| Hydrometer |
A calibrated glass float sinks to a level determined by the liquid’s buoyancy. The reading is taken from the liquid surface on the graduated scale. |
Specific gravity or density, commonly in g/mL or kg/m³ |
Battery electrolyte checks, brewing, basic laboratory measurements, and field testing |
Simple and low cost |
Manual reading, relatively large sample volume, and sensitivity to bubbles and meniscus-reading errors |
Sample temperature should match the instrument’s reference temperature, commonly 15 °C or 20 °C. |
| Pycnometer |
A vessel with a precisely known volume is weighed empty and filled. Density is calculated from mass divided by volume. |
Mass density, usually g/mL or kg/m³ |
Reference laboratory work, calibration checks, and materials testing |
Good reference method |
Time-consuming, requires a balance, and is not convenient for rapid in-process control |
Accurate weighing, complete filling, temperature control, and removal of trapped air are required. |
| Oscillating U-Tube Meter |
A liquid-filled U-shaped tube vibrates at a frequency related to the mass of liquid inside it. The measured oscillation is converted to density. |
Density, specific gravity, and temperature-compensated density |
Food and beverage processing, chemical production, pharmaceuticals, fuels, and quality control laboratories |
Fast and precise |
Requires clean sample handling and can be affected by air bubbles, suspended solids, or highly viscous samples |
Temperature control is essential because liquid density changes with temperature. Typical reference conditions include 20 °C. |
| Refractometer |
Measures the change in the direction of light as it passes through a sample. Refractive index is converted to concentration using a validated scale or calibration curve. |
Refractive index or concentration, such as °Brix |
Sugar solutions, fruit juices, beverages, sauces, and dissolved-solids testing |
Small sample volume |
Results depend on sample composition; substances other than the target solute can influence refractive index |
Use a suitable calibration scale and control sample temperature. °Brix is primarily a sucrose-equivalent scale. |
| Density-Based Concentration Meter |
Measures density and applies a validated relationship between density, temperature, and composition to calculate concentration. |
Concentration, density, specific gravity, and temperature |
Alcohol-water mixtures, acids, alkalis, salt solutions, and process liquids with a known composition relationship |
Direct process indication |
A density value alone cannot identify composition in an unknown multi-component mixture |
The concentration table or model must match the actual chemical system and operating temperature. |
| Mass-Flow or Coriolis Meter |
Measures the motion of vibrating flow tubes. The response is used to determine mass flow and, in many systems, fluid density. |
Mass flow, density, temperature, and sometimes calculated concentration |
Continuous monitoring, batching, blending, and closed-pipe process control |
Inline measurement |
Higher installation cost and possible sensitivity to two-phase flow, vibration, or unsuitable process conditions |
Proper pipe filling, stable flow, and correct installation are necessary for reliable readings. |
| Ultrasonic Concentration Meter |
Measures the speed or attenuation of sound through a liquid. The result is correlated with concentration through calibration data. |
Calculated concentration or composition-related signal |
Continuous monitoring of liquid blends, emulsions, and selected chemical solutions |
Non-contact options available |
Calibration can be affected by temperature, gas bubbles, suspended particles, and changes in composition |
Use a calibration model that reflects the process liquid and maintain stable acoustic coupling. |