Analysis of the density of liquids

Density analysis , also known as specific gravity, involves measuring the mass of a liquid per unit volume, usually expressed in g/cm³ or kg/m³. This fundamental parameter is used in many industrial sectors, where it is employed for quality control, formulation adjustments, purity verification, and monitoring product concentration.

This measurement is essential in the food, cosmetics, chemical, environmental and nutrition sectors, where the density of a liquid can be directly related to its composition, dry matter content or regulatory compliance.

Analysis techniques

Density can be determined using several methods, depending on the nature of the liquid and the level of precision required:

• Electronic densitometer : a fast and accurate method, suitable for aqueous or oily liquids. The instrument calculates the density based on the oscillation of a hollow tube containing the sample.
• Pycnometry : a reference method based on the comparison of masses at controlled temperature. It is particularly suitable for viscous products or products that are difficult to measure electronically.
• Flotation method : used for specific applications where the density is within a known range.

The analysis temperature is a crucial parameter: the density of a liquid varies significantly with temperature. Measurements can therefore be carried out at room temperature, or under standardized conditions (for example, at 20°C or 25°C).

Industrial applications

The analysis of the mass density of liquids has applications in many sectors:

• Food processing : control of sugar concentration (juices, syrups), verification of formulation consistency, monitoring of fermentation.
• Cosmetics : measuring the density of creams, oils, lotions or gels for quality control and product stability.
• Environment : characterization of fluids, leachates or effluents for pollution monitoring and regulatory compliance.
• Animal nutrition : verification of dry matter concentration in liquid mixtures or nutritional supplements.
• Plant products and natural extracts : measurement of the density of aqueous or hydroalcoholic extracts, an indirect indicator of richness in active matter.

Commonly analyzed matrices

Typical matrices include:

• Vegetable oils and fats,
• Syrups, juices and sweetened solutions,
• Liquid cosmetic products (creams, lotions, serums),
• Aqueous solutions and solvents,
• Natural fertilizers or liquid extracts,
• Technical fluids and industrial chemicals.

YesWeLab Expertise

At YesWeLab , we offer the analysis of the bulk density and density of liquids through our network of rigorously selected partner laboratories, most of which are accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC.

Our experts choose the method best suited to your matrix and requirements (densimetry, pycnometry or standardized method) to guarantee accurate, traceable results that comply with the standards of your sector.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, you can easily order, track, and centralize your analyses. Our scientific team remains at your disposal to adapt the experimental conditions (temperature, precision, method) to your specific needs.