Buy areometer - for precise density measurements of gases

What is an Areometer used for? Areas of application

Laboratory analysers such as areometers, also known as spindles or plummet balances, are used in many different areas and for many different applications. For example, the laboratory measuring instrument is used in

• Wineries or distilleries where the sugar content in the must (must weight) or the alcohol content is to be determined. The sura content of wine vinegar is also measured with it.
• Laboratories that measure the sur density to determine the state of charge of car batteries.
• Laboratories that carry out slurry analyses to examine soil samples and suspensions for grain boundary distributions (soil sample areometers).
• The chemical industry, where it helps to identify substances. It can also be used to determine the concentration of saline solutions such as seawater. It can also be used to measure the sugar content of liquids such as honey (saccharimeter) or the water and milk content of products in dairies (lactodensimeter).

Areometers can be optimised for a wide range of other special applications, such as alcoholometers, soap and lye hydrometers, beer and beer wort hydrometers, urine testers, milk hydrometers and liquid gas hydrometers. Thus, hydrometers are suitable for alcohol, sea or salt water or even honey analyses.

Info: A pycnometer is used to determine the density of solids or liquids, and an areometer is used to determine the density of gases.

How does the Areometer work?

The Areometer is used to determine the density of liquids. It follows Archimedes' principle:

• An areometer is immersed in a liquid and displaces it. It is displaced until the weight of the displaced liquid is equal to the weight of the immersed areometer(static buoyancy).
• The smaller the density of the liquid, the further the measuring instrument is immersed as a body of the same weight (in this case, a graduated hydrometer).
• In the case of liquids with different densities or different weights, the weight of the sinking body (in this case, a weight areometer) must be artificially increased if it is to sink to a certain point. The weight must be increased as much as the density increases.

Types of areometers: Construction

Hydrometers are floating bodies made of glass that are immersed in a liquid during the measuring process. They sink until the buoyancy forces balance the weight of the areometer. On the basis of this, density values can be determined. Depending on the determination and use, the laboratory measuring instruments differ. 

The most important ones to be mentioned are the scale areometer and the weight areometer, the construction of which is described in the following:

Scale areometer

A scale areometer consists of a hollow glass body, a buoyancy body filled with mercury or lead shot, a scale and a spindle. The ball is located at the lower end of the glass body, which exhausts upwards into the spindle. 

Application: The laboratory measuring device is immersed vertically and with a rotary movement in a liquid. The hydrometer sinks to a certain point on the spindle. When the areometer is stationary, the value can be read at the lowest point of the liquid column (lower meniscus). 

Depending on the liquid and density, an areometer must of course be selected that corresponds to the approximate expected density of the liquid to be determined. The deeper the areometer is immersed, the lower the density.

Weights and Measures

The weight areometer is also called a hydrostatic balance. It is used to determine the absolute and specific weight and density of a solid as well as the density of various liquids. There are several different types of weight meters, but they differ only slightly from each other. They generally consist of a hollow body made of glass or sheet brass and provide a support for the body to be measured and any additional weights. 

Application: A sample of the body to be measured is placed on the bottom cup of the half cone and on the top cup. The sample of the half cone should then be surrounded by liquid. Place as many additional weights on the upper plate until the areometer is immersed to a certain mark.

Operating the hydrometer: Instructions

When you buy an areometer, it is important to use it correctly so that it will last for a long time and can accompany you for many years in your daily laboratory work. First and foremost, you should always handle it with care, as the glass body is fragile. In addition, the following steps are advisable:

• Before use, make sure that the glass body is dry and clean .
• After cleaning, touch the hydromters only above the scale .
• Make sure that the liquid to be tested is free from dirt residues and does not throw any bubbles.
• Stir the liquid carefully before measuring to ensure a uniform temperature. Measure accordingly according to the reference temperature indicated on the hydrometer.
• Determine the surface tension and, above all, the temperature of the liquid, as its density depends on the temperature. Make corrections if necessary. You can also use a thermometer built into the instrument.
• Immerse the hydrometer and make sure that it does not come into contact with the liquid more than 5 mm above the reading point: if it sticks, the readings may be falsified.
• Do not take a reading until the areometer has reached equilibrium and is stationary without touching the wall of the vessel.

Top manufacturer of hydrometer: Ludwig Schneider

If you want to buy areometers, Ludwig Schneider is the right manufacturer. The company has been producing high-end measuring instruments for laboratories since 1910 and stands for the highest quality and precision in hydrometers, hydrometers, precision thermometers and much more. 

Today, the manufacturer with quality Made in Germany is one of the leading producers of high-precision measuring instruments for temperature and density worldwide. 

The instruments are characterised not only by the most accurate measuring results, but also by simple and reliable operation as well as long durability. The all-round service for all customers covers all areas and is almost unique in this field in terms of professionalism and customer friendliness.

Find and buy the optimal hydrometer: MedSolut.com

Find selected areometers from the top manufacturer Ludwig Schneider in the MedSolut range. Let our professional customer service advise you if you want to buy the optimal hydrometer for your laboratory and benefit from our comprehensive service offer. 

Contact us at +49 30 2096579 00 or by e-mail at: [email protected]. We're looking forward to hearing from you!