Porous Materials, Inc > Products > Pycnometers > Mercury Pycnometer
Mercury Pycnometer
Description
PMI's Mercury Pycnometer provides the user with a measurement of bulk density. The Mercury Pycnometer is easy-to-use, provides accurate results in less than 10 minutes, and accommodates a wide range of samples.
Principles of Operation
Mercury pycnometry is a volume displacement technique based on the fact that mercury at atmospheric pressure will not enter pores smaller than 15 microns in diameter. By determining the weight of the sample chamber with and without mercury, the density of mercury (known), and the weight of the sample, one can determine the difference in the volume of mercury in the sample chamber with and without the sample present. The difference in the volume of mercury is the volume of the sample. Since one knows the weight of the sample, and has determined the bulk volume, the bulk density can be deduced.
Applications
The primary use of the Mercury Pycnometer is quality control as it offers a quick and relatively accurate bulk density measurement. The Mercury Pycnometer serves industries ranging from batteries to nonwovens to pharmaceuticals. Specific examples include the bulk density of electrode powders and green ceramics.
Applicable industries are:
For more information about applications please see our other technical papers.
Features
- Length of test approximately 10 minutes
- Wide range of acceptable sample sizes and types
- Minimal maintenance required
Specifications
For more information see our Mercury Pycnometer Brochure and Characterization of Pore Structure Brochure.


