Gilson Aqua-Check MA-26X User manual

Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester
OPERATING MANUAL
Rev: 5/2022
PHONE: 800-444-1508 P.O. Box 200, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035-0200
740-548-7298 Email: customerservice@gilsonco.com Product Web Page: globalgilson.com
FAX: 800-255-5314
740-548-5314
MA-26X

Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester, MA-26X 2
SafetyInstructions............................................................................................................................3
1.0 Unpacking&SetUp.......................................................................................................................4
2.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................4
3.0 OperatingInstructions...................................................................................................................5
4.0 Accuracy..........................................................................................................................................8
5.0 Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................................9
6.0 Accessories.....................................................................................................................................9
GilsonAqua-CheckMoistureTester
MA-26X

Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester, MA-26X 3Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester, MA-26X 3
Pleasereadthese instructionsthoroughlyto familiarizeyourself withthe operationof theMA-26X
beforeattemptingtorunit.Usersmustunderstandandfollowlocalregulationsandcalciumcarbide
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) guidelines and procedures regarding transportation, storage,
handling,anddisposal.
Thebuyer isresponsibleforensuringthatusersareproperlytrained,that theyareawareof allof
theinformationandinstructionsinthisdocument,andthattheyareawareofthepotentialrisksof
operatingtheapparatus.Themanufacturerwillnotberesponsibleforanydamagetopeopleand/
orpropertycausedbynoncompliancewithanyinstructionsinthismanual.
NOTE: These instructions are intended only as a guide for general operation of this device and
should not be used in place of test protocol. Refer to current ATSM standards for complete and
detailedtestprocedures.
WARNING: Thecalcium carbidereagentused withthis testmust behandled withgreatcare.
When exposed to water, calcium carbide produces highly flammable or explosive acetylene
gas.TestingmustNOTbeperformedinconfinedspacesorinthevicinityofanopenflame,lit
cigarettes,embers,oranyotherpotentialsourceofignition.
WARNING:When releasing the gas from the apparatus, make sure to direct it away from your face
and body, and away from any other people.
WARNING: Testing excessively wet material, adding water to the testing chamber, or improper
use of the equipment could cause pressures to exceed the safe level for the apparatus. This may
damage the device and create an unsafe condition for the user.
WARNING: DO NOT perform tasks on the machine other than those for which it was designed.
Only use the machine in the manner for which it was intended, as described in this instruction
manual.
WARNING: Long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, and dust masks should be worn when performing
this test.
Wear safety glasses
when using equipment.
CAUTION
SAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
Flammable
Calcium carbonate when exposed
to water produces highly
flammable or explosive gas.
WARNING

Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester, MA-26X 4
1.0 UNPACKING & SET UP
NOTE: Each Gilson Aqua-Check is carefully inspected prior to packaging and shipment. Upon
receipt of the shipment, immediately unpack and inspect the apparatus for signs of damage.
Report damage immediately to the shipping company. Retain all shipping records and packing
materials until proper operation is confirmed.
ThecompleteMA-26Aqua-CheckKitconsistsofthefollowingcomponents:
• CastAluminumSampleChamberVesselwithintegral0—20%PressureGauge
• 200x0.1gElectronicBalanceforweighingoftestspecimens
• Two1.25in(32mm)SteelPulverizingBalls
• Long-HandledReagentScoop
• Large,Coarse-BristleBrush
• Small,Fine-BristleBrush
• SampleCup
• Heavy-DutyplasticCase
TheMA-26Xincludesallofthecomponentslisted,excepttheCalciumCarbideReagent*.Anycomponents
or accessories are available individually from Gilson. Model numbers to order are listed separately in
thismanual.
*Calcium Carbide Reagent is available separately from Gilson as MAA-44 in a 10lb can.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
The Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester is designed to measure the water (moisture) content of soils,
aggregates, and other non-reactive materials. The Aqua-Check apparatus consists of an aluminum
samplechambervesselwithintegralpressuregauge,electronicbalanceforsampleweighing,twosteel
pulverizingballs,andassortedbrushesandcontainersasrequiredforpropercompletionofthetest.
Pulverizedcalciumcarbideisusedasareagent,andreactswhencombinedwithavailablewaterinthe
samplematerialtoformacetylenegas.Theincreaseofgaspressureinthesealedsamplechamberis
proportionaltothewatercontent,andisshownonthepressuregauge.Themostaccurateresultsare
obtainedwhenpressuregaugereadingsarecorrelatedwithdatafromoven-drymethods.Forexample,
whentestingsoilsforexample,ASTMStandardTestMethodD4944providesaproceduretocorrelate
Aqua-Checkresultsdirectlywithlaboratoryovendryingmethods.
MA-26X

Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester, MA-26X 5
STEP 2.Select a representative sample of the test material. Cohesive materials that do not readily
separateintoindividualparticles,suchasclayorsiltsoils,shouldbereducedbyhandintosmallclumps.
STEP3.ReferringtoseparateinstructionsfortheElectronicBalance,setupandzerothebalance.Place
theplasticSampleCuponthebalanceandzeroagain.Carefullyaddsmallamountsofsamplematerial
tothecupuntilthebalanceshowstherequired20g.
NOTE: If the moisture content of the material is expected to exceed 20%, a 10g sample should
be used, but the value read on the gauge must then be doubled. It is also possible to obtain
better resolution of drier materials (<10%) by doubling the sample size and halving the gauge
reading.
3.0 OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS
NOTE:Following these procedures closely and consistently will increase the accuracy and
repeatability of your test results.
STEP1.Usethedry,Coarse-BristleBrushtothoroughlycleanallresiduefromtheAqua-CheckVessel
andchambercap.
STEP1:Cleaningresidue
fromVessel
STEP1:Cleaningresiduefromchambercap
1
2
3

Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester, MA-26X 6
STEP5:Addingcalciumcarbidereagentto
chambercap
STEP 5. Using the Long-Handled reagent Scoop, add
atleasttwofull scoopsofcalciumcarbidereagentto
theChamberCap.
NOTE:Make sure you have read and
understand the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) included with each container of
calcium carbide reagent.
STEP6:Placingchambercapontheendof
thechamber
STEP6:Tighteningthetopscrewtoseal
thechamber
STEP6.HoldingtheAqua-CheckVesselhorizontally,placethechambercapontheendofthechamber.
Position the black dot on the cap so that it will be facing away from your body when the pressure is
released.Movethestirrupintoplaceoverthecapandtightenthetopscrewtosealthechamber.Use
careduringthisstepnottomixthereagentandsamplebeforethechamberissealed.
STEP4:PlacingSteelPulverizing
BallsintoVessel
STEP4:PlacingsampleintoVessel
STEP 4.PlacethepreparedandweighedsampleintotheAqua-CheckVessel.Forcohesivesamples
asdescribedabove,alsoplacethetwoSteelPulverizingBallsintotheVessel.
4
5
6

Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester, MA-26X 7
STEP 9.Takinggreatcarethattheblackdotonthe
chamber cap is facing away from your face and body,
slowlyloosenthetopscrewtoventpressurizedgasfrom
thevessel.
STEP 10.Place theusedsample/reagent mixtureand
residue in an open dry container and dispose of in
accordance with local regulations or Section 13 of the
MSDS.UsetheCoarse-BristleBrushtocleanthevessel
andprepareforthenexttest.
S TE P 7. Agitatingthesample:
a.
Without Pulverizing Balls: HoldtheAqua-Check
vertically with the gauge facing down and agitate
vigorouslyfor5–10seconds.TurntheAqua-Check
around,andwiththegaugefacingupagitateagain
for5–10seconds.Tapthesidessothatthesample
fallsintothechambercap.Thisprocessshouldbe
repeatedfor1–3minutes,oruntilthegaugereading
inStep8hasstabilized.
b.With Pulverizing Balls:HoldtheAqua-Check
horizontallyanduseanorbitalmotiontospinthe
balls around inside the chamber, pulverizing the
sample. Agitate for 20 seconds and rest for 20
seconds, repeating the process at least three
times.Periodicallycheckthepositionofthegauge
indicator. Continue the agitation cycle until the
indicatorhasstabilized.Somehighlyplasticclays
mayrequire3minutesormoreofagitation.
STEP 8. Read the pressure gauge at eye level
whileholding thevessel horizontally.Waitforthe
indicatorneedletostopmoving.Thegaugereads
directly in percent water content of wet weight.
Accuracy may be improved by establishing a
correctionchartasshowninASTMD4944.
STEP9:Looseningtopscrewtovent
pressurizedgas
STEP8:Readingthepressuregaugeateyelevel
STEP7B:Usinganorbitalmotiontospintheballs
aroundinsidethechamber
7
8
9
10

Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester, MA-26X 8
Exceptionallycoolorwarmambienttemperaturesmaycausefluctuationsintestresults.Repeatedtesting
or hot weather may heat up the vessel body, and show test results that are artificially high. Allowthe
vesseltocooldownbeforefurthertesting.Incoldweather,itmayhelptoruntwoorthreetestsinrapid
successiontowarmupthevessel.
Themaximumrecommendedparticlesizeis0.75in(20mm).Sometestmethodsmayhaveasmallersize
limit.
Typical Calibration Curve
Calcium Carbide Tester
Water Content in Percent of Dry Mass
by D 2216 (Oven Dry)
Gauge Reading, Calcium Carbide Tester
4.0 ACCURACY
Whentestingsoils,itisrecommendedthattheproceduresinASTMD4944,Standard Test Method for
Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester
Method be followed. This will ensure accurate and reliable results. For optimum accuracy with most
materials,theAqua-Checkresultsshouldbecorrelatedwithoven-drytestsforeachmaterialasshown
inthissummary.ThissimpleprocedureisoutlinedindetailinD4944.
1. Selectseveralsamplesofthematerialtobetestedhavingawiderangeofwatercontent.
2. Carefullydivideeachsampleintotworepresentativespecimens.
3. Takingcaretonotlosemoistureduringhandling,runatestononespecimenintheAqua-Check,and
recordthegaugereading.Ovendrytheotherspecimenaccordingtotheprocedureandcalculatethe
percentmoisture.
4. Plottheoven-drymoistureonagraphvs.thegaugereadingsanddrawabest-fitcurvethroughthe
points.Awidescatterinthepointsmayindicateoperationerrorsorthatthematerialis notsuitable
forthiscomparison.
5. When testing, find the point on the graph where the gauge reading intersects the correlation curve
andrecordthatvalueasthecorrectedpercent.

Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester, MA-26X 9
Forhelpwithoperationortechnicalissues,
Email:techsupport@gilsonco.comorCall:800.444.1508
5.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
Low High
Readings Readings PossibleCause Solution
GILSON AQUACHECK TROUBLESHOOTING
X X Testingprocedureerrors Reviewinstructionsandprocedures.
X X Incorrectsampleweights Checkbalanceoperationandre-zero.
X X Errorsincorrectedvalues Changeinmaterialtype.Repeatcorrelationprocedurewithnewmaterial.
X Insufficientagitation Somecohesivematerialsmayrequire3minutesormore.UseSteelPulverizingBalls.
X Insufficientquantityofreagent Addanadditionalscoopofreagent.
X Ineffectivereagent ReplacewithfreshMAA-44Reagent.
X Prematurecontactbetweenreagent Ensurevesselisheldhorizontalwhenmatingwithcap.
andspecimen
X Insufficientsamplepreparation BreakcohesivematerialintofinersizesandusePulverizingBalls.
X Inadequatepressureseal Checkandcleanchambercapgasket.InspectVessel,cap,andstirrupfordamage
orcracks.Replacegasketifnecessary.
X X Defectivegauge Gaugeneedleshouldrestatzeroandmovesmoothly.Replaceifdefective.
X Lowtemperature RuntwoorthreetestcyclestowarmupVessel.
X Hightemperature AllowVesseltocooloff.
X Moistureinsidevesselpriortotesting InsureVesselandcaparecompletelydrybeforetesting.
X X Gaugereadingerror Holdvesselhorizontallyateyelevelwhenreadinggauge.
X Residuefromprevioustests UseincludedCoarse-BristleBrushtocleanvesselthoroughlybetweentests.
MAA-47
MAA-48
6.0 ACCESSORIES
Calcium Carbide Reagent, 10lb can¹ MAA-44
Aqua-Check 0–20% Pressure Gauge MAA-45
Electronic Balance, 220x0.1g OB-205
1.25in (32mm) Steel Balls, pkg. 2 MAA-47
Long-Handle Reagent Scoop MAA-48
Large, Coarse-Bristle Brush MAA-51
Small, Fine-Bristle Brush MAA-50
Sample Cup MAA-52
Heavy-Duty Waterproof Plastic Case MAA-46
¹ Due to shipping restrictions, reagent is sold separately in 10lb (4.5kg) cans.
Material from these larger cans can be used to replenish smaller containers for
eld use.
GILSON AQUA-CHECK ACCESSORIES
Description Model
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