BAUME HYDROMETERS

Laboratory Baumé Hydrometers

Baumé hydrometers are instruments used to measure liquids using the Baumé scale, expressed in degrees Baumé (°Bé). They operate by flotation and allow the reading to be taken directly from the instrument’s graduated scale.

They form part of the range of laboratory hydrometers and are available with different graduation ranges, allowing users to select the appropriate instrument according to the values that need to be measured.

At Pobel, you can find Baumé hydrometers calibrated at 15 °C, with different ranges and scale divisions. They can also be manufactured calibrated at 20 °C and supplied with a calibration certificate on request.

What is a Baumé hydrometer?

A Baumé hydrometer is a hydrometer whose scale is graduated in degrees Baumé (°Bé). When the instrument is placed in a liquid, it becomes partially submerged and reaches an equilibrium position that depends on the density of the sample.

The depth at which it floats allows the reading to be taken from the scale marked on the instrument. This operating principle is based on Archimedes’ principle.

The Baumé scale is related to the relative density of the liquid, allowing these instruments to be used with this parameter through a specific scale expressed in °Bé.

How does a Baumé hydrometer work?

A Baumé hydrometer works by floating within the sample. When it is placed in the liquid, the depth it reaches varies according to the density of the sample.

Once the hydrometer has stabilised, the user can take the reading from the graduated scale. With Baumé models, the result is expressed in degrees Baumé.

Temperature must be taken into account when carrying out this type of measurement. The models available from Pobel are calibrated at a specific temperature, and the product documentation itself specifies that measurements should be taken with this calibration temperature in mind.

Baumé hydrometer and Baumé density meter

In searches and laboratory contexts, the term Baumé density meter may also be used to refer to instruments graduated according to this scale.

Baumé hydrometers belong to the group of instruments used to measure density by flotation, but they are distinguished by providing the reading specifically in degrees Baumé.

If you need to work with other types of instruments or density scales, you can also explore our range of laboratory density meters.

Ranges of Pobel Baumé hydrometers

Pobel’s range includes different graduation ranges in degrees Baumé. This makes it possible to select an instrument whose measuring interval corresponds to the values that need to be measured.

The following graduations are currently available:

• 0-10 °Bé.

• 0-20 °Bé.

• 5-15 °Bé.

• 10-20 °Bé.

• 15-25 °Bé.

• 20-30 °Bé.

• 20-40 °Bé.

• 25-35 °Bé.

• 30-40 °Bé.

• 40-50 °Bé.

• 40-60 °Bé.

• 50-60 °Bé.

• 60-70 °Bé.

• 0-15 °Bé.

• 15-30 °Bé.

• 30-45 °Bé.

• 45-60 °Bé.

Depending on the selected reference, the models have scale divisions of 0.1 or 0.2 °Bé. Therefore, before choosing a hydrometer, it is advisable to check both the measuring range and the scale division corresponding to the model.

Baumé hydrometers calibrated at 15 °C and 20 °C

Baumé hydrometers supplied by Pobel are provided as standard calibrated at 15 °C.

Pobel also offers the option of manufacturing these instruments calibrated at 20 °C. This makes it possible to select the calibration temperature according to the requirements of the measurement procedure.

The reference temperature is an important factor when working with hydrometers. ISO 387 specifically includes reference temperature among the parameters associated with the construction, adjustment and reading of this type of instrument.

Standards and certificates

According to the specifications provided by Pobel, its Baumé hydrometers are manufactured in accordance with UNE 400236, UNE 400311-1-2, ISO 387 and ISO 649-1.

The instruments are supplied with a batch certificate. In addition, a calibration certificate can be supplied on request.

If you require a hydrometer with specific calibration conditions or documentation, it is advisable to check these requirements before selecting the reference.

How to use a Baumé hydrometer

To take a measurement, the instrument must be placed in the sample so that it can float freely. Once the hydrometer reaches a stable position, the corresponding reading can be taken from its graduated scale.

Recommendations for using these instruments include:

• Use a measuring cylinder or container that allows the hydrometer to float freely.

• Avoid air bubbles becoming attached to the instrument.

• Take the calibration temperature into account when carrying out the measurement.

• Keep the glass clean and free from residues.

The hydrometer should also be prevented from resting against the walls or bottom of the container, as it must float freely in order to take an accurate measurement.

How to choose a Baumé hydrometer

Two of the main parameters used to distinguish between the Baumé hydrometers available from Pobel are the graduation range and the scale division.

Before choosing a reference, it is advisable to check:

• Range in °Bé: the interval must include the values that need to be measured.

• Scale division: available models have divisions of 0.1 or 0.2 °Bé depending on the reference.

• Calibration temperature: standard models are calibrated at 15 °C and can also be manufactured calibrated at 20 °C.

• Documentation: they are supplied with a batch certificate, with the option of requesting a calibration certificate.

Checking these parameters before purchasing the instrument makes it possible to select a reference that is suitable for the intended measurement procedure.

Frequently asked questions about Baumé hydrometers

What units are used to read a Baumé hydrometer?

The scale on these instruments is expressed in degrees Baumé (°Bé).

What Baumé hydrometer ranges are available from Pobel?

Pobel offers different intervals, ranging from models graduated from 0-10 °Bé to references reaching 60-70 °Bé, as well as a variety of intermediate ranges.

What scale divisions do Pobel Baumé hydrometers have?

Depending on the reference, the available scale divisions are 0.1 or 0.2 °Bé.

At what temperature are they calibrated?

Standard models are calibrated at 15 °C. Pobel also indicates that they can be manufactured calibrated at 20 °C.

Can they be supplied with a calibration certificate?

Yes. Baumé hydrometers are supplied with a batch certificate and, on request, Pobel can also provide them with a calibration certificate.

Find the right Baumé hydrometer for your laboratory

Explore the different Baumé hydrometers available and select the graduation, scale division and calibration temperature you require. If you are unsure which reference is best suited to your measurement procedure or you need a calibration certificate, contact the Pobel team for advice.