Scope Experiment No. 36 HYDROMETER ANALYSIS OF SOIL ‘This method describes a procedure for the quantitative determination of particle sizes in finc- graine ed soil by means of a hydrometer. Apparatus and Supplies 12. 13. 14, 15. Hydro Balance, sensitive to 0.01 gram e ‘Mechanical stirring apparatus with a metal paddle and dispersion cup Hydrometer LL graduated cylinder ‘Thermometer (graduated to 0.1 'C) Set of standard sieves Water bath Evaporating dish Oven with temperature control . Timing device . Drying Pan . Spatula . Glass Dessicator Deflocculating agent Distilled water supply cedure »meter Analysis of Fractions, Passing No. 10 Sieve Dispersion of sample: Weigh 50 grams of the air-dried sample (100 grams for sandy sqil), place in a beaker, and fill with distilled wator to about half the depth and allow to soak for at least 18 hours. After soaking, add 20 mi. of sodium silicate as a deflocculating agent, and wash the contents into the dispersion cup. Add distilled water until itis about 2 inches from the brim and disperse the contents for 1 minute in the mechanical stitting apparatus. Transfer the mixture to the graduated cylinder and add distilled water to bring the water level to the 1000 mL mark. Place the cylinder in the constant temperature bath. Stir the suspension frequently to avoid settlement of particles. Remove the cylinder from the water bath as soon as the temperature of the suspension and the water bath are the same. Shake thoroughly the mixture for I minute by turning the cylinder upside down and back, using the paim of the hand as stopper. The soil should not stick to the bottom of the eylinder when upside down, Insert carefully the hydrometer in the suspension and start the timer. ‘Take hydrometer readings at total elapsed time of % and 1 minute without removing the hydrometcr from the suspension. Read the hydrometer at the top of the meniscus formed