Protimeter® Speedy

User Instructions
PROTIMETER
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Moisture Test Procedure for Standard Size Speedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Moisture Test Procedure for Large Size Speedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Special Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Recommended Spares and Consumables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Sample Preparation Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Appendix A - Material Safety Data Sheet (According to Directive 93/112/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Introduction
The Series 2000 Speedy moisture tester is a portable system for measuring the moisture content of a wide range of materials
including soils, aggregates, dust and powders (and liquids). The system consists of a rugged plastic case containing a low-
pressure vessel fitted with a pressure gauge and an electronic scale and ancillaries.

Moisture measurements are made by mixing a weighed sample of the material with a calcium carbide reagent in the sealed
pressure vessel. The reagent reacts chemically with water in the sample, producing acetylene gas that in turn increases the
pressure within the vessel. As the pressure increase in the vessel is proportional to the amount of water in the sample, the
moisture content can be read directly from the calibrated pressure gauge.

The Series 2000 Speedy is available in the models listed Table 1 below.

Table 1: Series 2000 Speedy Models

Measurement Range Max. Recommended Sample Wt.
Model Vessel Size (H2O% W/W) Particle Size (mm) (g)
L2000C Large 0-10 20 40
L2000D Large 0-20 20 20
L2000G Large 0-50 20 8
S2000C Standard 0-10 10 12
S2000D Standard 0-20 10 6

Safety Precautions
• The calcium carbide reagent used with the Speedy tester is a hazardous product that must be handled with care by the user
and with consideration for the environment. Users must follow calcium carbide transportation, storage, handling and
disposal guidelines in accordance with local regulations and/or the calcium carbide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in
Appendix A of this manual. Users should be familiar with the hazard identification, first aid measures, fire-fighting
measures, accidental release measures, personal protection measures, physical and chemical properties, stability and
reactivity, toxicological information, and ecological information as given in the MSDS (see Appendix A).
• Users of the Speedy must be familiar with the Speedy Moisture Test Procedure detailed in this manual.

AAS-INSSPEEDY2000, Rev. A

Amphenol March 2014

Advanced Sensors
Protimeter Speedy March 2014

Moisture Test Procedure for Standard Size Speedy

A standard 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:

S1 S3 S4 S5

S6 S8 S9

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. 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 2 below.

Table 2: Sample Weights - Standard Vessel

Model Vessel Size Range (H2O% W/W) Sample Wt. (g)
S2000C Standard 0-10 12
S2000D Standard 0-20 6

4. Add the sample to the Speedy vessel: Pour the sample into the chamber of the Speedy vessel.
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: 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.
8. Take the reading: Hold the Speedy horizontally and at eye level and take the moisture content reading directly from the
pressure gauge.
9. Release the pressure: Hold the Speedy vertically with the pressure gauge facing the ground. Locate the arrow on the
flange of the cap and point this away from yourself and other people in your vicinity. Unscrew the top screw slowly to
vent the gas that may have been generated within the Speedy.
10. Remove the sample and reagent: Tip the contents of the Speedy directly into a clean and dry open container and
dispose of in accordance with Section 13 of the Calcium Carbide Material Safety Data Sheet.
11. Clean the Speedy: Clean the Speedy vessel, cap and measuring beaker in preparation for the next moisture measurement.

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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:

S1 S3 S4 S5

S6 S8 S9

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.

Table 3: Sample Weights - Large Vessel

Model Vessel Size Range (H2O% W/W) Sample Wt. (g)
L2000C Large 0-10 40
L2000D Large 0-20 20
L2000G Large 0-50 8

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.

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Moisture Test Procedure for Large Size Speedy (cont.)

9. Release the pressure: Hold the Speedy vertically with the pressure gauge facing the ground. Locate the arrow on the
flange of the cap and point this away from yourself and other people in your vicinity. Unscrew the top screw slowly to
vent the gas that may have been generated within the Speedy.
10. Remove the sample and reagent: Tip the contents of the Speedy directly into a clean and dry open container and
dispose of in accordance with Section 13 of the Calcium Carbide Material Safety Data Sheet.
11. Clean the Speedy: Clean the Speedy vessel, cap and measuring beaker in preparation for the next moisture measurement.

Special Considerations
Use the instructions in this section to adapt your test procedures to special measuring conditions.

Applying the Proportional Test Technique

If the moisture content of the material exceeds the measurement range of the Speedy being used, then the Proportional Test
Technique may be used to obtain measurements. This involves halving the normal sample weight and doubling the gauge
value. For example:

1. Assume an L2000D Speedy with a measurement range of 0-20 H2O% W/W is being used to test soil with a nominal
moisture content of 30%.
2. The sample is prepared as required and half the normal weight (i.e. 10 g) is placed in the Speedy.
3. The normal test procedure is followed and a gauge value of 14.7% is recorded.
4. This value is then doubled to give the actual moisture content of 29.4%.
The Proportional Test Technique may also be used to obtain clearer readings in very dry material by doubling the sample size
and halving the gauge value.

