Measuring Density with Laboratory Balance

Use Your Balance and a Density Kit to Determine the Density of Solid, Liquid and Viscous Substances

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Measuring Density in Laboratory

Jump to one of the following section to explore and learn more:

  1. Application Workflow and Challenges
  2. METTLER TOLEDO Solutions
  3. FAQ's

 

Workflow of Density Measurement

The solid is weighed in air (A) and then again (B) in the auxiliary liquid with a known density. The density of the solid ρ can be calculated as follows:

Calculation formula for density in solid sample

ρ        = Density of the sample

A        = Weight of the sample in air

B        = Weight of the sample in the auxiliary liquid

ρ0       = Density of the auxiliary liquid

ρL       = Density of air

The temperature of the liquid must be taken into account as this can cause density changes of the order of magnitude 0.001 to 0.1 per °C, the effect
of which can be seen in the third decimal place of the result.
 

 Gravimetric, BuoyancyGravimetric, DisplacementPycnometerDigital Density Meter
MethodsBeaker for auxiliary liquid stands on a platform or below the balance.Beaker for auxiliary liquid stands on the balance.Glass beaker of defined volume.Oscillating tube technology
Suitable for
  • Solids
  • Liquids (with glass sinker)
  • Pasty substances(with gamma sphere)
  • Liquids (with glass sinker)
    Solids
  • Liquids, Dispersions
  • Powder
  • Granules
  • Liquids
  • Gases
Advantages
  • Quick process
  • Flexible with regards to sample size
  • Weighing instrument already available
  • Quick process
  • Weighing instrument already available
  • Accurate method
  • Weighing instrument already available
  • Quick process
  • Exact temperature control by Peltier elements
  • Automatic density measurement
  • Small sample volumes
Disadvantages
  • Temperature sensitive
  • Sample must be wet very carefully
  • Air bubbles must not be trapped
  • Temperature sensitive
  • Large sample volume required
  • Temperature sensitive
  • Labour-intensive
  • Time-consuming
  • Air bubbles must not be trapped
  • Viscous samples require a viscosity correction (available in modern instruments).
Digital Density Meters

Density Standards

Many standards and norms exist for the determination of density in solids samples. Some of the most commonly used are:

  • ISO 1183-1: Plastics — Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics
  • OIML G 14: Density measurement according OIML
  • ASTM-D-792: Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity Standard

ISO 1183-1 specifies the use of a 4-decimal place analytical balance.

The Confusion with Bulk Density

Bulk density is a measure of how many particles, parts or pieces are contained within a measured volume. Bulk density is not a property of the material itself. Bulk density includes the spaces between the particles or items as well as any voids within the items themselves. Bulk density can vary depending on how the material is handled; shaking a container, for example, allows parts to settle, increasing the overall bulk density.

Density measurement - expert

Challanges of Density Measurement of Solids

Solutions for Density Determination

Moisture Content Determination

Density determination for plastics quality


Extended Data Management and Process Security

LabX Software connects all instruments

The combination of a METTLER TOLEDO Excellence level balance and LabX software offers a higher level of data management and process security. Excellence analytical and precision balances can be set up with a Density Kit for density determination. LabX ensures that your density SOP is followed precisely. LabX records all weight values, performs all calculations and saves all results securely in a central database. All the data related to your density application can be transferred directly to your internal data management system.

 

 

 

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions on Density Measurement

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