Thermal Characterization of an Ultrasonic Density-Measurement Cell

An ultrasonic density-measurement cell is experimentally characterized as a function of temperature. The measurement of propagation velocity and density of several liquids is performed in the 15 $^{\circ}\hbox{C}$–40 $^{\circ}\hbox{C}$ temperature range. Results are compared to the tabulated values in the case of distilled water, showing an accuracy of 0.07% for the propagation velocity. The cell was tested with distilled water, alcohol, and homogenized milk, and density values are compared to those obtained with a pycnometer, showing 0.2% accuracy in density measurement for stabilized temperature and 0.4% accuracy under thermal gradient conditions.