Selecting the spindle number and rotational speed for Brookfield

Viscometer

Viscometer Model: DV2TRVTJ0

Query: Out of the several spindle numbers (Eg. 31, 27) and rotational speeds (Eg. 10
to 100 rpm), which combinations are best suited for Bitumen testing of viscosity
range 1500 to 4000 cP?

Answer:
Test specifications
Test standard : ASTM D 4402 - 02
Spindle number : SC4 – 27 (27)
Test temperature : 1350C
Result : Apparent viscosity in Pa.s or cP
(Viscosity in Pa.s = Viscosity in cP/1000)

Selection of spindle/speed
 The process of selecting spindle and speed is normally trial and error.
 To measure high viscosity, choose smaller spindle and slower speed.
 Apparatus measuring geometry should result in developing a resisting torque
between 10 to 98% of the instrument capacity at the select speed. Generally,
measurements will be more accurate at higher torque readings.
 If the torque reading is below 10% of the instrument capacity, increase the speed
of rotation of the apparatus geometry or use larger diameter geometry.
 If the torque readings are above 98% of the instrument capacity, decrease the
speed of rotation or use smaller diameter geometry.
 When viscosity data must be compared, us the same instrument, spindle, speed,
container, temperature and test time.

Viscosity ranges
 As shown in Appendix B, Manual no. M13-167-B0614, SC4 – 27 spindle is
suitable for viscosity range 125 – 2,500,000 cP and can be used for the bitumen
samples tested in the lab.

Spindle factors
 Appendix A shows the spindle factors for various RV viscometer spindle
numbers and rotational speeds.
 Acceptable viscosity range – Minimum = Factor x 10, Maximum = Factor x 20
 Recommended rotational speeds for spindle 27 is 10 – 50 rpm. Up to 100 rpm
can be selected for viscosity range more than 2.5 Pa.s.

Experiment on PG 76 sample with spindle 27 and various rotational speeds:

Test was conducted to estimate the rotational speed for improved accuracy of the
viscosity test results. The spindle used was SC4-27 and the test temperature was
1350C. Viscosity of PG 76 bitumen sample was tested using Brookfield viscometer
adhering to ASTM D4402 standards. Using spindle no 27, the performance for
viscometer speeds 10, 20, 50 and 80 rpm were evaluated and the results are presented
in Table1.

Table 1. Viscosity values for various rotational speeds

Viscometer Average Torque scale Acceptance Accuracy
speed (rpm) viscosity (Pa.s) (%) (Yes/No) (Pa.s)
10 1.73 7.0 No 0.3
20 1.61 12.9 Yes 0.1
50 1.54 30.7 Yes 0.05
80 1.52 48.6 Yes 0.05

AASHTO T 316 – 06 suggests that viscosity speed of 20 rpm is to be selected for the
test. When pumping asphalt, the start-up torque required to get the pump going
initially suggests that test at lower rotational speed makes sense.

Inference
 The viscosity reading shows improved accuracy based on torque scale for speeds
50 to 80 rpm
 Viscosity range for speeds between 50 and 100 rpm are not defined and speed of
100 rpm is not suitable for all bitumen ranges tested in the lab.
 Viscosity measurement at low rpm is suggested to imitate field application.

Conclusion
For uniformity in viscosity measurements the following specifications are followed
I. Viscometer Model : DV2TRVTJ0
II. Test standard : ASTM D 4402 - 02
III. Spindle number : SC4 – 27 (27)
IV. Test temperature : 1350C
V. Speed : 20 rpm

References:
[1] ASTM, D 4402. (2015). Standard test method for viscosity determination of
asphalt at elevated temperatures using a rotational viscometer. American Society for
Testing and Materials, U.S.A.
[2] Brookfield rotary viscometer model DV2T Viscometer, Operating
Instructions Manual No. M13-167-B0614.
[3] McGregor G.R., (2009). Viscosity: The basics. Chemical Engineering.
[4] AASHTO, A. T. (2006). 316-06 Viscosity Determination of Asphalt Binder Using
Rotational Viscometer. AASHTO Standard Specifications for Transportation
Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing.