The density of the electrolyte determines the reliable operation and long service life of the battery. Therefore, it needs constant monitoring, especially in the cold season. This procedure is simple and many car enthusiasts do it themselves. You just need to follow safety precautions and acquire a special device in advance - a hydrometer for electrolyte. In addition, of course, you will need basic handling skills.
What is density
An electrolyte is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. They are diluted in a certain proportion. Even people with a sketchy knowledge of a school physics course know that the mass of one liter of water is 1 kilogram. This means that its density is 1 g/cm3. For acid, this indicator is 1.84, and in the electrolyte, under optimal conditions, it contains about 35%. This is about the third part. Omitting the unnecessary mathematical calculations here, we find that the ideal density of the electrolyte is 1.27 g/cm 3 . In practice, this value may vary slightly up or down. However, the hydrometer readings for the electrolyte should be in the range of 1.26 - 1.28.
Dependence of density on battery condition
In a real battery, this value is not constant, highly dependent on the degree of its charge. The more discharged a battery is, the lower the density of its electrolyte. The reason for this is the chemical reactions occurring in the battery. During discharge, part of the sulfuric acid turns into lead sulfate, the mass fraction of water increases, which means the density decreases. Charging the battery is characterized by the reverse process. Thus, the density can indirectly judge the condition of the battery at the moment. The higher it is, the greater the voltage at the battery terminals. True, high density is not always good. Sometimes, due to a malfunction of electrical equipment, the voltage of the on-board network increases and the battery begins to boil. Water evaporates first, which means the percentage of acid content increases. If the electrolyte hydrometer shows that the density is greater than 1.35, then urgent measures need to be taken. High acid content causes the active layer of the battery plates to shed. This process is irreversible and will certainly lead to a reduction in battery life.
Operating principle of a hydrometer
The importance of periodic density measurements is clear. That the device intended for this is called a hydrometer - too. Now it is necessary to briefly understand its operation, this will help with its further use. The principle of operation of a densimeter, as a hydrometer is sometimes called, is based on the well-known law of Archimedes. It is based on the equality of the volumes of the immersed body and the liquid displaced by it. However, objects have different densities. Therefore, in practice, equilibrium will occur when the body is immersed to a certain depth. This is the principle of operation of a hydrometer for electrolyte and any other liquid.
Design
A densimeter is a glass float of a certain volume and mass. When immersed in a liquid, it sinks to a certain depth: the lower the density, the lower. The hydrometer has a scale for reading readings. It is calibrated in accordance with the density of the liquid being measured. This is how the densimeter works in the general case. This method is not suitable for a battery. The float can be lowered into the battery can, but the lead plates will prevent it from sinking. Therefore, the electrolyte density hydrometer is designed somewhat differently. It is located inside a glass flask, on one side of which there is a thin plastic tip, on the other - a rubber “bulb”. With their help, the vessel is filled with electrolyte. Its volume is relatively small, but given that the diameter of the flask is small, this allows the densimeter to be immersed to a depth sufficient to measure density.
Safety Precautions
You need to start with preparatory work. Take care of gloves and eye and respiratory protection in advance. This should be taken seriously: the electrolyte is a caustic liquid. You can take measurements on the car itself, but it is still better to remove the battery and place it on a flat surface. It’s more convenient to work this way, and the car’s paintwork won’t be damaged. Before using an electrolyte hydrometer, it is necessary to carry out an external inspection. The densimeter device is very fragile and does not forgive careless handling. In case of mechanical damage, cracks and chips may occur, which will lead to leakage of electrolyte from the flask. If all safety measures are observed, you can proceed directly to the work.
Density measurement
Measuring the electrolyte with a hydrometer is carried out in the following sequence.
- Unscrew the caps of all cans on the battery.
- Take the hydrometer with your right hand by the rubber bulb.
- Place the tip of the densimeter into a controlled “jar”.
- A sufficient amount of liquid must enter the flask so that the float floats freely in it.
