08.

53 calcimeter

operating instructions

Contents

On these operating instructions..............................................................................................................................2

1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................2
2. Information........................................................................................................................................................2
3. Testing for leakage.............................................................................................................................................3
4. Required substances..........................................................................................................................................3
5. Preparation........................................................................................................................................................3
6. The measurement..............................................................................................................................................4
6.1 Blank determinations...............................................................................................................................4
6.2 Calibration..............................................................................................................................................4
6.3 Soil sample (analysis sample)....................................................................................................................5
8. Calculation........................................................................................................................................................6
9. Repeatability......................................................................................................................................................6
10. Standards.....................................................................................................................................................6

All it takes for environmental research

P.O. Box 4, 6987 ZG Giesbeek, T +31 313 88 02 00 E [email protected]
the Netherlands F +31 313 88 02 99 I www.eijkelkamp.com
© March 2012 1 M1.08.53.E
On these operating instructions

 If the text follows a mark (as shown on the left), this means that an important instruction fol-
lows.

If the text follows a mark (as shown on the left), this means that an important warning fol-
! lows relating to danger to the user or damage to the apparatus.The user is always responsible
for its own personal protection.

Text Italic indicated text indicates that the text concerned appears in writing on the display(or must
be typed).

1. Introduction
The carbonate content of the soil is a sure indication of the fertility of the soil. To be able to determine the carbon-
ate content of the soil Eijkelkamp (together with Dutch research institutes) developed a calcimeter that meets the
standard NEN-ISO 10693.
The calcimeter by Eijkelkamp is suitable for the simultaneous determination of the carbonate content in 5 samples.
The calcimeter works in accordance with the method of Scheibler. The method Scheibler involves a determination
of the carbonate content in the soil based on a volumetric method. The carbonates present in the sample are con-
verted into CO2 by adding hydrochloric acid to the sample. As a result of the pressure of the CO2 released, the
water in a burette (graduation in ml) that is de-aerated, rises. The difference in level measured is an indication
for the released quantity of CO2, from which the carbonate content can be calculated. The carbonate content is
expressed as an equivalent calcium carbonate content.

Advantages by comparison to other methods (for in-

stance the Wesemael- and Anderson methods) are:
 No oven required to dry the silica gel.
 No other chemicals needed.
 No long waiting periods.
 No very accurate weighing equipment needed.
 Less vulnerable glass parts.
 It is easier to determine the content using the volu-
metric method then by weighing the gas.

2. Information

The device (see drawing)

 On top of the device twoway cocks (4) have been

mounted. These work as follows:
- By turning the handle in an upward position the
reaction vessel (3) as well as the burette (5) are
de-aerated; this is the de-aeration position.
- By placing the handle in a horizontal position
the de-aeration is closed and the reaction vessel
is connected with the burette; this is the meas-
uring position as well as the testing position.

 The buffer vessels (1) can be moved up- and down-

ward by holding the buffer holder and pressing the
black button (2) with the thumb. The blocking of the
buffer vessel is now relieved and the vessel can be
shifted.

2
 For measurement the burettes should be filled with water. For this purpose the buffer vessels need to be shifted
to the highest position (cock in de-aeration position). Now water can be poured into the vessels. This will then
flow into the burettes.
Remove trapped air bubbles by moving the buffer up and down a few times.

With the buffer vessel in the highest position water should be added until the level in the burette has risen to 0 ml.

 Remove excess water from the vessel as it would cause problems.

3. Testing for leakage

Close the burette by turning the cock to the test position, with the buffer vessel is in its top position. Push the
silicone stopper in the empty Erlenmeyer flask (reaction vessel) and bring the buffer vessel all the way down. There
will be underpressure in the burette. After 60 minutes setting time the water level should be stable.

4. Required substances
 Prepared sampling material according to ISO 11464, air dried, assuming that the fraction of the particles is
smaller then, or equal to 2 mm, sieved and divided into laboratory samples.
In a sub sample the moisture content is determined according to NEN-ISO 11465.
 Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) powder.
 Hydrochloric acid c(HCl) = 4 mol/l.
Dilute 340 ml concentrated HCl (p = 1.19 g/ml) with water to 1000 ml.
 Water with a quality suitable for analysis; with a specific conductivity of no more than 0.2 mS/m at 25°C (ac-
cording to quality degree 2 as mentioned in ISO 3696).

