Clay Fractionation Analyser (SKALAR)
Classification of soil is important for environmental control and construction purposes.
Particle size distribution analysis
Classification of soil is important for environmental control and construction purposes.
Soil classification is based on several factors such as absorption, the ability to shrink or swell, water retention and permeability. Most of these factors independently correlate with the particle size of the soil. The clay fraction, the smallest fraction (0-2 micron), is indispensable in assessing soil quality. The clay fraction is measured according to for instance ISO 11277/17892-4 and allows the soil to be categorized within stated classes.
The analysis is carried out in three steps:
- Weighing the sample and separating the fractions
- Removal of organic matter and carbonates
- Determination of the clay fraction
Skalar has developed a concept to automate the second and third step in this process. Automation of these steps is of particular interest because they can now be carried out fully automatic and with precise timing and pick up heights. The removal of organic matter and carbonates is automated on the SP50 robotic analyzer. With the SP2000 platform the determination of the clay fraction is automated.
