METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING CALCIUM CARBONATE CONTENT IN SOILS

摘要

A method for determining calcium carbonate levels in soil using a volumetric calcimeter and comprising: reacting a soil sample and hydrochloric acid in a vessel to produce carbon dioxide, wherein the vessel has a single outlet that is in gaseous communication with a measurement device comprising an aqueous measuring liquid and the measurement device is in liquid communication with a reservoir comprising the aqueous measuring liquid and a non-aqueous layer disposed the surface of the aqueous measuring liquid in the reservoir; determining the displacement of the aqueous measuring liquid by the produced carbon dioxide in the measurement device and comparing the amount of displacement to a calibration curve to determine the amount of carbon dioxide produced; wherein the non-aqueous layer has a density which is less than the density of the aqueous measuring liquid. An oil can be used as the non-aqueous layer and prevents the carbon dioxide from solubilising in the aqueous measuring liquid, which can deteriorate the accuracy of the determination of the displacement of aqueous measuring liquid.