5. Preparation
Part of the laboratory sample (appr. 2.5 g) is treated on a watch glass with approx. 1 ml hydrochloric acid. The
carbonate content is estimated based on the time the bubbling lasts. Based on these estimates the quantity of the
sample for the analysis is determined. See NEN-ISO 10693 page 4, paragraph 7.1.

Intensity of effervescence Carbonate Mass of test

content portion
g/kg g
None or only limited <20 10
Clear, but for a short time 20 till 80 5
Strong, for a long time 80 till 160 2,5
Very strong, for a long time >160 ≤1

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6. The measurement
Fill a reaction vessel with a little calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Place the test tube with hydrochloric acid in the reac-
tion vessel using a pair of tweezers (prepare a reaction vessel for each burette). Close the reaction vessel using the
stopper. Place the cock in the measuring position and by tilting the reaction vessel, enable the hydrochloric acid to
flow out of the test tube and over the calcium carbonate (CaCO3), initiating the reaction.
Allow this to stand for a day so that the water in the burette becomes saturated with CO2 so that during the actual
measurement no CO2 is lost. This makes the measuring result substantially more accurate.

For every series of measurements you should execute two blank determinations (to obtain a zero/reference value)
and two determinations of 0.2 en 0.4 g CaCO3 for calibration.
The measurements should preferably be executed in a temperature controlled room (temperature difference will
influence the measurements significantly).

6.1 Blank determinations

Fill 2 reaction vessels with 20 ml of water each for the blank determinations. The determinations of the samples
and the standards commence with a starting level of 3 ml; this is set using the buffer vessels. The starting level of
3 ml is required to allow rising of the water level in the burette. This may sometimes occur in practice when almost
no CO2 evolves, but a small quantity is absorbed.

The determination of the blanks commences with starting values of 20 and 80 ml. The main reason for this is that
differences in the measured values at the lower or at the top end of the burette may be caused due to diffusion
or a difference in pressure. Applying both levels may yield an acceptable average. Place the reaction vessels on the
calcimeter so that there is no further need to move them.
Now fill a small test tube with 7 ml hydrochloric acid and place it in a reaction vessel using a pair of tweezers.

 No acid should be spilled on the material to be analysed before the stopper has been placed
on the reaction vessel and the cock has been placed in the measuring position. Dampen the
stopper before placing it on the reaction vessel. Subsequently turn the cock down to the meas-
uring position. Repeat this with every reaction vessel.

By tilting the reaction vessel, the hydrochloric acid flows from the test tube over the material to be analysed and
the reaction is initiated. The gas produced will lower the level of the fluid in the burette and raise the level in the
buffer vessel. Do not allow this difference in level to exceed 3 ml. If the difference were to exceed 3 ml, the CO2
would come under pressure, which would increase its solubility in water. This will yield a less accurate result. Shake
the reaction vessel every now and again to allow the reaction to proceed to as near completion as possible.
Shake for 5 minutes. When the volume no longer varies, note this volume. If the volume continues to increase,
shake until the volume becomes stable (do not shake for longer than 1 hour).

6.2 Calibration

Before calibration weigh 0.2 and 0.4 g (dried) CaCO3 to an accuracy of 1 mg and transfer these quantities to 2
reaction vessels and add 20 ml of water to each of these.
The determinations of the samples and the standards commence with a starting level of 3 ml; this is set using the
buffer vessels.
The starting level of 3 ml is required to allow the water level in the burette to rise. This may sometimes occur in
practice when almost no CO2 evolves, but a small quantity is absorbed.
Place the reaction vessels on the calcimeter so that there is no further need to move them.
Now fill a small test tube with 7 ml hydrochloric acid and place it in a reaction vessel using a pair of tweezers.

 No acid should be spilled on the material to be analysed before the stopper has been placed
on the reaction vessel and the cock has been placed in the measuring position. Dampen the
stopper before placing it on the reaction vessel. Subsequently turn the cock down to the meas-
uring position. Repeat this with every reaction vessel.

