A lactometer is an instrument used to measure the quality and creaminess of milk. It works as a hydrometer, with a scale attached that will sink lower or rise higher in milk depending on the milk's density. A higher or lower reading on the scale indicates if the milk is more or less diluted with water. Another form of lactometer uses a graduated glass tube, where the height that cream rises gives a measurement of the number of cream parts in 100 parts of milk. Farmers can use lactometers to compare milk quality from different cows.

1. Lactometer
Lactometer is an instrument for testing the quality of milk. One form of lactometer is a hydrometer to which is
attached a scale about five inches long, the zero of which marks the point to which it just sinks in water. Another
point on the scale corresponds to an average quality milk, and according as this mark sinks below or rises above
the level of the milk, the milk is said to be more or less diluted with water. The instrument is not scientifically
accurate, as the addition of either cream or water would cause the instrument to sink. Another form is a simple
glass tube graduated in 100 parts. New milk is poured in and left to stand. The cream rises, and its height gives the
number of parts of cream in 100 parts of milk. Sets of these tubes are used by farmers for comparing the quality of
the milk given by different cows.
A hydrometer is an instrument used to measure the specific gravity (or relative density) of liquids; that is,
the ratio of the density of the liquid to the density of water.
A hydrometer is usually made of glass and consists of a cylindrical stem and a bulb weighted
with mercury or lead shot to make it float upright. The liquid to be tested is poured into a tall container,
often a graduated cylinder, and the hydrometer is gently lowered into the liquid until it floats freely. The
point at which the surface of the liquid touches the stem of the hydrometer is noted. Hydrometers usually
contain a scale inside the stem, so that the specific gravity can be read directly. A variety of scales exist,
and are used depending on the context.
Hydrometers may be calibrated for different uses, such as a lactometer for measuring the density
(creaminess) of milk, a saccharometer for measuring the density of sugar in a liquid, or an alcoholometer
for measuring higher levels of alcohol in spirits.
Contact Details
Indian Dairy Equipment Co.
Mr. Rajeev Thukral (Managing Partner)
No. 364, Azad Market
Delhi - 110006, India
Call Us:
09953353093
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+(91)-9313824222
+(91)-9313427222
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