- If it doesn't work the first time, you need to repeat the operation. In this case, you should try to hold the device vertically.
- When you manage to collect a sufficient amount of electrolyte, it is necessary, without making sudden movements, to achieve complete equilibrium of the hydrometer. However, it should not touch the walls of the flask.
- Read the readings on the densimeter scale. The surface of the electrolyte should coincide with one of its marks. There is one subtlety here. Between the float and the walls of the flask, spherical depressions, the so-called menisci, are formed: the readings must be taken along their lower cut.
- The density should be approximately the same in all “cans” and be in the range of 1.26 - 1.28 g/cm 3 .
It may happen that some battery cells are dry. This very often happens to owners who neglect battery maintenance. The jar, naturally, is not dry in the usual sense of the word, the water has simply boiled out of it, and the electrolyte has dropped below the lead grids. This usually happens with extreme elements. In this case, before measuring the electrolyte with a hydrometer, it is necessary to bring its level to normal. To do this, add distilled water to the jar. The electrolyte level should be approximately 1 cm above the surface of the jars.
Which hydrometer to choose for subsequent use
The densimeter is a fragile thing and people borrow it extremely reluctantly. Therefore, to periodically monitor the density of the electrolyte, it is better to have your own in the garage, especially since its price is low. Currently, there is a large selection of hydrometers on sale, including electronic ones. There is no point in overpaying for unnecessary features.
For garage use, a classic float type is sufficient. You can purchase a universal hydrometer for electrolyte and antifreeze. Its scale is calibrated to measure two liquids, which will come in handy when preparing your car for winter.
The service life of a serviced car battery depends on various factors. However, with proper care it is possible to significantly extend this period. An important factor in this situation is to ensure the optimal density value for the electrolyte. In this case, you will need to know how to use a battery hydrometer.
Thanks to a special device - a hydrometer, it is possible to measure the degree of acidity of the solution for each cell in the battery. In fact, density refers to the ratio of the mass of mixed acid with distillate to the total volume of the resulting solution.
The usual test of the density of the electrolyte in a battery with a hydrometer is based on the classical physical law of Archimedes, when a body immersed in a liquid displaces from the vessel a volume of liquid equivalent to its own volume. Thanks to the laws of hydrostatics, it is possible to calculate with a high degree of accuracy the acidity value in a particular liquid. Usually the parameter is indicated in g/cm 3, and is defined to hundredths.
Visually, a hydrometer for electrolyte is a transparent glass wide flask, inside of which there is a measuring scale. For the fence, a rubber bulb is installed in the upper part of the device. Working with such a chemical unit is quite simple.
The components in most designs are parts such as:
- rubber bulb;
- hydrometer block;
- a glass pipette containing the device;
- sealed plug;
- fence part.
Some types of hydrometers are universal. With their help, you can additionally determine the temperature of the liquid.
Method of using the device
Before checking the battery density with a hydrometer, you need to familiarize yourself with the operation of the device so as not to get chemical burns and achieve the correct results. Usually, for measurements, preliminary fluid is taken from the battery cans.
It is important to know that each car battery can is an independent container for liquids, so measurements will need to be taken for each container separately.
Safety precautions must be observed when pumping liquid for testing. Acid-resistant rubber gloves and safety glasses are required. An apron made of rubberized material or a special protective robe helps protect your clothes. To select the required volume, we use a glass tube, since this material is chemically neutral to acids.
The step-by-step algorithm for measuring density with a hydrometer consists of the following points:
- lower one end of the glass tube into the neck of the open battery can;
- part of the liquid will penetrate inside the tube, and its level will be leveled with that remaining in the container;
- Close the top hole tightly with your fingertip and slowly remove the tube;
- lower the end of the glass tube into the flask prepared for measurements, and then open the upper part of the tube so that the liquid flows into the vessel;
- since the hydrometer works correctly only in a certain volume of liquid, we repeat the procedure many times until the required amount for measurement is collected;
- We place the hydrometer inside the flask and wait for it to level, since we need the number indicated by the line of the liquid surface;
- after stabilization, the desired density of the liquid will be known.
