A portable density meter, also known as a handheld density meter or portable densitometer, is a device used to measure the density and sometimes the viscosity of liquids. The viscosity and density of a liquid are related but distinct properties.
- Density: Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance. It is typically expressed in units such as grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per liter (kg/L). Portable density meters use various principles, such as oscillation, to measure the density of liquids quickly and accurately.
- Viscosity: Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. It is related to the internal friction within the fluid. Viscosity is typically measured in units such as centipoise (cP) or millipascal seconds (mPa·s). Portable density meters may not directly measure viscosity, but some models can estimate viscosity based on the density and temperature of the liquid.
Portable density meters are valuable tools in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, where accurate density measurements are important for quality control, process monitoring, and product development.