To use an Alveograph, a set amount of dough is mixed. The standard amount of flour usually used is 250 g (1/2 pound.) A liquid consisting of 97.5% water and 2.5% sodium chloride is added (how much liquid is added will depend on how moist or dry the flour used was.) The flour and water are mixed for 8 minutes, then the machine extrudes the dough in small sheets. The dough is allowed to rest, then it's moved to the Alveograph, which then inflates the dough until it bursts, and measures the point at which it burst.