After measuring, return the liquid back to the jar in the same way as it was taken. We carry out operations with each capacity from the battery in order to obtain complete information about the condition of the battery.
When working with a hydrometer, you need to squeeze the bulb and then immerse the pipette in the liquid so that it floats there like a float in a vertical position. After compression, the rubber is gradually loosened to smoothly fill the container. The measurements will be accurate when the float does not come into contact with the walls of the vessel. If it is stuck, the readings obtained will be unreliable..
Upon completion of work, rinse the device with distilled water. This will help extend its service life and eliminate measurement errors.
Important Factors
For a car battery, problems will be minimized when its density at 25 C is 1.28 g/ml. This parameter is typical for all new batteries leaving the factory. When a lower density was found in one of the cans, this is evidence of a probable short circuit that occurred due to the contact of the lead plates with each other.
If you detect low density in one of the cans, you should understand that the probable causes lie in such events as:
- the battery has suffered a deep discharge and will not be able to perform further operations as usual;
- a sulfation stage occurred inside the cavities, which became a problem for further chemical reactions;
- the battery worked for a long period without additional recharging from the generator, which could fail;
- physical wear of the battery has occurred, which does not allow it to be used for its intended purpose in the future;
- the low quality of the solution and other components is due to an unscrupulous manufacturer or the use of counterfeit products.
In the case when it is possible to bring the density to the optimal value, it will be possible to ensure the battery’s performance.
Popular brands of hydrometers
The domestic market offers different models of battery solution density meters. Those interested can even discover an electronic electrolyte hydrometer. The main differences lie mainly in the quality of the component materials used.
IP-1
Among the popular classic-shaped devices, a device with a set of plastic cylinders inside stands out. Opposite each of them is the density value. After filling the measuring container, the set of cylinders begins to float. You can read the current density value from the cylinder that rose last.
The measuring range of the model is limited. It can give results if the density of the liquid fluctuates in the range of 1.19–1.33 g/cc. The minimum division price is 0.02 g/cc. Although the measurement accuracy of such a unit is low, it is popular among car enthusiasts. Success lies in affordable prices. The price is a little over 100 rubles.
Orion AR-02
The chemical device is produced at a domestic enterprise located in St. Petersburg. Detailed instructions describe how to use it. It is important to take precautions when working with it.
You can find a meter in popular stores for 150 rubles. The manufacturer provides a six-month warranty on the glass device.
Sparta 549125
The cost of the device is about 200 rubles. Produced in China under a German license. It works in the range from 1.16 to 1.3 g/cm 3 . The pear and fence part are made of practical, durable materials. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty on each product. There are floats inside.
Measuring the density of the electrolyte in the battery is an integral part of caring for the structure. In order to periodically carry out this check, special methods and instruments are used. However, in this case there is a lot to consider.
In order to verify the density of the electrolyte in the battery, you need to use a device called a hydrometer. In some cases it is called a densimeter, but this concept is not precise enough.
Most hydrometers consist of the following parts:
It should be remembered that when checking the density of the electrolyte, the hydrometer must be at rest, without touching the glass walls, so it must be held vertically in front of the face.
Instructions: how to check density correctly
- The first step is to start by assembling the device itself. The float is placed in a glass flask, with a bulb on one side and a tip and stopper on the other.
- Next, you should collect the liquid into the flask. Squeeze the pear, gradually loosening your grip. The result should be a float floating calmly in the liquid in a vertical position.
- Read scale value, in the place where the device comes into contact with the liquid.
- The final point will be the mandatory flushing of the device. This will prevent erroneous readings during further operation of the device.
You cannot ignore precautions when handling electrolyte, as sulfuric acid is hazardous to health!
