Carbide method - Hygrometer for concrete CCM

High-precision hygrometer

Detect moisture in concrete, sand cement and other brick materials quickly and easily with this CCM measuring system. It is a high-precision, destructive hygrometer that is the ideal test and inspection solution when you need to measure moisture and residual water in a sample.

The kit contains everything you need to monitor humidity and detect water in a variety of brick materials. It also includes a carrying case with balance, pressurised cylinder, calcium carbide and cleaning, making it practical for use on site.

Features and benefits

• Precision spring scales up to 100 g
• Robust construction with extra long scale for better readability
• Maximum error ≤ 0.3 %
• 20 g calibration weight for checking the scales.
• Weighing container (2 pieces)
• Complete set of tools for sample preparation
• Ball set with 4 steel balls (starting, mixing and grinding effect)
• Metal carrying case
• 3 test ampoules with 1.00 g water to check the manometer and for leak testing

Main applications for hygrometers

Particularly important in the construction industry is a hygrometer, a tool for determining the water content in concrete, sand cement and similar materials. As building damage is often caused by excessive residual moisture in the substrate surface, continuous testing with a hygrometer is an important step in protecting the integrity of the building.

How to use the carbide method hygrometer

1. Add the precisely weighed sample quantity and the 4 steel spheres to the CCM pressurised bottle. Then hold the CCM pressure bottle at an angle and carefully slide a CCM ampoule into it.
2. Note the time. Then close the CCM pressurised bottle with the cap and shake the CCM ampoule vigorously to break it.
3. Then perform circular movements with the CCM pressure bottle for at least one minute to break up the sample material even more and mix it with the calcium carbide. Repeat this process every 5 minutes.
4. After 15 to 20 minutes, shake the CCM pressure bottle vigorously for at least 15 seconds and perform another round of circular movements. If the pressure has not changed significantly, the measurement can be considered complete.

Understanding the carbide method

The carbide method hygrometer provides accurate results. The water contained in the sample reacts (chemically) with calcium carbide to form calcium hydroxide (calcium hydroxide) and acetylene (acetylene). This creates a pressure in the container that is proportional to the residual moisture content. Thanks to its design, the test is insensitive to external influences and always displays the correct value.

Specifications

• Measuring range: 0 to 1.6 bar
• Display (scaling): 0.05 bar
• Overload resistance: up to 2 bar
• Measuring accuracy: ± 1.6% typ.
• Operating temperature: -10 to 80 °C
• Pressure gauge housing: Black sheet steel
• Protection class: IP32