4
By tilting the reaction vessel, the hydrochloric acid flows from the test tube over the material to be analysed and
the reaction is initiated. The gas produced will lower the level of the fluid in the burette and raise the level in the
buffer vessel. Do not allow this difference in level to exceed 3 ml. If the difference were to exceed 3 ml, the CO2
would come under pressure, which in turn would increase its solubility in water. This will yield a less accurate
result. Shake the reaction vessel every now and again to allow the reaction to proceed to as near completion as
possible.
Shake for 5 minutes. When the volume no longer varies, note this volume. If the volume continues to increase,
shake until the volume becomes stable (do not shake for longer than 1 hour). (The measured values lie round 40
and 80 ml CO2).

6.3 Soil sample (analysis sample)

For the preliminary determination, weigh the correct quantity of prepared samples to an accuracy of 1 mg. Transfer
this quantity to a reaction vessel and add 20 ml of water.
Place the reaction vessels on the calcimeter so that there is no further need to move them.
Now fill a small test tube with 7 ml hydrochloric acid and place it in a reaction vessel using a pair of tweezers.

 No acid should be spilled on the material to be analysed before the stopper has been placed
on the reaction vessel and the cock has been placed in the measuring position. Dampen the
stopper before placing it on the reaction vessel. Subsequently turn the cock down to the meas-
uring position. Repeat this with every reaction vessel.

By tilting the reaction vessel, the hydrochloric acid flows from the test tube over the material to be analysed and
the reaction is initiated. The gas produced will lower the level of the fluid in the burette and raise the level in the
buffer vessel. Do not allow this difference in level to exceed 3 ml. If the difference were to exceed 3 ml, the CO2
would come under pressure, which in turn would increase its solubility in water. This will yield a less accurate
result. Shake the reaction vessel every now and again to allow the reaction to proceed to as near completion as
possible.
Shake for 5 minutes. When the volume no longer varies, note this volume. If the volume continues to increase,
shake until the volume becomes stable (do not shake for longer than 1 hour).

For soil containing carbonates that are harder to dissolve, such as shells, this may take somewhat longer. It is gen-
erally accepted that the reaction is complete when no further bubbling can be observed. Bring the burette and the
buffer vessel to the same level and read the volume. If this has been done for all five reaction vessels, the measure-
ment is complete.

7. Notes
 The change in volume during the determination of the blanks should not exceed 1.0 ml.
 More water should be added to soil with a high content of organic material.
 Other gasses produced (e.g. hydrogen sulfide in anaerobic sulfide containing soil) leads to an overestimation of
the carbonate content. In these cases the produced gas should be purified after which the produced CO2 can
be quantified in an other way.

 Do not use solvents and cleaning agents when cleaning the device (especially the synthetic
parts).

5
8. Calculation
Calculate the changes in volume of the gas produced by the sample (V1), the calcium carbonate standards (V2) and
the blanks (V3) by subtracting the initial value in the calibrated tube from the final value. The carbonate content is
calculated with the formula:

m2 (V1 - V3) 100 + w(H2O)

w (CaCo3) = 1000 x x
m1 (V2 - V3) 100

Where:
w (CaCo3) = the carbonate content =, in grams per kilogram, of the oven-dried soil
m1 = the mass, in grams, of the test portion
m2 = the mean mass, in grams, of the calcium carbonate standards
V1 = the volume, in millilitres, of carbon dioxide produced by reaction of the test portion
V2 = the mean volume, in millilitres, of carbon dioxide produced by the calcium carbonate standards
V3 = the volume change, in millilitres, in the blank determinations (this value can be negative)
w(H2O) = the water content, expressed as a percentage by mass, of the dried sample, determined according
to ISO 11465

The result is rounded to a whole number.

9. Repeatability
The difference between two singular measuring results, obtained under repeatable circumstances should not ex-
ceed the values indicated in table 2 of NEN-ISO 10693, page 5, paragraph 9.

Carbonate content g/kg Acceptable differences
0 till 50 3 g/kg
> 50 till 150 6% of the value
> 150 till 180 9 g/kg
> 180 5% of the value

10. Standards
More information on sample preparation, calculations and repeatability can be found in the standard ISO 10693.

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ous written permission from Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment.

Technical data can be amended without prior notification.

Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment is not responsible for (personal damage due to (improper) use of the product.

Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment is interested in your reactions and remarks about its products and operating instructions.