METHYLENE BLUE TEST SET AZA0860 - Image 1
Click to enlarge
SAND EQUIVALENT TEST SET AZA0859
SAND EQUIVALENT TEST SET AZA0859
Back to products
MOTORISED SAND EQUIVALENT SHAKER AZA0861
MOTORISED SAND EQUIVALENT SHAKER AZA0861

METHYLENE BLUE TEST SET AZA0860

The AZA0860 Methylene Blue Test Set from AZA Lab is a comprehensive laboratory system designed to determine the clay content and clay activity in fine aggregates and soils through measurement of the Methylene Blue Value (MBV). The test is highly sensitive to active clay minerals—particularly montmorillonite—that can adversely affect the performance of concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials.

This method is widely adopted in aggregate quality control, concrete mix design, asphalt technology, and geotechnical investigations, providing a reliable indicator of fines reactivity and cation exchange capacity.

Standards Compliance

  • EN 933-9 – Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates (Methylene Blue Test)
  • NF P94-068
  • UNE 83 180
  • UNI 8520-15
  • ASTM C837 – Methylene Blue Index of Clay in Fine Aggregate
Enquiry on WhatsApp
Category:
Description

Description

Test Method Overview

In the Methylene Blue Test, a known mass of soil or fine aggregate (typically the 0–2 mm fraction) is dispersed in water and continuously agitated. A standardized methylene blue solution is gradually titrated into the suspension using a burette.

At regular intervals, a drop of the suspension is placed on filter paper. The test endpoint is reached when a persistent blue halo forms around the drop, indicating that all active clay surfaces have been saturated. The volume of methylene blue solution consumed is used to calculate the Methylene Blue Value (MBV), which is directly proportional to the clay content and activity of the sample.

This method is particularly effective for identifying swelling and highly reactive clays, helping prevent durability issues such as cracking, loss of strength, and volumetric instability.

Applications

  • Fine aggregate quality control (sand cleanliness assessment)
  • Concrete mix design and durability evaluation
  • Asphalt and hot-mix design (control of filler and fines)
  • Geotechnical investigation of clayey soils
  • Soil classification and clay activity assessment

System Configuration (Standard Supply)

  • High-speed agitator motor, 400–600 RPM, 210–240 V, 50–60 Hz
  • Stirring propeller, Ø 70 mm, 4-flank design
  • Glass burette, 50 ml × 0.1 ml
  • Burette holder and support stand
  • Filter paper, Ø 125 mm, 95 g/m², thickness 0.20 mm (1 pack / 100 pcs.)
  • Glass rod, Ø 8 × 300 mm
  • Plastic beaker, 1000 ml
  • Methylene blue powder, 100 g
  • Kaolinite reference material, 500 g

Technical Specifications

Component Specification
Model AZA0860
Test Method Methylene Blue Value (MBV)
Applicable Fraction 0 – 2 mm (fine aggregates / soils)
Burette 25 ml or 50 ml, manual or digital
Stirrer High-speed agitator / magnetic stirrer with speed control
Power Supply 210–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz
Filter Paper Ashless, Ø 125 mm
MB Reagent Methylene blue powder / solution
Sensitivity High sensitivity to montmorillonite and active clays
Compliance ASTM C837, EN 933-9 and related standards

What’s Included

  • Complete Methylene Blue Test Set (AZA0860)
  • Agitator motor with propeller
  • Burette with stand
  • Filter paper pack (100 pcs.)
  • Methylene blue reagent (starter quantity)
  • Kaolinite reference sample
  • Accessories as listed above
  • Instruction manual with MBV calculation guidance

Optional Items / Spares

  • Replacement filter paper packs
  • Additional methylene blue reagent
  • Digital burette
  • Precision balance and graduated cylinders

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the Methylene Blue Test measure?
It measures the clay content and clay activity (cation exchange capacity) of fine particles in aggregates and soils.

Q2: Why is the MBV test important for concrete and asphalt?
Active clays absorb water and interfere with bonding, leading to cracking and durability issues. The MBV test helps identify and control such materials.

Q3: Which clay minerals are detected by this test?
The test is particularly sensitive to montmorillonite, as well as other active clay minerals.

Q4: Is the endpoint determined visually or electronically?
The endpoint is determined visually using the filter paper spot test, indicated by a permanent blue halo.

Q5: Does the AZA0860 include reagents?
Yes. A starter quantity of methylene blue and kaolinite reference material is supplied. Consumables can be replenished as required.

