A transparent recording Berthelot tensiometer

Abstract

A brief review of established methods shows that only with the Berthelot technique is it possible to see a finite volume of liquid in sustained mechanical tension. A short discussion of the practice and theory reveals two uncertainties with the conventional technique: that of the determination of a true filling temperature, and the influence of compliance by the glass on the tension developed. A description is then given of a modified apparatus with which these difficulties do not arise. The tube is formed into a coil which deflects sufficiently to indicate internal pressure or tension, and by monitoring these deflections with a distance meter a record of pressure/tension against temperature can be made. The course of a typical run is shown from which the excess pressure, filling temperature and limiting tension may all be estimated with much greater precision than before. The orders of magnitude of the results obtained are indicated, and a possible influence of non-uniform gaseous supersaturation is suggested.