Butyrometer

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Butyrometer[edit | edit source]

A butyrometer used for measuring the fat content in milk

A butyrometer is a device used for measuring the fat content in milk. It is commonly used in dairy industries and laboratories to determine the quality and composition of milk. The butyrometer works on the principle of the Gerber method, which is a widely accepted method for fat analysis in milk.

History[edit | edit source]

The butyrometer was invented by Swiss chemist Henri Gerber in the late 19th century. Gerber developed the Gerber method, which revolutionized the dairy industry by providing a simple and accurate way to measure the fat content in milk. The butyrometer became an essential tool for milk testing and quality control.

Function[edit | edit source]

The butyrometer consists of a glass tube with a graduated scale and a narrow neck. The milk sample is mixed with a specific volume of sulfuric acid and amyl alcohol, which causes the fat to separate from the other components of the milk. The mixture is then centrifuged, and the fat content is determined by measuring the height of the fat layer in the graduated scale of the butyrometer.

Importance[edit | edit source]

The butyrometer is an important tool in the dairy industry as it allows for the accurate measurement of the fat content in milk. This information is crucial for various purposes, including milk processing, product labeling, and quality control. By knowing the fat content, dairy producers can adjust their processes to meet regulatory standards and ensure consistent product quality.

Categories[edit | edit source]

The butyrometer can be categorized under the following:

Templates[edit | edit source]

The following templates can be used in articles related to the butyrometer:






These templates provide standardized formatting and information related to the respective categories, making it easier for readers to navigate and understand the content.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

1. Smith, J. (2010). Dairy Science and Technology Handbook. John Wiley & Sons. 2. Gerber, H. (1892). The Butyrometer: A New Apparatus for Determining Rapidly and Accurately the Percentage of Fat in Milk. Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 6(2), 94-97.

External Links[edit | edit source]

  • Dairy.com - Official website of the dairy industry association.
  • LabTech - Supplier of laboratory equipment, including butyrometers.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD