ml volumetric flask container 204 can be loosely or hard mounted to a support 208 to prevent vortexing a vacuum source 210 is connected to the container 204 via hose 212 and stopper 214 a processor controller 216 is operably associated with the shaker apparatus 202 and the vacuum source 210 and controls operation of the shaker 202 and vacuum 210 in response to inputs received from a technician the processor controller 216 preferably controls the vibration frequency amplitude and duration of the shaker 202 and the vacuum pressure and duration of the vacuum 210 optionally a weighing device 218 can be included the processor controller 216 would also be in operable association with the weighing device 218 such that the processor controller 216 causes the weighing device 218 to weigh the sample 204 and liquid before and after operation of the shaker 202 and vacuum 210 the processor controller 216 would then determine the difference in the two weights and from the difference compute the liquid absorption and or apparent specific gravity which would then be displayed on a display in use of the apparatus 200 250 ml of water is poured into the container 204 a sample of material 206 is placed into the container 204 and a period of time is allowed to pass for example 5 minutes then additional water is added up to a calibration mark on the container 204 the container 204 sample 206 and water are then weighed and the initial weight is recorded the container 204 and its contents are then subjected to a series of agitation and vacuum steps after the series of agitation and vacuum steps water is again added up to the calibration mark the container.