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PARTICLE SIZE SEDIMENTATION (HYDROMETER METHOD) AZA0857
AZA0857 – Particle Size Sedimentation Apparatus (Hydrometer Method)
The AZA0857 Particle Size Sedimentation Apparatus (Hydrometer Method) from AZA Lab is designed for determining the particle size distribution of fine-grained soils, particularly silts and clays smaller than 75 microns. This method is widely adopted in soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering, civil construction quality control, and academic laboratories where accurate characterization of cohesive soils is essential.
The hydrometer method is based on the sedimentation principle governed by Stokes’ Law, measuring changes in the density of a soil–water suspension over time. By recording hydrometer readings at defined intervals, the percentage of soil particles remaining in suspension is calculated, enabling precise determination of grain size distribution for fine soils beyond the practical limits of sieve analysis.
Description
Working Principle
A representative soil sample is dispersed in water using a chemical dispersing agent, typically sodium hexametaphosphate, to prevent flocculation. The suspension is transferred into a graduated sedimentation cylinder. As particles settle under gravity, larger particles settle faster while finer particles remain in suspension for longer durations.
A soil hydrometer is inserted into the suspension at specified time intervals to measure the relative density of the suspension. Using standard calculations and temperature corrections, the percentage of particles finer than specific diameters is determined. This method is suitable for particle sizes generally below 0.075 mm.
Applications
- Geotechnical investigations and soil classification
- Foundation, embankment, and earthwork design
- Soil mechanics teaching and academic research
- Civil engineering laboratory testing
- Environmental and sediment analysis (lakes, rivers, wetlands)
Standards Compliance
- IS 2720 (Part IV) – Grain Size Analysis of Soils
- ASTM D422 – Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
- BS 1377 – Methods of Test for Soils for Civil Engineering Purposes
System Composition (Complete Set)
- Sedimentation Cylinders – 1000 ml capacity, borosilicate glass (6 nos.) with rubber bungs
- Soil Hydrometer – ASTM 151H, range 0.995 to 1.038 g/ml, least count 0.001
- Glass Tank – Approx. 600 × 300 × 380 mm
- Immersion Heater with Thermostat and Circulation Unit – 230V AC, Single Phase, 50 Hz, 1000 W
- Glass Thermometer – Range –10°C to 50°C, subdivision 0.5°C
- Beaker – Borosilicate glass, 250 ml capacity
- Dispersing Agent – Sodium Hexametaphosphate, 1000 g
- High Speed Stirrer – 4000 RPM, complete with dispersion / baffle cup for soil dispersion
Technical Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AZA0857 |
| Hydrometer Type | ASTM 151H / IS-compliant glass hydrometer |
| Measurement Range | 0.995 – 1.038 g/ml |
| Least Count | 0.001 |
| Sedimentation Cylinder | 1000 ml, borosilicate glass, graduated |
| Temperature Measurement | –10°C to 50°C thermometer included |
| Heating System | Immersion heater with thermostat, 1000 W |
| Stirrer Speed | Approx. 4000 RPM |
| Particle Size Range | < 0.075 mm |
| Power Supply | 230 V AC, 50 Hz |
What’s Included
- Complete Hydrometer Analysis Setup (AZA0857)
- Soil Hydrometer (151H)
- Sedimentation Cylinders with rubber bungs
- Immersion heater with circulation unit
- Glass thermometer
- High speed stirrer with baffle cup
- Beaker and accessories as listed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the hydrometer method used for?
It is used to determine the grain size distribution of fine soils such as silts and clays through sedimentation analysis.
Q2: How accurate is the hydrometer method?
It provides high accuracy for particles smaller than 75 microns, which cannot be reliably analyzed using sieve methods.
Q3: Is this method suitable for sandy soils?
No. It is specifically intended for fine-grained soils. Coarse particles settle too rapidly for accurate hydrometer readings.
Q4: Which standards does AZA0857 comply with?
The apparatus conforms to IS 2720 (Part IV), ASTM D422, and BS 1377.
Q5: Is the dispersing agent included?
Yes. Sodium hexametaphosphate is supplied with the complete AZA0857 set.
Additional information
| Hydrometer Type |
ASTM 151H or IS-compliant Glass Hydrometer |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range |
0°C to 50°C (thermometer included) |
| Measurement Interval |
2 min to 24 hours (user-defined) |
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