--- type: "WebPage" title: "Measurement of density by capillary densitometry" description: "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..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/density-analysis-density-measurement-in-laboratory/measurement-density-capillary-densitometry/" tags: ["EN", "pll_6915b4e62152a", "Thomas GAUTIER"] timestamp: "2025-12-31T08:32:21Z" published: "2025-11-13T13:04:01Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # Measurement of density by capillary densitometry ## 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](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-powder-characterization/analysis-of-the-density-of-a-powder-in-the-laboratory/) 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: Pycnometric method 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**](https://www.edqm.eu/en/), 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. Method using the oscillation of a U-shaped tube (vibrating method) 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**](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/analyse-dma-laboratoire.md)and [**ISO 15212-1**](https://www.boutique.afnor.org/fr-fr/norme/nf-en-iso-152121/densimetres-a-oscillations-partie-1-instruments-de-laboratoire/fa048408/16016), standards, is particularly well-suited for measuring the density of free-flowing and low-viscosity liquids. Volume displacement method / Archimedes' principle 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](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-metals.md), [polymers](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory.md), [ceramics](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-ceramic-testing/), or other dense materials. Measurements are performed in accordance with [**ISO 1183-1**](https://www.boutique.afnor.org/fr-fr/norme/nf-en-iso-11831/plastiques-methodes-de-determination-de-la-masse-volumique-des-plastiques-n/fa107361/23566) and [**ASTM D792**](https://store.astm.org/d0792-20.html) standards. ### Our technical resources These three density measurements are performed using DMA. [Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/dma-analysis-laboratory.md) 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](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-analysis-thermal-thermogravimetric/), 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](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-raw-material-inspection.md) and finished products ([pharmaceutical](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/analysis-industry-pharmaceuticals.md), [cosmetic](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics.md), fine chemicals) **Batch comparison** or process change validation **[Process optimization](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/support-product-development/laboratory-audit-industrial-process.md)** (formulation, mixing, homogeneity) **Regulatory context** (pharmaceutical compliance, cosmetics, etc.) **[Formulation](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/problem-solving-related-research-and-development/problem-solving-related-to-the-formulation.md) and [stability](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics-stability.md) monitoring** (emulsions, suspensions, gels) [**Ageing studies**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/filab-accelerated-ageing-test-laboratory/) 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 What are the applicable standards for measuring hair density? 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) What types of samples can be analyzed? 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. Is it possible to develop a method specific to my product? 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.) Which industrial sectors use this type of analysis? 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)