You may also like…

BLAINE’S AIR PERMEABILITY APPARATUS AZA0787

  • Determines cement fineness via air permeability
  • Conforms to IS 4031 and ASTM C204 standards
  • Ideal for labs, QC departments, and cement plants
  • Precision glass manometer and permeability cell
  • Supplied with timer, filter paper, and plunger
Read more
Quick view
Cement Sampler, Cement Sampling Tool, Lab Cement Sampler

CEMENT SAMPLER AZA0786

  • Accurate dry sampling from cement bags or containers
  • Ideal for lab use in quality control and material testing
  • Made of corrosion-resistant steel for long-term use
  • Easy-to-handle, portable, and highly durable
  • Complies with IS 3535 and related standards
Read more
Quick view
Gillmore Needle Apparatus, Cement Needle Tester, AZA 0790, Setting Time Apparatus

GILLMORE NEEDLE APPARATUS AZA0790

  • Used to determine initial and final setting time of cement
  • Complies with ASTM C266 standards
  • Consists of two needles and a support frame
  • Durable brass and stainless-steel construction
  • Precision machined weights for accurate results
  • Ideal for construction and materials testing labs
Read more
Quick view
Le Chatelier Flask, AZA 0796, Cement Specific Gravity Flask, Laboratory Glassware

LE CHATELIER FLASK AZA0793

  • Used to determine specific gravity of cement
  • Conforms to IS 4031 (Part 11) standard
  • Calibrated borosilicate glass flask
  • 250 ml capacity with graduated neck
  • High chemical and thermal resistance
  • Ideal for cement labs and testing centers
Read more
Quick view

SHRINKAGE BAR MOULD AZA0794

  • Used for testing drying shrinkage of cement
  • Conforms to IS 4031 and ASTM C490 standards
  • Made from heavy-duty mild steel or gunmetal
  • Precision-ground surfaces for accurate length measurement
  • Includes end reference points for comparator use
  • Supplied with base plate and steel inserts
Read more
Quick view

VICAT NEEDLE APPARATUS WITH DASHPOT AZA0788

  • AZA 0788 Vicat Needle Apparatus with Dashpot
  • Tests cement consistency and setting time
  • Includes dashpot for stable needle movement
  • Durable construction for lab reliability
  • Ideal for educational and industrial labs
Read more
Quick view

    Related products

    MOTORISED SAND EQUIVALENT SHAKER AZA0861

    The AZA0861 Motorised Sand Equivalent Shaker is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed to automate the agitation phase of the Sand Equivalent Test. It ensures uniform, repeatable shaking in full compliance with ASTM D2419, AASHTO T176, and IS 2720 (Part 37), eliminating operator variability associated with manual shaking. This shaker is an essential accessory for soil, aggregate, and construction material testing laboratories where accurate assessment of sand cleanliness and clay-like fines is critical.
    Purpose & Function The Sand Equivalent Test evaluates the relative proportion of sand versus clay-sized or plastic fines in fine aggregates. During testing, the sample and calcium chloride solution must be agitated for a defined stroke length and rate. The AZA0861 automates this process using a controlled reciprocating motion, delivering consistent agitation that improves repeatability, reduces operator fatigue, and enhances overall test reliability.
    Read more
    Quick view

    PLASTIC LIMIT SET AZA0848

    The AZA0848 Plastic Limit Set is a standardized soil testing kit designed for the accurate determination of the plastic limit of fine-grained soils, in accordance with IS: 2720 (Part 5) and ASTM D4318. The plastic limit is a fundamental soil index property used in soil classification and in evaluating soil behavior under varying moisture conditions. This test kit is an essential component of geotechnical investigations, civil engineering projects, and soil mechanics laboratories, providing reliable and repeatable results in both laboratory and field environments. Purpose & Importance The plastic limit represents the lowest moisture content at which soil remains plastic and can be rolled into threads of 3 mm diameter without crumbling. Determination of this limit is critical for:
    • Soil classification (Atterberg limits)
    • Assessing workability and consistency
    • Evaluating shrink–swell characteristics
    • Supporting foundation, pavement, and earthwork design
    The AZA0848 set provides all required accessories to conduct the test accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with applicable standards.
    Read more
    Quick view

    PLUMMET BALANCE AZA0862

    The AZA0862 Plummet Balance is a specialized laboratory apparatus designed for determining the specific gravity of fine-grained soils, particularly clays and silts that are difficult to test using conventional pycnometer methods. It is widely used in geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics laboratories, and construction quality control applications. Manufactured by Azalab, the instrument complies with ASTM D854 and IS 2720 (Part 3 / Sec 1) standards and provides rapid, repeatable, and reliable results for dispersed soil samples commonly used in sedimentation, pipette, and hydrometer analyses.
    Working Principle The plummet balance method determines the specific gravity of soil solids by measuring the apparent weight of a suspended plummet immersed in a soil–water suspension. The balance pointer directly indicates the percentage of soil in suspension via a calibrated scale, eliminating lengthy calculations. A rack-and-pinion height adjustment allows the plummet to be positioned at the required depth. The percentage of soil in suspension is read directly from the graduated scale, making this method faster and more user-friendly than traditional sedimentation calculations. The set is supplied with a temperature correction chart relating the constant K to suspension temperature for soils with specific gravity ranging from 2.4 to 2.8, facilitating accurate application of Stokes’ law.
    Read more
    Quick view
    Rapid Moisture Meter AZA 0874 - Calcium Carbide Soil Moisture Tester

    RAPID MOISTURE METER AZA0874

    The AZA0874 Rapid Moisture Meter from Azalab is a compact, reliable, and field-proven instrument designed for quick determination of moisture content in soils, aggregates, sand, and other granular or fine materials. It is especially suited for on-site quality control in civil engineering, road construction, earthwork compaction, and geotechnical investigations, where timely moisture data is critical for effective decision-making.

