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BULLETIN 1375, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
OIL TEST FOR STANDARDIZING GAS FLAMES 
To standardize the heating time for making the moisture test pro- 
ceed as follows: Place 450 cubic centimeters of oil (the regular 
moisture testing oil) of room temperature into the flasks of each 
compartment of the tester. This oil should be accurately measured 
in a cylinder and not by three trips of the oil measuring device. 
Insert the thermometer and regulate the mercury bulb so that it is 
completely immersed and the top of it just flush with the surface of 
Fig. 18. — Bristol recording gauge chart of gas pressure over a 24-hour period at 
the Grain Research Laboratory at Washington, D. C. The chart also shows 
the uniformity of the gas pressure obtained by use of a gas pressure regulator 
attached to the moisture tester 
the oil. Connect the flasks with the condensing tube, replace the 
covers, light the gas, and note the time. Apply heat until the tem- 
perature of the oil reaches 175° C. and again note time. The time 
elapsed should be 20 minutes. If more than 20 minutes is required 
to reach a temperature of 175° C, the holes in the bases of the 
burners should be slightly opened ; if less than 20 minutes, the holes 
should be closed somewhat. The holes may be closed by lightly 
tapping the top of the base with a small hammer or any blunt instru- 
ment. They may be opened with a suitable reaming tool, such as a 
