Don't be Dense: Use A Hydrometer
Posted by Laura Eisan on
What is a Hydrometer?
How do Hydrometers Work?
Each type of hydrometer is calibrated to its particular scale, and is fabricated with graduated readings so you can easily read and calculate the approximate density of your sample to a reference sample - usually plain water. The sample must be the same temperature as the reference sample to accurately reflect density. Most hydrometers will have the temperature standard marked on them, and it can be handy to use a hydrometer with a built in thermometer to ensure accuracy.
So What Type of Hydrometer do I need?
API: universally used by the petroleum industry
Baume: older scale from industrial chemical and pharmaceutical industry, usually used to measure liquids heavier than water.
Brix: measures dissolved sugar. Commonly used in beer, wine, juice, and other food and beverage production. When used in beer brewing - a sample is taken of the wort and after fermentation has occurred. These two measurements can be used together to determine when fermentation is complete and to estimate the overall alcohol content of your brew. More accurate for final gravity than refractometers, Brix hydrometers can be helpful in verifying your results.
High Precision / Specific Gravity: measure in specific gravity, these hydrometers have small graduations with a high degree of accuracy. Depending on what beer you brew, you may need more than one range in this scale.
Plato: Scale used in brewing as designated by the American Society of Brewing Chemists
Thermohydrometer: a hydrometer with a built in thermometer. Also referred to as 'combined form' hydrometer.
Next Week On The Blog: What to Consider When Purchasing a Hydrometer - we will talk about considerations and proper use and care of your hydrometer. See you then!
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