A variety of scales exist, and are used depending on the context. Hydrometers usually contain a scale inside the stem, so that the specific gravity can be read directly. The point at which the surface of the liquid touches the stem of the hydrometer is noted. The liquid to be tested is poured into a tall container, often a graduated cylinder, and the hydrometer is gently lowered into the liquid until it floats freely. The lower the density of the fluid, the deeper the weighted float B will sink the depth can be read off the scale A.Ī hydrometer is an instrument used to measure the specific gravity (or relative density) of liquids that is, the ratio of the density of the liquid to the density of water.Ī hydrometer is usually made of glass and consists of a cylindrical stem and a bulb weighted with mercury or lead shot to make it float upright. If all the sugar was converted then the one gallon would then contain 10.6% alcohol by volume.Schematic drawing of a hydrometer. For example if you take one gallon of water and add 2.1lbs (935 grams) of sugar then the hydrometer will give a reading of 1080.ĭuring fermentation the yeast converts the sugar into alcohol. The table below shows the readings you will get for different amounts of sugar in the liquid. If you add sugar to the liquid it will become heavier and the hydrometer will float higher. So what do these readings mean? If you put your Hydrometer into pure water it will float at a level of 1.000. To add to the confusion the scale may be marked 990, 1.000, 10, 20, 30 etc. Sometimes the decimal point is left out giving a scale of 990 to 1120 in steps of 10. The scale on each hydrometer is slightly different but should cover the range 0.990 to 1.120 or there abouts. Dont let the hydrometer touch the side of the jar or you will get an incorrect reading. Take the reading as shown in the diagram.Gently push the hydrometer into the liquid by a few millimeters, let go and let it settle.Slowly lower the hydrometer into the liquid by holding it at the top of the stem.Gently stir the liquid, being careful not to form bubbles.Pour the liquid into the test jar - down the sides to avoid forming bubbles.The Hydrometer is only accurate at room temperature so let the liquid you are testing warm up first.Sterilise your Hydrometer and Test Jar.There are basically 4 times you would measure the sugar content: The more sugar that the yeast converts to alcohol then the stronger the wine. The sugar can be natural sugar (from the fruit’s juice) or can be sugar that you’ve added (the stuff you buy from supermarkets). In wine making, yeast converts sugar into alcohol. Why is it Important to Know How Much Sugar is in a Liquid? The more sugar there is in the liquid then the thicker, or heavier, it becomes and the higher the Hydrometer floats in the liquid. The Hydrometer is placed in the liquid and the depth to which it sinks is measured on a scale inside the hydrometer. It is a glass tube with a weighted bulb at one end and a scale at the other that measures the amount of sugar in a liquid. The word Hydrometer literally means ‘water measurer’. How and When to Use a Hydrometer What is a Hydrometer? Home Beginners Guide How to Serve Wine Wine Glasses How to Taste Wine Food and Wine How to Grow Vines Red Wine and Health Removing Stains Wine Investment How to Make Wine How to Make Cider How to Make Perry (Pear Cider) How to Brew Beer Wine & Beer Making Equipment Links Glossary/ Vocabulary
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |