Alcoholometer is a special measuring device designed to determine the density of solutions. In fact, this is one of the varieties of a widespread laboratory device - a hydrometer. In fact, this device does not show the percentage of alcohol in the aqueous solution, but rather the density of the latter. Even if the alcohol meter is lowered into some kind of solvent, it will still show some specific value. Despite the fact that alcohol is not contained in the test fluid. We will talk about where to buy an alcohol meter, how to use it, and also about which brands of such devices deserve the best reviews, and we will talk further in the article.
A bit of history
The alcohol meter was invented by the German Siemens in our country at the beginning of the 20th century by order of the tax department. With its help, fiscal authorities determined the amount of excise tax on alcohol products sold by companies.
Today the question of where to buy an alcohol meter in St. Petersburg, Moscow, or any other - large (or not too) - city, cannot be called particularly difficult. To purchase a device of this type of labor will not be.
How to use the device
We will talk about where to buy an alcohol meter just below. Now let's figure out how to use this device. Using an alcohol meter to determine the percentage of alcohol in a solution is very simple. For this, its mercury part is placed in the test liquid so that it does not touch the walls and the bottom of the vessel. Indications for most household alcohol meters are taken from the lower edge of the meniscus (in the green arrow).
In order to determine the percentage of alcohol in the solution, as accurately as possible, it is worth taking a few measurements, and then calculate the arithmetic average. Actually, the study itself is most conveniently performed by pouring liquid into a glass or some other glassware of not too large volume.
When carrying out measurements, among other things, it is worth remembering that they can be considered accurate only when the test solution contains exclusively alcohol and water proper. The presence of any impurities affects the readings of the device very strongly. That is why alcohol meters are never used to determine the strength of wine. In this case, other devices are used.
Electronic alcohol meters
Devices of a similar design have recently become very often used, including in everyday life. Their main advantages are speed and high accuracy of measurements. Indications in this case are displayed on a special board. Sometimes such devices can also be used to determine the amount of alcohol in vapors.
Using this kind of hydrometer is even easier than mercury. Each such device has a special probe, which you just need to lower into the test medium. The percentage of alcohol will also be displayed on the screen in this case.
Where to buy an alcohol meter inexpensively
Buy this device if necessary in our time, no difficulty. Most often, lovers of home-made strong drinks buy it in pharmacies. Also, such appliances are often sold in those hardware stores that have departments selling moonshine.
Online stores
Residents of small towns and villages are often also interested in where to buy an alcohol meter. In a pharmacy in a small village, such a device may not be available. In this case, the Internet will be a good way out. The network user should just find some online pharmacy. You can also order this type of appliance on a site that sells products designed for winemaking, home brewing or home-brewing. Very often, such outlets offer their customers and delivery of devices on favorable terms.
Reviews of alcohol meters
Thus, you now know where you can buy an alcohol meter - in a pharmacy or specialty store. There are many brands of devices of this type on sale today. At the same time, the best Thermal ASP devices deserved the best consumer reviews. Among their advantages, among other things, include high accuracy of measurements, as well as ease of use, build quality and safety of use. Consumers consider only a not too attractive design as some drawback of devices of this brand.
Of electronic models, homemade spirits lovers usually prefer ETS brand appliances. Where to buy a household alcohol meter of this brand is a simple question. Most often, such devices are ordered through the Internet. They earned good reviews for their versatility and ease of use. In addition, such alcohol meters are appreciated by consumers for the possibility of using them in real time, that is, directly during the distillation of a strong drink. The disadvantage of this brand of alcohol meters is considered only their rather high cost. You will have to pay about 2-2.5 thousand rubles for such a device.
Device and principle of operation
Thus, we have found out which brands of such devices are most popular in our time and where to buy an alcohol meter (in Moscow - in a pharmacy, in a small town - easier via the Internet). Finally, let's figure out what, in fact, is this device and what is the principle of its operation. In most cases, an alcohol meter is a narrow glass tube with a lower part filled with mercury. On top of it is a clearly visible scale. In some cases, the latter may display the ratio of the mass of the solution and its volume. But most often in modern alcohol meters, the percentage of the ratio of alcohol to water is represented on the scale. This eliminates the need for users to search for the necessary information in special tables.
The principle of operation of this device is extremely simple. The density of the solution is directly proportional to its concentration. That is, the higher this indicator, the more alcohol is contained in the test fluid.
When using an alcohol meter, it should be borne in mind that the density of solutions to a large extent depends on their temperature. Therefore, the readings of the instruments are correct only at a test fluid t of 20 degrees C.
In general, modern alcohol meters are very convenient devices that allow, with a high degree of accuracy, to determine the composition of the expelled moonshine. Finding a point of sale selling devices of this kind will not be difficult. That is, the problem regarding where to buy an alcohol meter is nowadays solved very simply. It can be either a pharmacy located next to the house, or a specialized online store site.