Compensating for Non-Standard Temperature

For optimum performance the Speedy tester and sample should be at 20°C (68°F) when used. If this is not practical, take at
least three tests in quick succession to equilibrate temperatures as much as possible. Ignore the first and second test results and
record the later results.

Establishing Correction Factors

When compared with oven test results, Speedy readings may be low if the material under investigation contains volatile
components other than water, as these may evaporate with the water at elevated temperatures. Correction factors for given
materials can be established by plotting graphs of Speedy test results against oven test results.

Measuring Moisture Content in Liquids

Speedy testers may be used to measure the moisture content of certain liquids (most commonly oils) by adapting the test
procedure as follows:

1. Weigh the liquid sample as in the standard procedure.

2. Place the liquid in a clean mixing vessel and add two to four scoops of dry sand. Mix the contents thoroughly and place
the mixture in the Speedy vessel.
3. Continue with the test as detailed in the standard Moisture Test Procedure.

Converting Wet Weight to Dry Weight

The pressure gauges used with the Series 2000 Speedy testers are calibrated to give the moisture content expressed as a
percentage of the sample's wet weight. If required, the measured value (MWW) can be expressed as a percentage of the
sample's dry weight (MDW) by using the following formula:

100  M WW
M DW = -----------------------------
-
100 – M WW

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Troubleshooting
Use the following procedures to troubleshoot suspected inaccurate results.

Suspected Low Reading

If the Speedy gauge readings are lower than you expect or anticipate, check the following:

• Was the test procedure followed correctly? Ensure the correct sample weight is used, the sample is placed in the Speedy
vessel, and the calcium carbide reagent is placed in the Speedy cap. Also, make sure the Speedy vessel and cap are united
and sealed in the horizontal plane to prevent premature contact of the reagent and sample.
• Was there was adequate cleaning of the Speedy vessel and cap between tests? Ensure all residues from previous tests have
been removed from the cap and vessel before starting a new test.
• Was sufficient reagent used? Repeat the test using an additional scoop of reagent.
• Was the reagent ineffective? Ensure that the reagent is fresh.
Note: The color of fresh reagent is dark gray; ineffective reagent that has been exposed to moisture in the air or other
sources will have turned light gray in color.
• Was sample preparation or sample-reagent mixing adequate? Consider grinding the sample prior to weighing and/or (for
Large Speedy only) using pulverizing balls.
• Was the temperature too low? Low readings may be recorded if the Speedy is used in very low temperatures. Take
numerous readings in quick succession to raise the operating temperature of the Speedy.
• Was there a pressure loss? Visually check the cap washer for signs of holes or leak paths. Remove the pressure gauge and
visually check the pressure gauge washer. Visually check the Speedy vessel and cap for hairline cracks.
• Is the pressure gauge defective? If the needle does not sweep smoothly across the scale plate, replace the gauge or return the
Speedy tester to an authorized distributor for service.

Suspected High Reading

If the Speedy gauge readings are higher than you expect or anticipate, check the following:

• Was the correct sample weight used? Ensure that the sample weight is weighed correctly.
• Was the gauge read correctly? Ensure that the Speedy is held in the horizontal plane at eye level when reading the pressure
gauge.
• Was the temperature too high? High readings may be recorded if the Speedy is used in very high temperatures. If the
Speedy is warm/hot to touch as a result of taking many readings in quick succession, allow time for it to cool down before
taking more tests.
• Is the pressure gauge defective? If the needle does not return to zero after releasing the pressure from the Speedy, replace
the gauge or return the Speedy tester to an authorized distributor for service.

Recommended Spares and Consumables

It may be wise to consider having the following spares and consumables available when using the Speedy tester, especially in
remote locations:

• batteries for the electronic scale, AA/LR6 1.5V (3 required)

• Speedy cap washer
• pressure gauge washer
• pressure gauge (note the measurement range)
• cleaning brushes
Other spares parts for the Speedy vessel are available on request.

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Sample Preparation Table

Refer to Table 4 below for instructions on preparing your sample for analysis.

Table 4: Sample Preparation

Material Type) Recommended Preparation
Aggregate Check maximum sample size. Crush if larger than
maximum recommended particle size.
Dust None required.
Liquids Mix with dry sand (see Measuring Moisture Content
in Liquids on page 4).
Powders None required.
Sand None required.
Soils Grind with mortar and pestle prior to testing, or use
pulverizing balls (for large size Speedy only).