Principle of operation: determination of the ratio of liquid mass to volume of a float-pycnometer
The density of the electrolyte, which is a sulfuric acid solution, in a battery is measured in g/cm3. It depends on the concentration of the solution itself, as well as on the state of charge of the battery, since when the battery is discharged, a certain amount of sulfuric acid moves into the plates and the density will decrease.
For this reason, battery density must be measured at a temperature of about 25 ° C and with the battery fully charged. In a new charged battery it should be 1.28±0.01 g/cm3. Depending on the climate and season, readings may vary. The standard densities of acids and alkalis used as electrolytes range from 1.22 to 1.29 g/cm3 at temperatures from 20 to 30 °C. 
As the battery discharges, the density will decrease in readings. When the battery is discharged to half, the indicative density will be about 1.20±0.01 g/cm3. When fully discharged, the density will be no more than 1.10±0.01 g/cm3.
Density reduces performance by 0.01 g/cm3 from normal when the battery is 5 percent discharged. Frequent recharging can harm the operation of the device, so you can normalize the density of the liquid using distilled water.
One of the types of hydrometer for motorists is a device with a set of floats of different masses and identical volumes in a glass vessel. Each of them is equipped with one tag. The principle of this mechanism is that the float with the closest value will float when the others sink.
Important! With a stable high electrolyte density, the battery life is shortened.
Features and accuracy of measurements
When reading readings from a hydrometer, a small feature should be taken into account. A more accurate indicator is shown not at the point of contact between the water and the float, but from the meniscus. This is the name given to the lower part of the curvature of the liquid surface. Indicators should be written off precisely from this lower part, so the information will be more reliable.
Disadvantages of the device:
- Somewhat large amount of liquid that is being measured
- The scale is nonlinear
- A small range of values that are measured is limited by the initial portion of the scale.
- The outer surface of the cylindrical float is subject to contamination
- The capillary characteristics of liquids are different, which adversely affects the test result.
If the readings for the desired temperature by measuring the electrolyte density are not met, it is necessary to make calculations referring to the following data:
Detectable problems
One of the advantages of a hydrometer is the safety of measuring the density of liquids with an accuracy of 0.05-0.1%. In addition, this method does not require a large amount of substance to measure.
The battery in a car performs its job properly with the following electrolyte reading: at a temperature of 25 degrees 1.28 g/cm3. New batteries with proper certification have similar results in values.
If the readings on the density of the electrolyte in one of the battery cans are lower, this indicates a short circuit: the closure of the lead plates and, as a result, breakdown of the battery.
If the density is below normal throughout the battery, this may indicate problems such as:
If the electrolyte density readings are incorrect, the problems should be corrected. It is worth remembering that if the density is low in only one of the cans, the battery cannot be corrected and should be replaced.
Additional voltage measurements with and without load will help determine the exact cause of the problem.
Attention! During operation, batteries lose some of the water, thereby reducing the liquid level above the plates and increasing the acid concentration. For this reason, it is necessary to check the electrolyte level before testing. The level accepted as the norm is 10-15 mm above the top line of the separators.
Why is verification so important?
Regularly checking the electrolyte density will help to anticipate and resolve problems with the device. Over time, the battery will work worse than on the first day after purchase. Therefore, you should look after him and monitor him, then he can live up to 10 years.
Important! Avoid adding electrolyte from other batteries, as this will reduce the service life of the device.
The electrolyte density in winter should be 1.27 g/cm3. A lower indicator affects the operation of the device, the car will be more difficult to start, sometimes leading to freezing of the electrolyte.
Using a low-charge battery at low temperatures may cause the lead plates to deteriorate. The density can also be determined by checking the density: the lower the density, the more discharged the battery.
Useful video
The simple operation of measuring density with a hydrometer is fully presented in this video.
Conclusion
In general, density determines the capacity of the battery and its service life. Each device requires constant monitoring and care. One option to give your battery the proper attention is to regularly check its density using a hydrometer. With this attitude, there will be no surprises in breakdowns and it will be possible to predict future problems.
