Saccharometer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Saccharometer is a type of hydrometer that measures the amount of sugar in a solution. It is used primarily by winemakers and brewers, and it can also be used in making sorbets. [1].

This device is helpful in winemaking. The first brewers' saccharometer was constructed by John Richardson in 1784.

It consists of a large weighted glass bulb with a thin stem rising from the top with calibrated markings. The sugar level can be determined by reading the value where the surface of the liquid crosses the scale.

It works by the prinicple of bouyancy. A Solution with a higher sugar content is denser, causing the bulb to float higher. Less sugar results in a lower density and a lower floating bulb.