Appendix A - Material Safety Data Sheet (According to Directive 93/112/EU)

1.1 Identification of the Product

Name: Calcium carbide
CAS-No.: 75-20-7
UN-No.: 1402
EINECS-No.: 200-848-3
EU - No.: 006-004-00-9

1.2 Identification of the Manufacturer/Supplier

Name: Carbide Industries Limited
Address: Althorpe Wharf, Keadby, Scunthorpe
UNITED KINGDOM, DN17 3DA
Telephone: +44 1724 782383

1.3 Emergency Telephone

Telephone: NCEC + 44 1865 407333

2. Composition

CAS-No. Chemical Name Conc. (wt. %) Hazard Classification

75-20-7 Calcium carbide ~80 F - Highly flammable

R -15: Contact with water liberates highly flammable gas.

1305-78-8 Calcium oxide ~15 C - Corrosive

R -34: Causes burns.

3. Hazard Identification
Reacts with water to form Ca(OH)2 and flammable acetylene, which forms explosive mixture with air. By contact with
water (humidity), acetylene gas with anesthetic effect is liberated. Simultaneously, very small amounts of poisonous
phosphine and hydrogen sulphide gas are set free.
Residue contains Calcium hydroxide which may cause burns.

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4. First Aid Measures

Acute poisoning due to handling of calcium carbide is unlikely to occur if usual safety precautions are taken.
Skin: Remove contaminated clothes immediately. Flush exposed skin abundantly with clean water and
cover with sterile compress (do not use compress for burns).
Eyes: Flush abundantly with clean water for at least 15 minutes forcing the eye-lids open.
Immediate transport to hospital or eye specialist.
Inhalation: By poisoning caused by inhalation of phosphine (and arsine) gas from moist calcium carbide:
remove the victim from the source of exposure as quickly as possible. Usual first aid: rest, warmth,
fresh air,.
By unconsciousness: Loosen tight-fitting clothes, place the body in a stable, lateral position.
By breathing difficulties: Give oxygen.
By breathing arrest: Artificial respiration.
By heart arrest: External heart compression.
Immediate transport to hospital preferably under administration of oxygen.
Ingestion: Not relevant.

5. Fire-Fighting Measures
Dry calcium carbide is not inflammable. Contact with humidity and water liberates acetylene gas which is highly
inflammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. The gas is lighter than air.
Fire extinction: Small fires: Dry powder, lime or dry sand.
Large fires: Withdraw from area and let fire burn.
Do not use: Water or foam.
Protective measures: If staying in atmosphere containing acetylene is unavoidable, be aware of the high risk of explosion
and wear self-containing breathing equipment.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Be aware of the possibility of acetylene gas formation on contact with humid atmospheres or water.
Shut off ignition sources.
Stay upwind.
Keep people and animals away from the polluted area.
Removal: Collect material in suitable containers which must not be tightly closed. Protect the
spilled material from contact with water and do not allow it to enter water courses.
Water contamination: Calcium Carbide should not be let into the sea, lakes, rivers etc. By the reaction with water alkaline
calcium hydroxide is formed which is harmful to fish and marine organisms. Observe possible national/international
pollution regulations.
Contamination of streets and the environments: Proceed as described previously. Evacuate the polluted area. Material
remaining after collection must not be dumped into the public sewer.
In case of spillage affecting the environment, consult the authorities (pollution agency etc.) according to local regulations
and rules. By serious accidents, inform the authorities concerned.
See also Sections 8, 12 and 13

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7.1 Handling
Keep tightly closed in a dry and cool place. Handle and open container with care.
Use spark proof tools.
Protect against humid air and water.
Keep away from sources of ignition.
No smoking.

7.2 Storage
Calcium carbide must be stored in tightly closed containers in a dry, well ventilated place without sprinkler protection.
Exclude possible sources of ignition of acetylene gas.
Even traces of humidity will cause liberation of explosive acetylene gas.
It should be stored separately from silver, mercury, copper and copper alloys.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

The working operation should be arranged in such a way that formation of dust is reduced to a minimum. Avoid moisture.
Provide good ventilation.
Respiratory protection: For working operations involving dust formation, use approved dust mask (P2). In case of
possible presence of phosphine-, (arsine-) and hydrogen sulphide gas: use combination filter or
preferably fresh air mask until control measurements are done.
Hand Protection: Rubber gloves
Eye protection: Safety goggles, eye flushing facilities

Long-term Exposure Short-term Exposure Limit

ppm (mg/m3) ppm (mg/m3)
Occupational (8 hour TWA reference period) (15 minute reference period)
Exposure
Standards UK1 USA2 Germ.3 UK USA Germ.

