How do I separate ash from soil.?

Question

I've tried sieving out the ash component but sand particles from the soil got through. I also need to keep the soil component intact (so I can weigh it). I have access to many chemical solvents but the simpler the method the better!
Thanks

Answer 1

Try using a graduated cylinder. Fill with your soil/ash and then fill with water. The particles will sort out by sedimentation. The largest particles will sort out first followed by the next largest, etc. For soil, they go gravel > sand > silt > clay. I would think, but am not sure, that ash would fall somewhere between silt and clay. To be sure, if you have a pure sample of your ash and a pure sample of your clay, you can compute the density. Which ever is the least dense will settle last.

Once your sample has completely settled you can measure and compute persentages by volume. Using density you can then compute mass.

I hope this helps.

Another method is to use a soil shaker separater. This is a contraption that has several different layers, each with finer and finer screening so that different size particles are separated according to particle size.

EARTH/SPACE TEACER

Answer 2

Create a settling pond maybe (or water column just to test if it works)

Answer 3

Try water.

Answer 4

you could use a centrifuge or recreate one with homemade items.