Hydrometer Test Set
STANDART: ASTM D422; AASHTO T88, TS 1900-1
LT-S0003 Hydrometer Test Set
LT-S0004 Hydrometer Test Set | Digital
LT-S0005 Hydrometer Test Set | Hydrometer Water Bath
LT-S0005/2 Circulation Pump
LT-S0005/3 Heater
LT-S0005/4 Hydrometer 151H | 0,995-1,038G, 0,001° Division
LT-S0005/4 Sedimentation Cylinder | 1000ml,
LT-G0718 Sodium Hexametaphosphate | 1Kg
LT-G0404 Glass Beaker | 600ml
The Hydrometer Test Set is designed to determine the particle-size distribution of fine-grained soils by the sedimentation method. The system combines sample preparation, controlled-temperature sedimentation and hydrometer measurement equipment in a complete laboratory configuration.
- Fine-grained soil analysis: Supports particle-size distribution testing of silt and clay fractions.
- Hydrometer sedimentation method: Evaluates particle settling behaviour in a soil-water suspension.
- 50 litre hydrometer bath: Provides a controlled environment for sedimentation cylinders.
- Eight-cylinder bath capacity: Accommodates up to eight cylinders.
- Six sedimentation cylinders: Supplied with 1000 ml cylinders for routine testing.
- 151H hydrometer: Standard configuration includes a specific-gravity type hydrometer.
- 152H option: 152H hydrometer can be ordered separately.
- High-speed soil mixer: Approximately 13,000 rpm, 100 W mixer supports sample dispersion.
- Circulation system: Circulation pump helps maintain uniform bath conditions.
- Heating system: Integrated heater supports controlled test temperatures.
- Dispersing agent: Supplied with 1 kg sodium hexametaphosphate.
- Glass beaker: Includes a 600 ml laboratory beaker.
- External dimensions: 330 × 630 × 450 mm.
- Approximate weight: 20 kg.
- Product code: LT-S0005.
| Product Code | Product Name | External Dimensions (mm) | Weight (kg) |
| LT-S0048 | Mechanical Measuring Cylinder Shaker | 900 × 700 × 600 | 21 |
| Product Code | Product Name | Specification |
| LT-S0005 | Hydrometer Test Set | With Hydrometer Water Bath |
| LT-S0008 | Hydrometer Test Set | With Digital Hydrometer Water Bath |
| LT-S0007 | High Speed Soil Mixer | Approx. 13,000 rpm |
| LT-S0003 | Hydrometer Water Bath | — |
| LT-S0004 | Digital Hydrometer Water Bath | — |
| LT-S0005/2 | Circulation Pump | — |
| LT-S0005/3 | Heater | — |
| LT-S0005/4 | Hydrometer 151H | 0.995–1.038 SG, 0.001 division |
| LT-S0005/6 | Sedimentation Cylinder | 1000 ml, 18" (457 mm), set of 6 |
| LT-G0718 | Sodium Hexametaphosphate | 1 kg |
| LT-G0404 | Glass Beaker | 600 ml |
What Is a Hydrometer Test Set?
The Hydrometer Test Set is designed to determine the particle-size distribution of fine-grained soils by sedimentation analysis. The method is particularly useful for evaluating the finer fractions of soil that cannot be adequately classified by conventional sieve analysis alone.
Particle-size distribution is one of the fundamental physical characteristics used in soil classification. It also provides useful information for evaluating the behaviour of soils in geotechnical applications.
ASTM D7928-21 specifically covers particle-size distribution of fine-grained soils using sedimentation and hydrometer analysis. The method applies to material finer than the No. 200 sieve and can be combined with sieve-analysis results when a complete gradation curve is required.
How Does Hydrometer Analysis Work?
The soil specimen is first prepared and dispersed in water using a suitable dispersing agent. The suspension is then transferred into a sedimentation cylinder.
Once the suspension is prepared, soil particles begin to settle according to their size. Larger particles generally settle more rapidly, while finer particles remain suspended for longer periods.
Hydrometer readings are taken at selected time intervals. These readings allow the laboratory to evaluate the distribution of fine particle sizes within the specimen.
Controlled Hydrometer Water Bath
The LT-S0005 system incorporates a 50 litre circulating hydrometer bath.
The bath can accommodate up to eight sedimentation cylinders, helping laboratories maintain several specimens under similar temperature conditions. Temperature control is important because liquid density and viscosity affect sedimentation behaviour and hydrometer readings.
The circulation pump and heater work together to maintain more uniform bath conditions during the test.
1000 ml Sedimentation Cylinders
The standard test configuration includes six 1000 ml sedimentation cylinders.
Liya Test specifies cylinders with a nominal length of 18 inches (457 mm) and an external diameter of approximately 2.5 inches. Their geometry provides the working volume required for hydrometer sedimentation testing.
151H Hydrometer and High-Speed Soil Mixer
The standard system includes a 151H hydrometer with a measuring range of 0.995–1.038 specific gravity and 0.001 scale divisions.
A 152H hydrometer may also be ordered separately.
The high-speed soil mixer uses a 100 W motor and operates at approximately 13,000 rpm. Its purpose is to disperse the prepared soil specimen before sedimentation testing begins. Proper dispersion helps reduce particle agglomeration and supports more consistent hydrometer analysis.
Complete Laboratory Configuration
The LT-S0005 set includes the main components required for hydrometer testing, including the water bath, high-speed soil mixer, 151H hydrometer, sodium hexametaphosphate, sedimentation cylinders, circulation pump, heater and glass beaker.
The complete unit has external dimensions of 330 × 630 × 450 mm and weighs approximately 20 kg.
Current Standards for Particle-Size Analysis
The legacy Liya Test page lists ASTM D422, AASHTO T88 and TS 1900-1.
However, ASTM D422 was withdrawn in 2016. ASTM now provides ASTM D7928-21 specifically for hydrometer sedimentation analysis of fine-grained soils. ASTM also points users toward D6913 and D7928 for current particle-size analysis procedures.
The current international standard is ISO 17892-4:2016, which covers soil particle-size distribution by sieving, sedimentation or a combination of both. ISO confirms that this edition remains current.