Calcium carbide Not stated

Acetylene-gas (C2H2) Simple asphyxiant

Phosphine-gas (PH3) 0,3 (0,4) 0,3 (0,42) 0,1 (0,15) 1 (1) 1 (1,4) - (-)

Arsine-gas (AsH3) 0,05 (0,2) 0,05 (0,16) 0,05 (0,2) - (-) - (-) - (-)

Hydrogen sulphide-gas (H2S) 10 (14) 10 (14) 10 (15) 15 (21) 15 (21) - (-)

Ammonia (NH3) 25 (18) 25 (17) 50 (35) 35 (27) 35 (24) - (-)

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) - (5)

1Environmental Health Series No. 40 (EH 40), The Health and Safety Executive. Occupational Exposure Limits 1984.
2
Threshold Limit Values 1992 - 1993, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
3
List of MAK- and BAT-values. Commission for the investigation of health hazards of chemical components in the work area.
Report No. 29. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. 1993.

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9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Lump-formed or granular, dark gray material
Smell: Onion-like, due to presence of phosphine or arsine as impurities.

Calcium Carbide Calcium Carbide (cont.)

Boiling point: NA Relative density 2.3 g/cm3

Melting point: 1700 - 1950°C Bulk density ~1100 kg/m3

Flash point: Does not flash if dry Acetylene

pH - value NA Explosion limit in air 1.5 – 82%

Vapor pressure (20oC) <<1 mbar (in dry air) Ignition temperature 305°C

Solubility (water) Reacts heavily Specific gravity (air =1) 0.91

10. Stability and Reactivity

Calcium carbide reacts violently with water with the liberation of flammable acetylene gas and the formation of corrosive
calcium hydroxide solution. Small amounts of phosphine, arsine, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia are also released.
Even very small amounts of water will react with calcium carbide developing sufficient heat to make the acetylene gas
ignite spontaneously.
Acetylene will react with copper, silver and mercury creating explosive compounds (acetylides which are shock and
temperature sensitive.

11. Toxicological Information

Handling of dust - free, lumped-formed Calcium Carbide is not considered to be a health risk when safety precautions are
taken.
Skin: Dust may irritate moist skin and can cause skin ulceration and eczema.
Eyes: Dust may damage the cornea and can in serious cases cause blindness.
Inhalation: Symptoms of acute poisoning are: nausea, vomiting, disorientation, burning sensation in the
nose or throat and breathing difficulties.

12. Ecological Information

The decomposition products of calcium carbide, acetylene and calcium hydroxide are harmful to fish.
Acetylene: 200 mg/l lethal for trout fry
400 mg/l lethal for gold fish within 24 -48 hrs.
Ca(OH)2: 20 mg/l harmful to fish.
70 mg/l lethal after 26 minutes

13. Disposal Considerations

Small amounts of Calcium Carbide are collected and mixed with diatomaceous earth at a safe place in the open air. Add
small portions of water in a suitable, open container. Ignite the acetylene gas with a pilot flame. Let burn out, and stay for
24 hours. Decant the fluid part and transfer the solid precipitate to an approved site for deposition or burial.
Equipment etc. can be cleaned with water. Observe the possibility of acetylene gas formation and use protective
equipment.

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14. Transport Information

Calcium Carbide must only be packed and transported in packing according to international transport regulations. The
packing must be strong and tightly closed to prevent access of humidity to the material.

UN No.: 1402
Air Transport (ICAO-TI/IATA-DGR): Class 4.3, P.G. II,
P/A: 416/15 Kg
CAO: 418/50 Kg
Sea Transport (IMDG-Code, Amdt. 25-89): Class 4.3, PG. II,
Page 4335
EMS: 4.3-03
MFAG:705
Stowage Cat.: B
Road Transport (ADR): Class 4.3, Item 17(b)
Kemlercode: 423/1402
Rail Transport (RID): Class 4.3, Item 17(b)
Kemlercode: 423/1402
CEFIC - Card: (R) - 192

For further information about the different transport classes, consult national / international transport authorities.

15. Regulatory Information

According to EU-Dir. 67/548, as amended, the product is labeled as follows:
F- Highly flammable
R 15 Contact with water liberates highly flammable gases
S8 Keep container dry
S 43 In case of fire, use dry sand (i.e.) dry powder. Never use water.

16. Other Information

The information given here is based on the present state of our knowledge and describes our product under the aspect of
safety. It should not therefore be construed as guaranteeing specific properties.

The information contained in this manual is given in good faith. As the method of use of the instrument (and its accessories) and the
interpretation of the readings are beyond the control of the manufacturers, they cannot accept responsibility for any loss,
consequential or otherwise, resulting from its use.

USA
Amphenol Advanced Sensors
7 Windfall Road
St. Mary’s PA 15857-3333

Ireland
Sensing House
Shannon Free Zone East,
Shannon, County Clare

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Protimeter® is a registered trademark of Amphenol Advanced Sensors

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