    Based on the well-established calcium carbide gas pressure method, the AZA0874 delivers accurate results within minutes, eliminating delays associated with laboratory oven-drying methods. Its portable, self-contained design makes it ideal for use at remote and demanding job sites.

    Read more
    Quick view

    SEMI AUTOMATIC CONE PENETROMETER AZA0852

    The AZA0852 Semi Automatic Cone Penetrometer from AZALAB is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument used for determining the liquid limit and consistency characteristics of fine-grained soils. Designed to eliminate operator-dependent errors, this semi-automatic model ensures uniform cone release and repeatable penetration results, making it an ideal choice for geotechnical, civil engineering, and construction material testing laboratories. The apparatus conforms to IS 2720 (Part 5) and BS 1377 standards and is widely used for soil classification, foundation assessment, and settlement analysis. Its semi-automatic clutch-based drop mechanism allows the cone to penetrate the soil sample under controlled conditions for a fixed duration of 5 seconds, ensuring consistent and reliable test outcomes.

    Principle of Operation

    A soil paste prepared at known moisture content is placed in the sample cup. The standardized cone, attached to a calibrated weight, is released using the semi-automatic clutch mechanism, allowing free fall penetration into the soil. After the specified time (typically 5 seconds), the penetration depth is measured using a high-precision dial gauge. The moisture content corresponding to a penetration of 20 mm is considered the liquid limit of the soil, as defined in IS and BS standards.
    Read more
    Quick view

    SOIL CONE PENETROMETER AZA0851

    The AZA0851 Precision Cone Penetrometer from AZALAB is a high-accuracy laboratory instrument designed for determining the liquid limit of fine-grained soils using the cone penetration method. The apparatus fully complies with IS 2720 (Part 5) and ASTM D4318, making it suitable for standardized soil classification and geotechnical investigations. Unlike the Casagrande method, the cone penetrometer provides a more objective and repeatable measurement of liquid limit by correlating soil consistency to the depth of penetration of a standardized cone under its own weight. This method is widely preferred in modern soil mechanics laboratories due to reduced operator dependency and higher precision.

    Principle of Operation

    A soil paste prepared at a known moisture content is placed in the sample cup. The stainless steel cone, of specified mass and angle, is allowed to penetrate the soil freely for 5 seconds. The depth of penetration (up to 20 mm) is measured using a precision depth gauge. The moisture content corresponding to 20 mm penetration is defined as the liquid limit of the soil.

    Standards Compliance

    • IS 2720 (Part 5) – Determination of liquid and plastic limits
    • ASTM D4318 – Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
    Read more
    Quick view
    Soil Hydrometer

    SOIL HYDROMETER AZA0858

    AZA0858 – Reliable Soil Hydrometer for Fine Particle Analysis The AZA0858 Soil Hydrometer from AZA Lab is a precision glass instrument designed for grain size analysis of fine-grained soils using the sedimentation (hydrometer) method. It is specifically intended for soils in which more than 10% of the material passes through the 75-micron sieve, ensuring accurate assessment of clay and silt fractions in accordance with internationally recognized standards. Manufactured from high-clarity transparent borosilicate glass, the AZA0858 features a permanently engraved density scale for direct, reliable readings of suspension density over time. The instrument is factory calibrated and optimized for use at 27°C, delivering high precision in both laboratory and controlled field testing environments.
    Read more
    Quick view

    VICKSBERG PENTROMETER (PROVING RING TYPE) AZA0870

    The Vicksberg Penetrometer (Proving Ring Type) – AZA0870 by Azalab is a precision-engineered field instrument designed to determine the bearing capacity of subgrades, assess soil compaction levels, and conduct rapid shallow soil investigations. It is widely used in road construction, foundation assessment, and infrastructure site inspections where quick, reliable field results are required.

    Designed for efficient single-person operation, the instrument incorporates a 100 kg (1 kN) proving ring combined with a high-sensitivity dial gauge of 0.002 mm least count, ensuring accurate and repeatable load measurements. An optical viewer is provided for clear dial visibility, even under bright outdoor conditions, making the unit ideal for on-site testing.

    Whether for routine site investigations or quality control of compacted layers, the AZA0870 delivers fast, dependable, and field-ready performance.

    Read more
    Quick view