CALCULATING VISCOSITY INDEX FROM KINEMATIC VISCOSITY AT 40C and 100C

Experiment 8

Group # 9 Tamse, Jan Marvin M.

1. Introduction
1.1 This experiment aims at determining the viscosity index using the kinetic
viscosity at 40 C and 100 C.
2. Theoretical Background
2.1 Viscosity Index is basically an empirical, unitless number. Basically, the viscosity
index system was made by comparing the viscosity characteristics of a given oil
to that of the standard oils [8.2]. Viscosity index is described in the equation as:

V.I. = [(L-U)/(L-H)] x 100

where L = the viscosity at 100F of the zero V.I. oil

H = viscosity at 100F of the 100 V.I. oil

U = the viscosity at 100F of the unkown oil

2.2 In an automobile, the crankcase oil must not be thick at low starting temperatures
as this causes unnecessary drag resulting to a difficult cranking. Furthermore, the
oil must flow freely during warm-up period to be able to lubricate.[8.2]

3. Material/Equipment Used
3.1 Table of Data Pairs for Quadratic Interpolation

4. Methodology
4.1 The data obtained from the previous experiment such as the kinematic viscosity at
40C and 100C were noted.
4.2 Table of Data Pairs for Quadratic Interpolation was used since the kinematic
viscosity at 100C is less than 70 cst.
4.3 The L and H values were then determined by interpolation and using the
kinematic viscosity at 100C
4.4 After obtaining the L and H values, the viscosity index was then calculated using
the given equation
4.5 The VI was then recorded.
5. Data and Discussion
5.1 Sample: SAE 10

Temperature (C) Kinematic Viscosity (cst)

40 45
100 25

5.2 Calculations:
From Table of Data Pairs for Quadratic Interpolation

Kinematic Viscosity (cst) L H

24.0 683.9 301.8
25.0 738.95 321.5
28.0 904.1 380.6

By interpolation, at 25 cst, L = 738.95 and H = 321.5

Given that the Kinematic Viscosity at 40 C is 45,
VI = (L-U)/(L-H) x 100 = [(738.95-45)/(738.95-321.5)] x 100 = 166.235

6. Conclusion
6.1 As shown in the data and discussions, the calculated viscosity index is close to
167. The higher the viscosity index of a given oil, the less its viscosity changes
[8.2]
with a change in temperature . Lubricating oils are subjected to different
temperature changes in service. The viscosity might drop and cause thinning thus
becoming useless as there will be a direct contact already. So, in many
applications, it is required to use an oil having higher viscosity index[8.2].
7. Recommendation
7.1 It is recommended to use other methods in obtaining the viscosity index by using
charts, nomgraphs or illustrations.
7.2 Different charts, nomographs or illustrations are provided by different ASTM
books.
8. Bibliography
8.1 Salvatore, J. Rand. Significance of Tests for Petroleum Products. ASTM Stock
No: MNL1-7th.
8.2 Bloch, Heinz. Practical Lubrication For Industrial Facilities. 2nd ed. Lilburn:
The Fairmont Press, Inc, 2009.
8.3 Schimdt, Paul Frank. Fuel Oil Manual. 4th ed. New York: Industrial Press Inc.,
1985. Print.