Grain density can be measured through a method involving filling a known volume with an excess of grains, removing the excess, and then weighing the removed grains. This process allows for the calculation of density based on the mass of the removed grains and the known volume of the test cell.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Fill a test cell: Select a test cell (container) with a precisely known volume.
- Overfill with grains: Completely fill the test cell with an excess of the grain you want to measure.
- Remove excess grains: Carefully remove any excess grains from the top of the test cell, ensuring it's level and only contains the grains within its defined volume. A straight edge (like a ruler or scraper) can be used.
- Collect removed grains: Gather all the removed excess grains into a container.
- Weigh the container: This container should have a known weight when empty. Weigh the container with the removed grains.
- Calculate the mass of the removed grains: Subtract the empty container's weight from the weight of the container with the removed grains. This provides the mass of the removed grains.
- Calculate the density: Divide the mass of the removed grains (calculated in step 6) by the known volume of the test cell. This will give you the grain density.
Formula:
Density = (Mass of removed grains) / (Volume of the test cell)
Example:
Let's say:
- Volume of the test cell = 100 cubic centimeters (cc)
- Weight of the empty container = 10 grams (g)
- Weight of the container with removed grains = 90 grams (g)
- Mass of removed grains = 90 g - 10 g = 80 g
- Density = 80 g / 100 cc = 0.8 g/cc
Therefore, the grain density in this example is 0.8 grams per cubic centimeter.
