Using a speedy moisture meter, the moisture content of soil, sand and other fine grained material can be obtained quickly with reasonable accuracy. The test technique is based on the fact that water will react with calcium carbide to form acetylene gas and the quantity of gas formed is directly proportional to the water present, leaving a surplus of the chemical used in the test. The quantity of acetylene gas produced is indicated on a built-in pressure gauge which is calibrated in percentage of moisture on wet weight basis. A conversion formula gives the corresponding moisture content based on dry weight.
