Device for measuring density. Viscosity and fluid density

In the factory laboratories, and at home, it is sometimes necessary to use instruments for measuring the density and viscosity of a liquid. These indicators have a significant impact on production processes. For example, to pick up a pump with a certain capacity for pumping oil, you need to know their viscosity. When drilling wells, an accident can occur if the corresponding mud density is not taken into account.

Hydrometer

A hydrometer is a technical device for measuring the density of a liquid. It consists of a glass bulb in which a glass tube is placed, which has a paper graduated scale. The flask is sealed on both sides, so there is a vacuum inside it.

In the lower part of the bulb a ballast substance is fixed , which keeps it in a vertical position when immersed in a liquid. As a ballast, mercury or lead is usually used. Such a device for measuring density, as a hydrometer, operates according to the principle based on Archimedes' law. The force of ejection, which acts on a body immersed in a liquid, is equal to the weight of the fluid in the body's volume. A liquid substance having a different density pushes the instrument to the appropriate value, which is fixed on the scale of the device.

How to use the hydrometer

The device for density measurement is used not only for technical measurements, but also used for household needs. A hydrometer can determine the alcohol content in wine or the concentration of sugar in the syrup.

The device is easy to operate. It is sufficient to lower it into a container with a liquid and note the division with which the level of the surface of the liquid under test will coincide. The principle of hydrometer operation is the same in both industrial and domestic conditions. This simple device for measuring density has become quite widespread. They use it in the oil refining, chemical and dairy industries, as well as in medicine and at home.

Checking the electrolyte density

Many car enthusiasts are familiar with the self-discharge of the battery when the electrical circuit running from the generator and providing battery charging is perfectly in order. The problem, most likely, is hidden in a low density of electrolyte. It is entirely possible to do density testing yourself. The test should be started six hours after the last time the battery was charged. It is necessary to remember the acid contained in the banks of the battery, so you need to work in gloves. Before testing, open the caps on the jars, they are wrapped or firmly inserted into the holes.

The device for measuring the density of electrolyte works as follows:

1. Press on the "pear" and force out the air from the bulb.
2. Vertically lower the tip of the device into the electrolyte.
3. Release the "pear", the liquid enters the hydrometer, and the float will stop at a certain division. This is the value of the density of the electrolyte.
4. Check the value on the device with the data of the data sheet or tester.
5. With a smaller value on the hydrometer than in the technical passport, a more saturated electrolyte solution should be added to the jar until the instrument readings increase to the required parameters.
6. Close the cover.
7. The battery is put on charge.

Repeat the above steps with the second battery bank. It should be noted that the device for measuring the density should show the same values in both banks or differ by no more than 0.01. The density of the electrolyte should always be at a certain level.

Viscosity of liquid

In a liquid, the molecules of a substance move relative to each other under the influence of the external medium. When moving between molecules, friction occurs, which is called the viscosity of the substance. It can be of two types: kinematic and dynamic. Dynamic viscosity determines the fluidity of the fluid under real conditions, and the kinematic viscosity gives an indication of the fluidity of the liquid substance at various temperatures and pressures.

To measure the viscosity of a liquid, use a device called a viscometer. There are a large number of methods and instruments with which you can measure the viscosity of a liquid. The most popular are ball, ultrasonic and rotary types of devices.

Which one to take a viscometer for measuring the viscosity of a liquid and how to determine it depends on what kind of measurement accuracy and type of liquid is needed. To correctly measure the density and viscosity of a liquid means to produce a quality product, to prevent accidents at work.