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Purchasing Level Probes & Floats: Float Buoyancy and Specific Gravity

A line up of floatsSpecific gravity is an important factor when purchasing a level probe. A float will rest higher or lower in a liquid depending on the liquids density or specific gravity.

Water is the reference liquid for density, with a specific gravity of 1. Less dense liquids will have a smaller specific gravity, such as propane at 0.5. Higher density materials have a higher specific gravity. For example, Mercury at room temperature has a specific gravity of 13.63.

Simply put, specific gravity for liquids works a little like this: less than water is less dense, greater than water is more dense.

At APG, we design our floats to show level where the center of the float rests. If the float is too high or too low in the liquid, this will introduce inaccuracy into the application.

We customize our level floats to match the specific gravity of your liquid, to optimize accuracy. However, not everyone tells us the specific gravity of their liquid. Make sure you let us know what it is, so we can manufacture your float accordingly.

Temperature and pressure can affect specific gravity. Liquids can be compressed by applying pressure, however, temperature is the main variable of concern. Different chemicals react to temperature change at different rates. Keep this in mind when discussing specifications with your manufacturer.

Not all manufacturers will care about your specific gravity, so let us know if you get the cold shoulder. We've got your back.

Let us know if you have any questions about specific gravity, or if you need to know the specific gravity of your liquid.


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Logan, Utah