The MSDS HyperGlossary: Baume scale

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/baumescale.html

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Baum scale

Denition
The Baum scale is actually two independent and mutually exclusive (non-overlapping) hydrometer scales that cover a) liquids with a specic gravity greater than 1.0 and b) liquids with a specic gravity less than 1.0. Note: The Baum scale is NOT a temperature scale.

Additional Info
Named for its inventor, Antoine Baum (1728-1804), the Baum scale is actually two scales, one for liquids that are more dense (heavier) than water and one for liquids that are less dense (lighter) than water. The hydrometers are calibrated using the following rules: For liquids heavier than water: 0 B = distance the hydrometer sinks in pure water 15 B = distance the hydrometer sinks in a solution that is 15% sodium chloride (salt, NaCl) by mass. To convert from B to specic gravity at 60 degrees Fahrenheit: For liquids lighter than water: 0 B = distance the hydrometer sinks in a solution that is 10% sodium chloride (salt, NaCl) by mass 10 B = distance the hydrometer sinks in pure water. To convert from B to specic gravity at 60 degrees Fahrenheit:

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The MSDS HyperGlossary: Baume scale

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/baumescale.html

specic gravity = 145/(145 - B)

specic gravity = 140/(130 + B)

Remember: you MUST specify whether you are using the heavy or light scale when stating a Baum value. The two scales can not be interconverted - they DO NOT overlap. For example, 25 B (heavy) and 25 B (light) are NOT the same!!

Convert Baum to specic gravity at 60 F: For liquids Heavier Lighter than water
(Enter number on the left side; answer appears on the right side)

This many: 1
Degrees B

Equals 1.0069 specic gravity

The Baum scale does not directly measure the concentration of a solution. For example, to determine the concentration of nitric acid from a hydrometer reading, you would need to determine the specic gravity and then utilize a table of known specic gravity values for nitric acid at known concentrations. The Baum scale has traditional usage in industries where hydrometer readings have long been used to indirectly determine the concentration of a solution. Examples include brewing, wine-making, honey production, and acid production. However, hydrometers and pycnometers can also read specic gravity directly, so use that instead of Baum. It is a LOT less confusing to have only one scale (specic gravity) rather than two similar, confusing and non-overlapping scales (Baum)!

MSDS Relevance
You may nd this term used on MSDSs for concentrated acids or sugar-containing liquids used by the brewing industry. We consider the Baum scale to be archaic (old, outdated) and confusing (because it is really two different scales that do not overlap). We discourage its use anywhere, particularly on MSDSs! By OSHA regulation, the specic gravity is required information on an MSDS.

These D.O.T.-required labels, signs and placards are available at Safety Emporium.

Further Reading
What is a degree Baum? at Fred Seneses (excellent)

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The MSDS HyperGlossary: Baume scale

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/baumescale.html

General Chemistry Online web site. See also: mass units, volume units. Additional denitions from Google and OneLook.

Entry last updated: Monday, April 26, 2010. This page is copyright 2000-2011 by ILPI. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited. Send suggestions, comments, and new entry desires (include the URL if applicable) to us by email. Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the readers own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.

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