mix the sample with the reagent:

a.

Without pulverizing balls: 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.

b.

With pulverizing balls: Hold the Speedy horizontally and shake it in an orbital motion to make the balls spin around

inside the Speedy vessel. Do this for 20 seconds and then rest for 20 seconds. Repeat this process 2or 3 times so that

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.

Table 3: Sample Weights - Large Vessel

Model

Vessel Size

Sample Wt. (g)

L2000C

Large

0-10

40

L2000D

Large

0-20

20

L2000G

Large

0-50

8

S8

S6

S9

S5

S4

S3

S1