EXPERIMENT NO.

Aim: Determination of relative and kinematic viscosities of given lubricating oil at

different temperatures using Redwood Viscometer No. 1 or No. 2.

Objective/purpose: To determine the viscosity of different lubricating oil which are

widely used in machinery at different temperature.

Apparatus: Redwood viscometer (1 / 2), thermometer, etc.

THEORY AND GENERAL DISCUSSION:

Viscosity is one of the most important properties of lubricating oil. Viscosity is a

measure of the internal resistance to the motion of a fluid and is mainly due to the
forces of cohesion between the fluid molecules. The formation of a fluid film of a
lubricant between the moving friction surface and the generation of the frictional
heat under the particular condition of load, bearing speed and lubricant supply is
mainly depends upon the viscosity of the lubricant and to some extent on its
oiliness. If the viscosity of the oil is too low, the fluid lubricant film cannot be
maintained between the moving surfaces as a result of which excessive wear may
take place. On the other hand, if the viscosity of the oil is too high, excessive friction
due to the shearing of oil it would result. Hence in hydrodynamic lubrication, the
lubricant should posses the proper viscosity. So, it is of vital importance to have
knowledge of the viscosity of the lubricating oil. Viscosity of the fluid may be
measured in several ways, one of which is determining time required for a definite
amount of the liquid to flow through a capillary. Such method includes the use of
Saybolt, Engler and Redwood Viscometers.

Viscosity may be expressed as dynamic (or absolute) viscosity, kinematic viscosity

or the viscosity called after the name of the apparatus used for its determination.

DYNAMIC OR ABSOLUTE VISCOSITY:

Dynamic or absolute viscosity (often denoted by ‘η’) is the tangential force per unit
area required to maintain unit velocity gradient between two parallel planes, in the
fluid unit distance apart. It can be also be defined as the ratio of shearing stress to
the rate of shearing strain.

If F is the force required to keep moving an particle of surface area A in contact with
the fluid, separated from stationary surface by a thickness D, and moving with
velocity V, then

Shearing stress = Force acting on the surface area A

i.e. F/A: --------------------------- (1)

Rate of shearing strain = V/D ---------------------------- (2)

Absolute Viscosity η = Shearing stress/ rate of shearing strain.

F/A FxD
------------ = ------------- -----------(3)
V/D VxA
The numerical value of ‘η’ depends upon the unit used in equation (3). In metric
system the unit is ‘poise’ (F = 1 dyne, A = 1 cm. And V = cm/sec.). A smaller unit,
the centipoises is more often used. Poise is equal in one dyne/second/cm 2
(Dimensions of absolute viscosity are ML–1T-1). Absolute is also referred to as
‘coefficient of viscosity’.

KINEMATIC VISCOSITY: -

The ratio of absolute viscosity to density for any fluid is known as absolute
kinematics viscosity. It is donated by  and in C.G.S. system, its units are stokes
and centistokes (1/100 th of stoke) respectively.

 =  /p

Where,

 = Absolute kinematic viscosity
  = absolute dynamic viscosity

 = density of fluid.

Dimension of  are L2 T-1

Since the rate, at which a fluid will flow through an apparatus increases as the
internal friction of the fluid decreases, the rate of flow through an orifice or short
tube may be used as a means for measuring viscosity. This is the principle involved
in the Redwood viscometer, which is an English standard whereas Saybolt’s
Viscometer is used in U.S.A. and Engler’s Viscometer in Europe. In these
commercial Viscometers a fixed volume of the liquid is allowed to flow (in case of
Redwood it is 50 ml. at 270C Engler- 200 ml. and Saybolt –60 ml.) through a
capillary tube of specified dimension under given set of conditions and the time of
flow is measured at a particular temperature. The result is usually expressed in
terms of the time in seconds taken by oil to flow through the standard orifice of the
particular standard apparatus used.

e.g.: Viscosity of oil is 250, Redwood ( no. 1 or 2) seconds at 270C. This Viscosity so
determined is sometimes called as Relative Viscosity.

Absolute and kinematic Viscosities can also be determined from the relative
Viscosity (i.e. Redwood values) from the equations:

 = Ct ------------------(5) (for Fluids Whose Kinematic Viscosity is more than

10 centistokes)
And

= Ct – β / t ----------------(6) (for fluids Whose Kinematics Viscosities less than

or Equal to 10 centistokes)

Where,

 = kinematic viscosity in centistokes

t = time of flow in seconds

 C = viscometer constant

 = coefficient of kinetic energy which may be determined

experimentally or eliminated by choosing long flow-times

Test Viscometer may be calibrated constant C determined by solutions of

known Viscosity. The primary standard used is freshly distilled water, whose
kinematics viscosity is 1.0008 centistokes. Other standards usually employed
are-

40% sucrose solution

 = 4.390 cs at 25 0C p = 1.1739

60% sucrose solution.

