Rapid Moisture Meter AZA 0874 - Calcium Carbide Soil Moisture Tester
Click to enlarge
SPEEDY MOISTURE ZI 3027 METER (D2 LARGE) AZA0873
SPEEDY MOISTURE ZI 3027 METER (D2 LARGE) AZA0873
Back to products
INFRARED MOISTURE METER AZA0875
INFRARED MOISTURE METER AZA0875

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.

Enquiry on WhatsApp
Category:
Description

Description

Principle of Operation

The AZA0874 operates on a chemical reaction principle. When moisture present in the sample reacts with calcium carbide (CaCâ‚‚) inside a sealed pressure vessel, acetylene gas (Câ‚‚Hâ‚‚) is generated. The pressure produced is directly proportional to the moisture content of the sample.

A precision-calibrated pressure gauge mounted on the vessel directly indicates the moisture content as a percentage (wet weight basis). No external power source is required, making the instrument highly suitable for field conditions.

Key Features

  • Rapid on-site moisture content determination
  • Proven calcium carbide gas pressure method
  • Direct percentage moisture readout
  • No electricity or batteries required
  • Simple operation with results in minutes
  • Compact, rugged, and highly portable design
  • Ideal for construction and geotechnical field use

Applications

  • Earthwork and embankment compaction control
  • Road and pavement construction
  • Aggregate and sand moisture assessment
  • Concrete production and mix control
  • Routine geotechnical field investigations

Technical Specifications

Model Number: AZA0874
Measurement Principle: Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Method
Test Type: Field / On-site testing

Moisture Content Range:

  • Typically 0–25% or up to 0–50% (depending on gauge calibration)

Accuracy:

  • ±0.2% at low moisture levels
  • ±0.5% at higher moisture levels

Main Components:

  • Airtight pressure vessel (robust aluminum alloy)
  • Precision pressure gauge calibrated in % moisture
  • Secure sealing clamp
  • Portable weighing balance (approx. 20 g capacity, 0.01 g readability)
  • Chrome steel mixing balls
  • Measuring scoop and cleaning brush

Reagent:

  • Calcium carbide powder (supplied separately)

Power Requirement:

  • None (self-contained chemical reaction)

Portability:

  • Supplied in a sturdy carrying case suitable for site use

Compliance:

  • Designed in accordance with ASTM D4944
  • IS 2720 (Part 2) – equivalent principles

Construction:

  • Durable, field-ready design for harsh site environments

Operating Procedure (Summary)

  1. Weigh the required sample using the balance.
  2. Place the sample, steel balls, and calcium carbide into the vessel.
  3. Seal the vessel securely using the clamp.
  4. Shake vigorously to initiate the reaction.
  5. Read the moisture percentage directly from the pressure gauge within a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the AZA0874 Rapid Moisture Meter used for?
It is used for quick and accurate determination of moisture content in soils, aggregates, sand, and similar materials directly at site.

Q2: How does the instrument measure moisture?
Moisture reacts with calcium carbide to produce acetylene gas, and the resulting pressure is measured and displayed as moisture percentage.

Q3: Does AZA0874 require power or batteries?
No. It operates entirely on a chemical reaction and requires no external power.

Q4: How fast are the results?
Typically within 5–10 minutes, allowing immediate corrective action on site.

Q5: Which standards does AZA0874 follow?
It conforms to the principles of ASTM D4944 and IS 2720 (Part 2).

Additional information

Additional information

Model Number

AZA 0874
Measurement Principle

Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Method
Test Type

Field Testing / On-site measurement.
Power Source

None required (self-contained chemical reaction).
Portability

Highly portable, typically supplied in a sturdy carrying case.

Related products

GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS (PIPETTE METHOD) AZA0856

The AZA0856 Grain Size Analysis (Pipette Method) Apparatus from AZA Lab is a precision testing setup used for determining the distribution of fine soil particles such as silt and clay. It is widely used in geotechnical engineering, civil construction quality control, soil mechanics research, and academic laboratories, particularly where conventional sieve analysis is ineffective for particles finer than 75 microns. This apparatus is designed for the mechanical analysis of sub-sieve soil particles, expressing quantitatively the proportion by weight of various particle sizes present in a soil sample. The pipette method, based on sedimentation principles and Stokes’ Law, provides accurate and repeatable results for fine-grained soils. The system consists of a sliding vertical panel operated by a precision screw mechanism, allowing an Anderson pipette to be raised or lowered accurately. A sedimentation tube is held securely below the pipette using a laboratory clamp. The depth of immersion is measured using a millimeter-graduated scale mounted alongside the sliding panel. The apparatus is supplied complete with a 10 ml Anderson pipette, a 500 ml glass sedimentation tube, and test form pads, conforming to standard laboratory practices.
Read more
Quick view

LIQUID LIMIT DEVICE (MOTORISED) AZA0854

The Motorised Liquid Limit Device – AZA0854 from AZA Lab is a precision-engineered instrument designed for accurate and repeatable determination of the liquid limit of soils. Equipped with a geared-down motor delivering a consistent 120 RPM, the device automates the drop mechanism, eliminating manual effort and ensuring uniform compaction blows for reliable test results. The AZA0854 is fully compliant with IS 2720 (Part 5) and ASTM D4318, making it suitable for soil classification, road and pavement design, foundation investigations, and routine geotechnical laboratory testing. The unit operates on 230V AC, 50 Hz, single-phase, ensuring compatibility with standard laboratory power supplies. The system is supplied complete with Casagrande and ASTM grooving tools and a 1 cm height calibration block, enabling immediate setup, verification, and testing.
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

PROCTOR NEEDLES (SPRING TYPE) AZA0868

The AZA0868 Precision Proctor Needles (Spring Type) from Azalab are designed for rapid, on-site estimation of soil compaction and moisture condition. This portable instrument provides a practical alternative to full laboratory Proctor testing for preliminary assessment and quality control, particularly on cohesive and semi-cohesive soils encountered in embankments, subgrades, and trench backfills. The instrument employs a calibrated, spring-loaded plunger to measure penetration resistance directly (0–40 kg range). Two graduated stems allow accurate tracking of penetration depth, while a comprehensive set of interchangeable needle tips enables testing across a range of soil densities and particle characteristics.
Applications
  • Field assessment of soil compaction
  • Estimation of optimum moisture condition
  • Subgrade, fill, and trench inspection
  • Construction quality control checks
  • Geotechnical and educational field investigations
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

STANDARD COMPACTION TEST AZA0863

The AZA0863 Standard Compaction Test Apparatus from Azalab is designed to perform the Standard Proctor Compaction Test, a fundamental geotechnical laboratory procedure used to determine the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of soils. These parameters are essential for ensuring proper soil compaction in the construction of roads, embankments, foundations, and other earth structures. This apparatus simulates light compaction effort typically applied in the field and provides reliable, repeatable results for laboratory quality control and design verification.
Purpose & Principle The Standard Compaction Test establishes the relationship between soil moisture content and dry density under a standard compactive effort. Soil samples are compacted in layers within a cylindrical mould using a specified hammer weight and drop height. By testing at varying moisture contents and plotting a compaction curve, the MDD and OMC are obtained.
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