Water Density: Calculating the Weight per Gallon

When working with liquids, understanding their density and specific gravity is crucial to accurately calculate their weight per gallon. In this article, we will explore how to calculate the equivalent weight of a liquid, specifically liquid alum, and its relationship to water.

The specific gravity of a liquid is defined as the ratio of its density to that of water. This value indicates how dense a substance is compared to water. For example, if the specific gravity of a liquid is 1.336, it means that the liquid is 33.6% denser than water.

To calculate the equivalent weight of a liquid, we need to know its specific gravity and the equivalent weight of water. The equivalent weight of water is 8.34 pounds per gallon (lb/gal). For liquid alum, with a specific gravity of 1.336, the equivalent weight can be calculated as:

Equivalent Weight = Specific Gravity x Equivalent Weight of Water

= 1.336 x 8.34 lb/gal

= 11.14 lb/gal

This means that one gallon of liquid alum weighs approximately 11.14 pounds.

In practice, understanding the specific gravity and equivalent weight of a liquid is essential in various industrial applications, such as water treatment. For instance, when adding liquid alum to water for flocculation purposes, it's crucial to know its density to ensure proper mixing and settling.

The specific gravity of a liquid also plays a significant role in sedimentation processes. Suspended solids with a specific gravity similar to that of water may remain in suspension, while denser particles can settle to the bottom.

In conclusion, calculating the weight per gallon of a liquid requires knowledge of its specific gravity and equivalent weight of water. By applying this formula, we can accurately determine the density of liquids like liquid alum, which is essential in various industrial applications.

Test Your Knowledge

For additional practice problems on calculating specific gravity and equivalent weight of a liquid, refer to our previous post: 'Calculating Specific Gravity and the Equivalent Weight of a Liquid'.

Water density lbgal