Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Mate 104 Experiment Guide ‘Comparison of Viscosity Measurements Using the Falling Ball Method and the Viscometer THEORY Viscosity reters to a fluid's property to oppose flowing. Theoretically, all matter tends to flow, albeit at different rates. Among the three types of matter, the viscous behavior of liquids is far more observable than that ofthe two other phases, Viscosity is dependent on the intermolecular forces that exist between molecules; hawaver, complete studies in this relationship have not been established, What can definitely be stated is that the stronger the intermolecular forces, the higher the value of viscosity, In liquids, molecules tend to form laminar layers that result in blankets of shields that oppose {he entry of objects in the quid. If spherical object is allowed to fall at a suffcienty low velocty (v) into a liquid, laminar ‘low occurs. For the case of an incompressible unbounded Newtonian fluid with viscosity coefficient (n), the retarding force (F) exerted on the body of radius (R) at low velocities is given by Stoke's equation: F=6nRnv Eg. 31 The faling object comes to a point at which the opposing forces (gravity and retarding force) acting on itil balance, With allowance for buoyancy, the equation for this force balance maybe expressed by. 419 TRY(o-po)g = BRN Eg. 3-2 where: p = Density of the falling ball 5= Density of the fluid = Gravitational Constant Measuring the time it takes for an object to fall completely to the bottom of a container when topped from a known height may derive the velocity. When all these values are determined the value for viscosity may be easily determined. More advanced techniques utlized other parameters such as resonalor damping, electromagnetic interaction, and bubble rise, among others, to determine the viscosity of a liquid. Of particular interest in this experiment is the rotational viscometer, which determines the viscosity of a liquid by its resistance against the torque exerted by a rotating cylinder. These viscometers are mostly automated and readily display viscosity values. This experiment determines the viscosity of partially-hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) under varying concentrations. Furthermore, the effect of temperature on viscosity measurements will also be explored. MATERIALS & REAGENTS PHPA, Graduated Cylinder ‘Thermometer Vernier Caliper Ruler Pellet Pycnometer Stirring rod Methanol/ Ethanol Analytical balance Beaker Volumetric flask Watch glass Hot plate Viscometer PROCEDURE Material Preparation 1. Prepare 250mL each of the following concentrations of PHPA: 0.50%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5% wiv, 2. Weigh PHPA powder and carefully str into the cistiled water. Stir the solution until the powder is dispersed thoroughly. Store half of the solution for further characterization, Falling Ball Method 4. Weigh the pellets and approximate the volume of the pellet using a Vernier caliper. Calculate the density of the pellets. 2. Place 100mL of each solution in a graduated cyiinder-cnd record the 3. Drop the pellet into each solution and record the time it takes the bs cylinder. (Perform 3 trials) 4. Heat solulions to 60°C using a waterbath and repeat step 3. al height using 2 euler to'Touch the bottom of the Viscometer 4. Tum the viscometer on then remove the spindle cover. 2. Ensure that the equipment is oriented horizontally using the bubble on top. Click any elon to autozero.Da’ Replace the spindle (take note of the spindle number) and pour in the sample until it reaches the proper level In the command option, set speed to 10 rpm, Ensure that the spindle in the viscometer is set ‘according to the number on the spindle If the error on the screen is above 0.2%, adjust the leftright screw to achieve an error of 0% + 0.1%. Ensure that there are no external vibrations (e.g. caused by tapping the table, opening! closing the door, etc.) before turning the motor on. Click StarStop. Check torque value, it should be between 10-10%. If the value is below 10%, adjust speed or use a smaller spindle Wait for the value to stabilize before recording, If fluctuating at a certain range, take note of the renge and report the average. Perform 3 readings, Click StartiStop, remove sample, remove and clean spindle, Repeat steps 3-8 for the next solution, Attach spindle cover and turn off machine. TA TREATMENT. In what applications can PHPA be used? Calculate the concentration. Measure the densities of each solution. One density measurement per group. Calculate the velocity of the falling ball in each solution, Plot a graph of velocity as a function of the density of the solution Use the interpolated value to caloulate the experimental value of the viscosity of pure water and compare this with the theoretical value, Convert all viscosity values to centipoise (cP) unit. How does a rotational viscometer determine the viscosity of aliquid? In one graph, plot the room temperature viscosity values of PHPA obtained from the falling ball method and using the viscometer. Compare the values and account for their difference. Compare the viscosity values obtained at room temperature and the values obtained at elevated temperature, Explain the results.