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A density meter, also known as densimeter or specific gravity meter, is an analytical instrument that uses the oscillation of a U-shaped hollow glass tube to measure the density of liquid samples quickly and automatically. The measured density can then be automatically converted into other units and concentrations for specific applications, as specific gravity, API, alcohol%, Brix and many more. Choose your density meter from the lightest portable option to the most accurate benchtop model.
We support and service your measurement equipment through its entire life-cycle, from installation to preventive maintenance and calibration to equipment repair.
Please choose your equipment type:
Digital density meters (specific gravity meters) use a U-shaped hollow glass tube, which is put into oscillation. The oscillation frequency of the tube filled with the sample is measured. This frequency changes when the tube is filled with the sample: the higher the mass of the sample, the lower the frequency. This frequency is measured and converted to density. In addition, benchtop digital density meters use a built-in Peltier thermostat to control the temperature of the sample.
A specific gravity meter, density meter or densimeter refers to the same instrument. Different terms are used depending on the country or region in which it is used. This instrument uses oscillating U-tube technology to measure specific gravity, density or related values in a liquid sample. This measurement is performed automatically, reducing operator influence and improving repeatability.
The density of a solution can be measured manually or digitally. For more detailed information on how to measure density with pycnometers, hydrometers and digital density meters please see our 3 Ways to Measure Density guide.
Manual methods like pycnometers and hydrometers are widely used for the determination of density and related values, e.g. specific gravity, alcohol%, BRIX°, API degrees, Baumé, Plato, etc. Although these methods are easy to use and quite inexpensive, they require expertise in every step of manual operation protocols, which often affects the accuracy and reliability of the results.
A pycnometer is a glass beaker of defined volume. It is weighed without the sample (M1), then filled with the sample and weighed again (M2). The difference between M1 and M2 divided by the volume of the beaker is the density of a sample.
A hydrometer is a glass body which is dipped into the sample. After a short equilibration time it will float a certain level. The higher the density of the sample, the less the hydrometer will float. The level of equilibration reads the density.
A density kit is used with a balance. A glass body of defined volume is weighed in air (M1), dipped into the sample and weighed again in the sample (M2). The difference between M1 and M2 (buoyancy) divided by the volume of the glass body is the density of the sample. A special holder can also be used to measure the density of solids using a reference liquid (water, ethanol or user defined).
Digital density meters, also known as specific gravity meters or densimeters, are available as benchtop and handheld instruments. They use oscillation tube technology to very accurately measure the density of a sample in a short timeframe. A hollow glass tube vibrates at a certain frequency. This frequency changes when the tube is filled with the sample: the higher the mass of the sample, the lower the frequency. This frequency is measured and converted to density. In addition, benchtop digital density meters use a built-in Peltier thermostat to control the temperature of the sample.
For more information on digital density meters and how they compare to manual methods, please see our comparison of different measuring techniques.
The typical volume of a U-shaped hollow glass tube used as a measuring cell in a digital density meter is around 1mL. For trouble free filling a bigger volume is recommended. Typically 3 mL to 5 mL would be used with a syringe in order to have part of the drain tube also filled with the sample.