Autocalcimeter

Jan 2011

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Calcimetry
Autocalcimeter :
Measures, Records and Quantifies the
amount of carbonates contained in
rock samples, and can identify:
Calcite CaCO3
Dolomite CaMg(CO3)2
The carbonate content of a rock sample is
Determined from pressure of carbon dioxide
(CO2) liberated (which is recorded as a percentage).
A 1 gm sample of dried crushed rock is placed in the machine along with a
known quantity of 50% Hydrochloric acid. A record of the pressure created
by the CO2 released when the two materials react is recorded and converted
to a percentage (%). During the testing, the pressure produced is looked at
after 1 min (Calcite %) and 3 mins (Dolomite %).
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Calcimetry
Always add acid to water.
Prepare 50% HCl for calcimetry.

For safety reason (to avoid projection

of acid and over- heating), the dilution
should always be carried out in the
following manner:
-First fill up the 0.50 l bottle with 250
cc of fresh water
-Then add slowly 250 cc of pure
hydrochloric acid 35% min.
-Mark the bottle containing acid using
the label provided.

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Calcimetry

Analysis is carried out on dried samples.

The samples to be analysed should be crushed, screened and measured as follows:
-Measure out a few gms of representative sample
-Crush the sample to powder with a mortar and pestle
-Grade the crushed sample using 2 sieves (0.125 mm & 0.063 mm mesh)
-Retain only the fraction which is between 0.125 mm and 0.063 mm
-Transfer about 1 gm sample in the cup
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Calcimetry

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Calcimetry
How to load a sample

Fill the acid chamber

up to the filling groove
(5 cc)

Check that the control knob is in

purge position and the valve
turned towards the back of the
bowl.

Take the bowl in the

left hand and place
the sample cup in the
reaction chamber.

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Calcimetry

Check that the bowl

O ring is well seated
on the support (black
line visible from the
side, 1 mm thick all
around).
Insert the back of the
bowl into the support.
Hold the clamp open.

Lift the bowl.

Engage the hook.

Turn the handle
clockwise to fasten
the bowl.

The system is now ready.

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Calcimetry
At the end of each analysis

Unhook the spring lock

and hold the clamp open.

Purge the system (turn slowly

the control knob to the left)
Turn the handle of the spring lock
counter-clockwise, while holding the
bowl with the left hand.

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Calcimetry

Pull carefully down the

front of the bowl.
Pull forward.
Operate in the sink for the next steps to
avoid acid spillage:
-Remove the sample cup, wash it under the
tap and do the same with the bowl
-Unlock the knob at the back of the support
and turn it sideways to clean it easily. Put it
back upright afterwards.

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Calcimetry

Note: To use the function keys and numeric keypad, press the membrane
gently with the flat of the finger. Avoid using sharp objects or finger nails to
prevent any damage to the membrane.

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Calcimetry
The reaction chamber contains O rings which should be slightly greased
from time to time:
1) The bowl O ring (1): Every day, apply a little Lubriplate (beige)
grease to ensure a good contact between the bowl and the support.
2) The two purge O rings (2): (accessible only when the control knob is
extracted). No additional grease is necessary but every month, spread it
again uniformly with the finger to avoid leaks. To access, extract control
knob as explained below.
3) The control knob O ring (4): (accessible only when the control know
is extracted). No additional grease is necessary but every month, spread
it uniformly with the finger to avoid leaks.
4) The pressure sensor O ring (3): This O ring is built in with grease
and requires NO maintenance on the site.
How to extract the control knob:
-Unscrew and remove the ring (6)
-Pull up gently the control knob (4)
Reassembling:
-Position the control knob (4) with arrow on purge position
-Insert Teflon ring (5)
-Screw moderately the ring (6), the control knob should readily turn
between the purge and run positions.
Warning: DO NOT try to extract the presure sensor to avoid
damage to internal electrical connections.
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Calcimetry
1 minute reading:
How much of the rock is Calcite.

3 minute reading:
How much of the rock is Dolomite
material.
Difference between the two
values is how much of the rock is
dolomitic.
E.g. 1min = 54.6% Calcite
3 min = 72.8% Dolomitic
Dolomite = 18.2%
Some clients call the 3 minute a
Total Carbonate Value.
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Calcimetry
3
3

2
Time

Time

Time
3
Time

2
1

3
2
Time

Measurements are carbonate content

values Only. The Curve shape will indicate
if the rock is Calcareous or Dolomitic rich.

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Calcimetry

3
Time

Time

3
2

2
1

Time

Pure (100%) Dolomite will produce a

curve that goes off scale i.e. above
100 division.
This is due to differences between
CaCO3 molecular weight compared
to Dolomite.
Correct percentage is obtained by
multiplying Dolomite value by 0.92.

3
2
1

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Thank you for your attention.

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