You wish to characterize the density of your materials using capillary densitometry
Characterize the density of your materials accurately and reliably using capillary densitometry
Density is essential data for understanding a material’s behavior, validating a formulation, or ensuring the consistency of an industrial product.
At the FILAB laboratory, our experts perform density measurements using capillary densitometrics and other complementary metrological approaches, tailored to the nature of your samples.
Our metrological approaches for density measurement by capillary densitometry
Depending on the nature of your sample (liquid, paste, solid, powder, etc.), several techniques can be used:
The pycnometric method consists of measuring the mass of a precisely known sample volume using a calibrated glass pycnometer under controlled temperature.
This reference technique, described in section 2.2.5 of the EDQM, guarantees high accuracy for density determination.
It is particularly well-suited to viscous liquids, oils, pastes, and compact powders, for which a high-precision approach is required.
This approach involves measuring the vibration frequency of a U-shaped capillary tube filled with the sample.
The resonance frequency varies with the liquid's density, thus allowing for the precise determination of its specific gravity.
Automatic temperature correction ensures reliable results, even with small temperature variations.
This method, compliant with ASTM D4052 and ISO 15212-1, standards, is particularly well-suited for measuring the density of free-flowing and low-viscosity liquids.
This method is based on measuring the weight of the sample in air and then after immersion in a reference liquid.
The difference in mass allows the actual density to be determined according to Archimedes' principle.
It is particularly well-suited to the analysis of compact and non-porous solids such as metals, polymers, ceramics, or other dense materials.
Measurements are performed in accordance with ISO 1183-1 and ASTM D792 standards.
Our technical resources
These three density measurements are performed using DMA. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a laboratory analysis that measures the viscoelastic behavior of a material as a function of temperature, frequency, and applied stress. It allows for the identification and resolution of fatigue, deformation, and stability issues under dynamic stresses. Filab, an expert laboratory in thermal analysis, performs precise diagnostics and offers solutions tailored to your industrial challenges.
The FILAB laboratory assists you in measuring the density of your materials using capillary densitometric analysis
Industrial applications of density measurement by capillary densitometer
Quality control of raw materials and finished products (pharmaceutical, cosmetic, fine chemicals)
Batch comparison or process change validation
Process optimization (formulation, mixing, homogeneity)
Regulatory context (pharmaceutical compliance, cosmetics, etc.)
Formulation and stability monitoring (emulsions, suspensions, gels)
Ageing studies and purity testing of mixtures
Failure investigation (density deviations, stability problems, contamination)
Supplier selection or qualification (batch comparison or specification validation)
Why choose FILAB for density measurement by capillary densitometer?
Thanks to a state-of-the-art analytical resources and methods that comply with international standards, we guarantee accurate, traceable and interpretable results for your quality control, expertise or R&D needs.
FAQ
Depending on the method used, several standards may apply:
- EDQM 2.2.5 for the pycnometric method
- ASTM D4052 and ISO 15212-1 for the U-tube oscillation method
- ISO 1183-1 and ASTM D792 for the volume displacement method (Archimedes' principle)
The FILAB laboratory measures density on a wide variety of materials:
- Fluids (free-flowing or viscous), solvents, oils, and solutions
- Pastes and suspensions
- Compact, non-porous solids: metals, plastics, and ceramics
- Compact powders
Each method is chosen according to the nature of the matrix and the required precision.
Beyond standard analysis, FILAB offers R&D support to:
- Develop or validate a method adapted to your products
- Compare batches or suppliers
- Correlate density to other physicochemical parameters (viscosity, composition, purity, etc.)
Capillary densitometric density measurement is used in numerous fields:
- Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (formulation control, stability)
- Aerospace (technical fluids, oils)
- Chemicals and energy (additives, solvents, polymers)
- Luxury goods (product consistency, material quality)
