Experiment 03: Measurement of absolute viscosity of fluid by a Saybolt viscometer.

Introduction:

Saybolt viscometer is a device used to measure the viscosity of a fluid. The saybolt viscometer a
control the heat of the fluid and the viscosity is the time is takes the fluid to fill a 60cc container.

The device used for measurement of viscosity is known as viscometer.

1. The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation by shear stress or
tensile stress.

2. The units of viscosity is poise and centipoise.

3. Specific viscosity is the ratio of the viscosity of fluid to the viscosity of water at 20 degree
Celsius. Since the water has a viscosity of 1 cp at 20 degree Celsius.

4. Kinematic viscosity is defined as ratio of dynamic viscosity to the density of the fluid.

Efflux cup viscometers are most commonly used for fieldwork to measure the viscosity of oils,
syrups, varnish, paints and Bitumen emulsions. The testing procedure is quite similar to the
capillary-tube viscometers where efflux time of a specified volume of fluid is measured through
fixed orifice at the bottom of a cup to represent the viscosity of the fluid. Since the viscosity of
Newtonian liquid are independent of dimensions of viscometer used, it is possible to convert the
efflux times to kinematic viscosities by conversion charts or by formulas suggested by the
equipment manufacturers.

To obtain high accuracy the liquid holding vessel and orifice are temperature controlled by
immersing them in a thermostatically controlled bath. The saybolt viscometer, one of the efflux
cup viscometers is the standard instrument for testing petroleum products. There are three types
of orifices available-Universal, Furol, Asphalt.

The furol and asphalt orifices, respectively, have an efflux time of approximately, one-tenth and
one-hundredth that of the universal orifice. The cup orifice combination should be selected to
provide an efflux time within the range of 20 to 100 seconds. Of these types, the universal orifice
(saybolt universal viscometer) is most commonly used and its efflux time is designated as
saybolt universal seconds (SUS).The universal viscometer measures the time required for 60 cc
of sample fluid to flow out through an orifice having dimensions of 0.176 cm in diameter and
1.225 cm in length. Saybolt universal seconds (t) can be converted to kinematic viscosity (v) by
the following equations:

When t < 100 secs, v = 0.226t – 195/t Centistokes

When t >100 secs, v = 0.220t – 135/t Centistokes

The viscosity determinations should be conducted in a room free from drafts and rapid changes
in temperature the highest degree of accuracy.

Objectives:

1. To determine the absolute viscosity of fluid at different temperature using a saybolt

viscometer.

2. To plot absolute viscosity vs. temperature curve.

Apparatus required:

I. Saybolt viscometer
II. Stop watch
III. Thermometer
IV. Beaker
V. Funnel

Theoretical background:

Viscosity which is termed as a property of a fluid by virtue which it offers resistance to the
movement of one layer of fluid over an adjacent layer. The main reason behind of this
characteristic is the cohesion force and molecular momentum exchange between fluid layers and
as flow occurs, this effect appears as shearing stresses between the layers of fluid. Kinematic
viscosity is defined as ratio of dynamic viscosity to the density of the fluid and it is denoted by
‘v’. Saybolt viscometer is a device used to measure the viscosity of a fluid. The Saybolt
viscometer controls the heat of the fluid and the viscosity is the time takes the fluid to fill a 60cc
container. The approximate relationship between kinematic viscosity and time t for a Saybolt
universal viscometer is expressed by,
 1.8
v=0.0022t - , v is in stokes and t is in seconds.
t

For t= 32 to 100

195
v= 0.226t – , v is the centri stokes and t is in second.
t

For t= greater than 100

135
v= 0.220t - , v is in centri strokes and t is in second.
t

Absolute Viscosity is termed as the force needed by a fluid to overcome its own internal
molecular friction so that it can flow. It is denoted by μ. μ= ρv. Where, v= kinematic viscosity of
fluid, ρ= density of fluid.

Methodology:

i. The tap of the outlet passage of water container was checked, whether it was opened or
closed. If the tap is opened then it must be closed before water is filled in the container.
ii. The water container was filled with water.
iii. The fluid was poured in the vertical cylinder whose viscosity is to be measured. The
amount of fluid was taken in the vertical cylinder is approximately 100 ml.
iv. The power supply was given to the thermostat switch and the heater.
v. A volumetric was placed below the capillary tube to receive the fluid discharged from
the cylinder.
\
fter connecting the thermostat switch to the power supply, the thermostat switch was
fixed at the required temperature.
vi. Then the heater was working. The heater was fitted at one corner of the container.
vii. When the temperature reached the required temperature, the thermostat switch was
automatically disconnecting the supply. Then time was given to attain the desired
temperature at the fluid.
viii. hen the stop valve was opened also the stopwatch should be started to record the time in
econds for the flow of 60 ml of fluid through the capillary tube.
ix. ter the experiment was completed the supply current was disconnected and the water was
emoved from the container.
x. 5 readings were taken for this experiment.