1. Purpose and general information
1.1. A hydrometer for electrolyte, antifreeze, antifreeze and washer fluid with a built-in thermometer complete with a device for collecting liquid (a set for a motorist) is designed for selecting and measuring the density of the electrolyte in the battery ( Fig.1), determining the freezing temperature of the coolant in the engine cooling system (Fig.2) and the freezing temperature of the washer fluid in the car windshield and headlight washing system ( Fig.3), as well as for measuring the temperature of the test liquids (electrolyte, antifreeze, antifreeze, washer fluid).
1.2. Aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid are used as the electrolyte in car batteries.
1.3. Coolants and washer fluids belong to the antifreeze group. Antifreezes are frost-resistant liquids that freeze at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius (°C) and differ in the basis of their preparation and scope of application.
1.4. Coolants are antifreezes made from ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Antifreeze is a brand of antifreeze based on ethylene glycol.
1.5. Washer fluids (washers) are antifreezes made on the basis of monohydric alcohols: methyl, ethyl and others.
Washers based on methyl alcohol - methanol, as washer fluids, are prohibited for use in many countries (they have a negative effect on vision, motor and nervous systems).
It is not recommended to mix antifreezes made on different bases.
2. Delivery set
2.1. Hydrometer with built-in thermometer AETOTr: 1 pc.;
2.2. The device for collecting fluid (electrolyte, coolant and washer fluid) consists of:
- pipette: 1 piece;
- pear: 1 piece;
- plug with tip: 1 piece;
2.3. Passport: 1 pc.;
2.4. Packaging case: 1 pc. (the lid of the pencil case is made and used as a watering can (funnel)).
3.Design and technical characteristics
3.1. A hydrometer for electrolyte, antifreeze and washer fluid with a built-in thermometer AETOTr TU U 33.2-24667973-004:2007 is a glass float, in the upper part of which a paper hydrometer scale is placed, and in the lower part there is a thermometer built-in. The hydrometer scale consists of three main scales - scale electrolyte, antifreeze, washer (Fig.4).
3.2. Scale electrolyte graduated in density units g/cm3
- electrolyte density measurement range: from 1.10 to 1.30 g/cm3
- scale division price: 0.01 g/cm3
- permissible error limit: 0.01 g/cm3.
3.2.1. The colored bars on the electrolyte scale indicate the percentage (%) of battery charge:
- yellow bar - battery is low,
- red - charged 50%,
- blue - 75%,
- green - 100% charging.
3.3. Scale antifreeze consists of two scales (one located on the left, the other on the right), graduated in degrees Celsius with a minus sign (-° C) and designed to determine the freezing temperature of coolants.
3.3.1. The scale on the left is designed to determine the freezing point of the coolant based on ethylene glycol:
- range for determining the freezing temperature of the coolant: from 0 to minus 40 ° C;
- scale division price: 5° C.
3.3.2. The scale on the right is designed to determine the freezing point of the coolant based on propylene glycol:
- range for determining the freezing temperature of the coolant: from 0 to minus 30 ° C;
- scale division price: 5° C.
3.4. Scale washer consists of two scales (one located on the left, the other on the right), graduated in degrees Celsius with a minus sign (-°C) and designed to determine the freezing temperature of washer fluids.
3.4.1. The scale on the left is designed to determine the freezing temperature of washer fluid made on the basis of ethyl alcohol - ethanol:
- detection range for washer fluid freezing: from 0 to minus 40°C;
- scale division value: 5°С.
Washers made on the basis of ethyl alcohol - ethanol can be recognized by the flame icon on the packaging.
3.4.2. The CIS market is supplied with washer fluids whose density differs from the density of liquids made on the basis of ethyl alcohol - ethanol. Having studied the densities and freezing temperatures of these liquids, we constructed an average scale for them, highlighting in color the ranges of possible freezing of these liquids:
- yellow color - washer fluid freezes to minus 20°C;
- red - freezes at minus 20°C;
- green - below minus 20°C.