 = 33.66 cs. At 250C p = 1.28335

For Redwood viscometer No.1, the values for the constants are as below:

Time of flow, t β C

40 to 85 seconds 190 0.264

85 to 2000 seconds 65 0.247

For Redwood viscometer No.2, the values for the constants are β =1120, C=

2.720

Redwood viscometer No. 2 is used for very viscous liquids and gives 1/10th the value
of Redwood No.1 viscometer. Replace the ball value in position to seal the cap to
prevent overflow of the oil.
Diagram:

REDWOOD VISCOMETER OIL CUP

PROCEDURE:
1) Level the instrument by levelling screws ensuring that it is horizontal with the
help of spirit level.

2) Put the valve rod at its position (i.e. in the concavity at the bottom of the cup) to
close the passage of orifice.

3) Keep clean dry Kohlrausch’s flask centrally below the jet.

4) The test sample is poured into the oil cup and adjusts the level of oil, with that of
the pointer. Later indicates the level to which oil is to be filled.
5) Fill up the water bath with water and adjust the level of water with that of the
pointer in the oil cup.

6) Cover the oil cup with the lid and insert thermocouple / thermometer of desired
range into the oil cup from the thermometer bracket. Care should be taken that
it dose not touch the bottom of the cup.

7) Also insert the thermometer into the water bath from the shield.

8) Let the oil in the cup as well as water of the water bath attains the room
temperature. Once the temperature of oil and water bath become steady for a
period of 2-3 minutes record the temperatures separately. (Quite likely that there
may be a difference of 1-20C between the temperature of oil and the temperature
of water in the water bath.

9) Lift up the value rod and suspend it from the thermometer bracket and start the
stop watch simultaneously.

10)Receiving flask is so located that oil strikes the flared mouth and does not drop
directly into the opening, which would cause foaming.

11)When the level of the oil reaches 50 ml. mark in the neck of the flask, stop the
stop-watch.

12)At the same time close the passage of the orifice by keeping the valve rod at its
original position to prevent any overflow of oil.

13)The time elapsed in seconds is the relative viscosity of oil at room temperature.

14)Switch on the water bath adjust the knob of the regulator in such a way that the
temperature of the water bath is a few degree above temperature i.e. 850C

15)Again, pour oil into the cup and adjust oil level as described earlier.

16)Stir the contents of the bath and dup regularly.

17)When the temperature of sample has become quite steady at the desired value
i.e. at 850C lift the valve rod and suspend it from the thermometer bracket and
start the stopwatch simultaneously.

18) When the level of the oil touches the 50 ml. mark on the neck of the flask stop
the watch. The time elapsed in seconds in the relative viscosity of oil at 850C.

19)Now take out some hot water from the water bath and add equal amount of cold
water to bring the temperature of the bath slightly above that of test temperature
i.e. 750C.

20) Pour oil into the cup and adjust oil level as described earlier.

21) Stir the contents of the bath and cup regularly.

22)When the temperature of sample has become quite steady at the desired
temperature i.e. 750C find out the relative viscosity of test sample at this
temperature as described earlier.

23)Repeat the procedure to find out relative viscosities of oil at 650C, 550C, 450C,
respectively.

24)Record all the results in the tabular form.

25)Construct graph co-relation (a) Viscosity and temperature, (b) Log of viscosity
and temperature and (c) Kinematic viscosity and temperature (d) Log of
Kinematic viscosity and temperature, (e) Find rate of change of relative viscosity

w. r. t. Temperature of the given oil.

INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE OF VISCOSITY AND VISCOSITY INDEX:

 Our modern society would not be running smoothly without lubricants.

Proper lubrication is needed to keep car engines, wind turbines, and conveyor
belts up and running. Lubricants fulfill several purposes. First and foremost
they form a protective film between two moving parts to prevent them from
wear and tear, while at the same time allowing the parts to move without
requiring too much energy. Additionally, lubricants are also needed to
transmit forces and transfer heat. In order to fit the wide variety of
applications, lubricants are available in many different formulations.
 Viscosity affects heat generation in bearings, cylinders and gear sets related to
an oil's internal friction. It governs the sealing effect of oils and the rate of oil
consumption, as well as determines the ease with which machines may be
started or operated under varying temperature conditions, particularly in cold
climates.

 Another factor in the measurement of viscosity is the ability of an oil to resist

shearing or the "tearing away of one plane of lubricant from another" during
the hydrodynamic lubrication function. Kinematic viscosity, viscosity index
and shear stress/shear rate are all factors that should be taken into account
by a lubricant manufacturer when blending lubricating oils, but what does all
this mean to the end user? It means that the viscosity of an oil is the first and
most important consideration when selecting an oil for a specific application.

 Remember, for the most effective lubrication, the viscosity must conform to
the speed, load and temperature conditions of the lubricated parts.

 When it comes to characterising lubricants and assessing their quality, the

most important parameter is the viscosity index (VI).
 Viscosity index is a dimensionless number that represents how the viscosity
of a hydraulic fluid changes with temperature. (It also applies to fluids like
engine and automatic transmission oils, gear lubricants, and power-steering
fluids.) The greater the viscosity index (VI), the smaller the change in fluid
viscosity for a given change in temperature, and vice versa. Thus, a fluid with
a low viscosity index will experience a relatively large swing in viscosity as
temperatures change.

