Hydrometer Use in the Cosmetics Industry

Moisture determination plays a central role in many industries and testing accurately for moisture content is of crucial importance for quality control, production issues and legal requirements.

Omsons uses many laboratory instruments, but one of our most essential is the hydrometer. This simple yet versatile instrument floats in liquid samples to measure density or specific gravity; using Archimedes’ principle it operates by buoying up with force equal to weight of liquid displaced by solid. A lead or finned steel shot weight at its bulb end ensures uprightness when submerged into fluid; its narrow stem can then be calibrated for reading purposes.

Once immersed in liquid, hydrometers can be read by noting the point where the sample surface contacts the hydrometer’s stem; once this has happened, its scale can be referred to, with readings correlating with density readings for that liquid sample. Specific versions exist depending on application: lactometer for milk analysis; Brix hydrometer for sugar content measurements or alcoholometers that test higher alcohol levels are all examples of speciality hydrometers that come equipped with unique reading scales to read them accurately.

Cleanliness is of utmost importance when using a hydrometer for accurate results, from cleaning its components (hydrometer, jar, and any ancillary equipment) to ensure no contamination may interfere with results. Furthermore, temperature correction should also be observed accordingly to achieve accurate readouts from an instrument – for more information regarding temperature adjustments please contact its manufacturer for advice on their procedure.