Rejoining a Separated Thermometer Column
A separated column is one in which portions of the mercury or alcohol become separated from the main column. Column separation is common in thermometers, particularly after transit or other situations producing excessive jarring. In alcohol thermometers, column separations may appear as small bubbles. They can be caused by a distillation tendency during warm weather; alcohol vapor condenses in the upper portion of the bore. Column separation may entrap the minimum thermometer index rod.
Separated columns can usually be reunited by one of the following methods: tapping, applying centrifugal force, and heating.
We explain the procedures here.
Labels: technical support, temperature