3.5. The scale of the built-in thermometer is calibrated in degrees Celsius (°C) and is designed to determine the temperature of the liquid being tested, which allows for corrections to the hydrometer readings (Table 1) to be taken into account if the liquid temperature differs from 20±2°C:
- temperature measurement range of the test liquid: from minus 40 to plus 40°C;
- scale division value: 5°С.
Table 1
4. Operation of the device
4.1. Before starting work, it is necessary to assemble the liquid sampling device, as shown in Fig.5.
4.2. Squeeze the bulb and lower the tip of the plug into the liquid being measured. Slowly unclenching the bulb, allow the liquid to fill the pipette in such an amount that the hydrometer floats freely in a vertical position. When reading readings from the hydrometer scale, the level and line of contact of the liquid with the hydrometer rod should be below the pipette corrugation (Fig. 6), and the hydrometer rod inside the corrugation. Point contact of the hydrometer rod to the inner corrugation of the pipette prevents continuous sticking of the hydrometer to the pipette wall.
4.3. The line of contact of the liquid with the hydrometer rod corresponds to:
- on a scale electrolyte- electrolyte density;
- on a scale antifreeze- freezing temperature of the coolant;
- on a scale washer- freezing temperature of the washer fluid.
Readings are taken along the lower edge of the meniscus. Measurements should be made at a temperature of 20±2°C.
4.4. If measurements are made at a liquid temperature different from 20±2°C, then the correction given in Table 1 should be added algebraically (that is, with its sign) to the measurement results.
The amendments in Table 1 for coolant and washer fluids are given for their optimal concentrations corresponding to the freezing point of these fluids at minus 40 °C. Corrections for coolant, highlighted in red, are given in this case for reference, because at low fluid temperatures the correction is so large that the freezing temperature value on the hydrometer scale will go beyond the measurement range of the device. For coolants, we recommend taking measurements at temperatures of plus 10°C and above.
4.5. After taking measurements, the hydrometer and liquid sampling device must be rinsed with clean water and wiped dry.
Good to know
Optimal electrolyte density in the battery depending on the time of year and area of operation
table 2
Electrolyte freezing point depending on density
Table 3
5. Warranty
5.1. A hydrometer for electrolyte and antifreeze AET with a device for collecting liquid (a set for a motorist) is manufactured in accordance with TU U 33.2-24667973-004:2007.
5.2. The warranty period is 12 months from the date of sale through a retail network.
A saccharometer (a hydrometer for determining the concentration of sugar) is a device that makes life equally easier for moonshiners and winemakers, as well as for brewers, since it makes it possible to control the sugar content in the wort, which in turn allows you to make drinks with a predetermined strength and density. Having a saccharometer in the home distiller’s arsenal is not necessary, but very desirable, and for brewers this is one of the most important devices that allows them to adhere to the chosen recipe (style) of beer. Often, a saccharometer is bought by those who decide to make alcohol more or less constantly.
Principle of operation. All hydrometers, including a saccharometer and a wine meter, operate on the basis of the hydrostatic law (Archimedes' law), according to which the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the displaced liquid, which means that the volume of the immersed body is equal to the volume of the liquid displaced by it. Since the densities of liquids differ, the same body is immersed in them to different depths.
A saccharometer (vinomer) is a glass tube, the lower (wide) part of which is filled with mercury or shot to create the required mass, and the upper (narrow) part of the tube has a scale with a gradation of the density of the solution or the concentration of the substance being measured.
A wine meter differs from a saccharometer only in the presence of another scale, which shows the strength (concentration of ethyl alcohol) in the wort. But due to their versatility and small size, the accuracy of household wine meters is often lower than that of saccharometers. At the same time, knowing the initial density of the wort, determining the strength with a saccharometer at any stage of fermentation is not a problem.