 Typical mineral-oil fluids used in hydraulics have a viscosity index of around

100, although products range from below 100 to well beyond 200.

 The best oils with the highest VIs remain stable and don’t vary much in
viscosity over a wide temperature range. That, in turn, means consistent, high
performance from a machine. Fluid manufacturers can improve the viscosity
index of base oils by using polymer additives to form multigrade-viscosity oils.
These modifiers are temperature sensitive.
Although oil viscosity changes with temperature, that’s not so important in
machines that run at constant load and speed and at constant temperatures.
Here, the viscosity index is not so important: Just choose the suitable
monograde viscosity recommended for the application.
Observation table: Redwood viscometer no.:

Sr. Temperature Time in Relative Kinematic Log (r

No. (T) in 0C second Viscosity Viscosity )

(r ) 
in
centistroke

Room
1 Temp.: 29

2 85

3 75

4 65

5 55

6 45

7 35

Calculation:

Graphs were plotted between

1. Relative viscosity (r ) against the temperature of sample (T)

2. Log of relative viscosity (r ) against the temperature of sample (T)

3. Kinematic viscosity   against the temperature of sample (T)

4. Log of kinematic viscosity   against the temperature of sample (T)
Determine the slope of the graph from plot 1.
Calculation of theoretical slope using the least square method.

Sr. No. Temperature (T) in 0C Relative Viscosity (r )

(n) (Xi) (Yi) (Xi x Yi) (Xi)2
1 Room temperature
2 85
3 75
4 65
5 55
6 45
7 35
n=7 ∑Xi = ∑Yi = ∑Xi . Yi = ∑Xi2 =

n ∑ Xi . Yi - ∑Xi . ∑Yi
Viscosity Index (V.I.) = ------------------------------------
n ∑Xi2 - (∑Xi) 2

Result:- The rate of change of relative viscosity with respect to temperature was
found to be equal to ---------sec/0C by experimental (from graph 1) and -----------
sec/0C by Theoretical (from least square method).

Inference:- Viscosity or the rate of change of viscosity with respect to temperature

is inversely proportional to each other.

Precautions
1. Stir the water continuously so that the temperature of the oil and water are
equal.
2. Before collecting the oil at a temperature, check whether the oil is up to the
Indicator in the oil cup.
3. Always take the readings at a stable temperature
4. Ensure proper setting of the ball valve to avoid leakage
 VIVA Questions

1. What is Viscosity?
2. What are different types of viscosity explain them and write the units?
3. What are the factors affecting viscosity?
4. Mention some applications where viscosity is considered?
5. What is the Relation between density and viscosity?
6. Define viscosity index. Name few additives used as viscosity index improver.
7. What is the difference between Redwood viscometer No.1 & no.2 ?
8. Define coefficient of viscosity and mention its units.
9. Write the dimensions of Absolute viscosity and kinematic viscosity
10. What is the significance of viscosity?
11. What is the effect of pressure on viscosity?
12. Why oil should be fill up to the mark in oil cup of Redwood viscometer?
13. Define relative viscosity?
14. Name the viscometers used in England, Germany and America?
15. What is the oil cup volume capacity of Redwood No. 1 & 2, Saybolt, and
Engler’s viscometer?
16. What is the relation between Kinematic viscosity and relative viscosity?
17. What is the relation between Kinematic viscosity and absolute viscosity?
18. Unit of viscosity is,
A.Ohm B.Ohm-1 C. Poise D.Cm-1
19. Low viscosity standard oil is,
A.Petroleum oil B. Gulf oil C. Blended oil D. Mineral oil
20. High viscosity standard oil is,
A. Blended oil B. Gulf oil C. Pennylsylvanian oil D. Petroleum oil
21. Viscosities of lubricating oil can be measured by
A. Ostwald’ viscometer B. Redwood viscometer C. Saybolt viscometer D.
Ubbelhode viscometer
22. If viscosity of lubricating oil is measured by redwood viscometer , the flow
time can be expressed as,
A.100 Redwood seconds at 200C
B.100 Redwood viscometer working at T = 200C
C.At T = 200C, flow time = 100 seconds
D. At 200C, 100 Redwood seconds
23. Redwood viscometer No. 1 is used to determine viscosities of,
A. Lubricating Oils B. Thin lubricating oils C. Highly viscous oils D. None of
above
24. Which of the following statements is true about viscosity?
A. Dynamic viscosity is the ratio of shear stress to the resultant shear rate.
B. Kinematic viscosity is equal to dynamic viscosity divided by density.
C. The CGS unit of dynamic viscosity is Centipoise and CGS unit of
kinematic viscosity is Centistokes.
D. All of above
25. Viscosity Index of the mineral oil can be improved by?
A. Removing aromatics components during refining stage.
B. Blending with high viscous index oils.
C. Using polymeric additives.
D. All of the above.