LAB MANUAL
Experiment: Determination of the Density of Petroleum Products Using a
Hydrometer
Objective:
To determine the density of a given petroleum product at a specified temperature using a
hydrometer.
Apparatus and Materials:
- Hydrometer (suitable for petroleum products)
- Clean glass cylinder or jar (tall enough to allow hydrometer to float freely)
- Thermometer (accuracy ±0.1°C)
- Petroleum product sample (e.g., diesel, kerosene, gasoline)
- Water bath (optional, for temperature control)
- Stirring rod
- Dry, clean cloth or tissue paper
Theory:
A hydrometer is a calibrated floating device used to measure the density (or specific
gravity) of liquids directly.
Density (ρ) is the mass per unit volume and changes with temperature. Petroleum product
specifications often refer to density at 15°C or 20°C, so a temperature correction may be
needed.
Hydrometers are calibrated either:
- At 15°C, 20°C, or
- To read true density directly.
The reading is usually taken at the point where the liquid surface touches the hydrometer
scale.
Procedure:
1. Prepare the Sample:
- Pour the petroleum product carefully into a clean, dry cylinder. Fill it enough so the
hydrometer can float freely without touching the bottom or sides.
2. Temperature Stabilization:
- Allow the sample to reach the desired measuring temperature.
- Stir gently to ensure uniform temperature.
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3. Insert the Hydrometer:
- Gently lower the hydrometer into the liquid, avoiding splashes or bubbles.
- Make sure the hydrometer floats freely, not touching the walls or bottom.
4. Take the Reading:
- Look at the liquid level at eye level.
- Record the hydrometer reading at the bottom of the meniscus (for opaque liquids like
petroleum).
5. Measure the Temperature:
- Measure the sample's temperature immediately after the reading using a
thermometer.
6. Apply Temperature Correction (if necessary):
- If the reading temperature differs from the hydrometer’s calibration temperature,
apply a correction using standard density correction tables.
Observations and Calculations:
| S. No. | Hydrometer Reading | Temperature (°C) | Corrected Density (g/cm³ or kg/m³) |
|-------|---------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------|
|1 | | | |
|2 | | | |
- Corrected Density: Use standard correction charts to adjust readings if not at calibration
temperature.
Results:
The observed density of the petroleum product at ___°C = ___ g/cm³ (or kg/m³).
Corrected density at 15°C (or 20°C) = ___ g/cm³ (or kg/m³).
Precautions:
- Ensure the hydrometer and cylinder are clean and dry.
- Avoid bubbles in the sample — they can affect hydrometer readings.
- Always read at eye level.
- Stir gently before measuring to ensure uniform temperature.
- Handle petroleum products safely, preferably in a ventilated area.
Discussion Points:
- Importance of temperature in density measurements.
- Sources of errors: meniscus reading errors, temperature instability, hydrometer not
floating freely.
- How different petroleum products vary in density.
Viva Questions:
1. What is a hydrometer and how does it work?
2. Why is it necessary to apply temperature corrections?
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3. How does density vary with temperature?
4. What precautions must be taken when using a hydrometer?
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