Types of household hydrometers
There are 2 types of hydrometers common in home distilling:
Saccharometer AS-3 – designed to measure the concentration of sugar in aqueous solutions by weight of dry substances. It is the most accurate household appliance. To determine the strength, you need to compare the result with the table values and carry out calculations.
Measuring range: 0-25%.
Scale division value: 0.5%.
Acceptable error limit: ±0.5.
A household wine meter is a device for determining the sugar content and strength of mash, wine or beer. It has two scales printed on different sides, which allows you to simultaneously find out the sugar content and strength of the wort without calculations. Disadvantage: lower accuracy compared to AC-3.
Measurement range: first scale – 0-25% (for sugar), second scale – 0-12% (for alcohol).
Scale division value: 1%.
Acceptable error limit: ±1-2% for sugar and ±2-3% for alcohol.
How to use a saccharometer and vinometer
It is correct to measure the initial and final gravity of the wort, since based on the difference obtained, one can draw a conclusion about the nature of fermentation (whether it is over or not) and the strength of the drink.
Initial density– sugar content before fermentation. Measured before pitching yeast. Recommended values depend on the type of drink.
The optimal sugar content in mash before fermentation is 18-20%, in the case of alcoholic yeast - 20-30%.
The initial density of wine is 10-31%, but you need to remember that most strains of wine yeast can completely ferment juice with a maximum of 20% sugar content (12% of the final strength), and the remaining sugar will not be processed and will determine the type of wine (dry, semi-sweet, sweet etc.).
The initial density of beer depends on the variety, this figure is in the range of 5-18% (for most varieties popular in Russia - 11-12%).
Final density– sugar content in the wort after fermentation.
If the readings do not change within 24-48 hours and are below 2-2.5% sugar, fermentation is considered complete.
How to calculate strength using a saccharometer
To determine the strength with a saccharometer, you need to convert the initial and final density readings into units of alcohol according to the table (see figure), then subtract the final value from the initial value.
Table for converting saccharometer readings to strength For example, if the initial gravity is 18.5%, then this corresponds to 9.25% alcohol according to the table, and for a final wort gravity of 2.5% the equivalent strength is 1%. Final strength of the drink = 9.25 - 1 = 8.25% vol.
Instructions for taking measurements
1. Fill the measuring container (flask, cylinder or glass) with a sufficient amount of wort at +20 °C. When measuring the final density, stir the liquid slightly to remove any remaining carbon dioxide, which reduces the accuracy of the measurements.
Attention! Due to non-compliance with the temperature, an error of up to 7% is possible!
2. Wipe the hydrometer with a clean, dry cloth. The device must be completely dry before diving.
3. Carefully immerse the saccharometer (vinomer) with the bottom part into the liquid.
The device should not touch the walls and bottom of the vessel.
4. Wait until the hydrometer stabilizes at the same level.
5. Take readings. Place your eyes just below the level of the liquid so that the elliptical base of the meniscus is clearly visible, then slowly raise your head until the ellipse turns into a straight line.
Depending on the design, values are taken from the upper or lower edge of the meniscus (this point is necessarily described in the instructions for the specific model).
The red arrow is the upper meniscus, the green arrow is the lower. If the original instructions for the device are not available, take readings along the lower meniscus 6. Remove the saccharometer (vinomer) from the flask, wipe it dry and put it in the original storage case. Check the readings at least once every couple of months and calibrate the device if necessary.
Checking and calibrating the hydrometer
To check a saccharometer or wine meter, simply immerse the device in distilled water at a temperature of +20 °C. If working correctly, a zero value should appear (on the sugar content scale for the wine meter).
If the hydrometer floats too high, increase its weight by applying nail polish or tape to the top of the glass tube until the scale returns to zero.
If the saccharometer (vinomer) sinks too much, you need to reduce its weight by shaving off with a blade part of the glass in the upper part of the tube.
