Stalganometer

Quick Answer: The Stalagmometer determines the surface tension of a liquid by the drop-weight (stalagmometric) method – counting how many drops form from a fixed liquid volume, or weighing those drops. It measures a completely different physical property from LabEquip’s hydrometers (density) and Ostwald Viscometer (viscosity).

Product Description

A stalagmometer is a specialised glass pipette with a defined tip geometry and a bulb of known volume. As liquid is allowed to drip slowly from the tip, each drop forms and detaches only once its weight overcomes the liquid’s surface tension holding it to the tip. By counting the number of drops formed from a fixed volume of liquid (or by weighing a set number of drops) and comparing this to a reference liquid of known surface tension, the surface tension of the test liquid can be calculated.

What Makes This Instrument Distinct

This is a drop-counting surface-tension instrument, not a hydrometer or a viscometer – a third distinct family of measuring instruments in LabEquip’s range. Where hydrometers use buoyancy to read density and the Ostwald Viscometer times a gravity-driven flow to characterise viscosity, the stalagmometer relies on the balance between drop weight and surface tension at the point of detachment. It is used in surfactant analysis, pharmaceutical formulation, and any application where researchers need to characterise how a liquid’s surface behaves rather than its bulk density or flow resistance.

Specifications

Care & Maintenance

• Clean thoroughly with an appropriate solvent and dry completely; any trace contamination on the tip changes drop formation and distorts readings.
• Handle the fine drip tip with care – even minor chips or scratches change the effective drop geometry and affect repeatability.
• Allow the sample to reach a stable, controlled temperature before testing, since surface tension is temperature-dependent.
• Store upright and protected from dust between uses to keep the tip and bulb free of contamination.

Why Choose LabEquip

LabEquip supplies instruments across several distinct measurement principles – density (hydrometers), viscosity (Ostwald Viscometer), and surface tension (stalagmometer) – so labs can source their full range of liquid-property testing equipment from one trusted supplier. Explore related instruments:

• Viscometer, Ostwald
• Hydrometer, Specific Gravity, Industry
• Measuring Instruments Category

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a stalagmometer measure?
It measures the surface tension of a liquid using the drop-weight method – counting or weighing drops formed from a fixed liquid volume and comparing to a reference liquid.

How is this different from a hydrometer or viscometer?
A hydrometer reads density by buoyancy and a viscometer times flow to measure viscosity, while a stalagmometer measures surface tension via drop formation – each characterises a different liquid property.

Why does temperature matter for surface tension testing?
Surface tension changes with temperature, so samples should be brought to a stable, controlled temperature before testing for a repeatable result.

What bulb volume or tip specification does this stalagmometer have?
Exact bulb volume and tip specification vary by grade; please confirm your requirement with our sales team.

What applications use a stalagmometer?
Common applications include surfactant analysis, pharmaceutical formulation testing, and general liquid surface characterisation; confirm your specific application with our sales team.

How should I clean this stalagmometer between tests?
Clean thoroughly with an appropriate solvent and dry completely, since any trace contamination on the tip changes drop formation and distorts readings.

Last Updated: September 2026