DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Chemical Engineering Department

Engineering Thermodynamics Laboratory

Final Laboratory Report

Experiment # 6
Determination of Density and Viscosity of Lubricating Oils

Group Name N3P Section EA1

NAME SIGNATURE Criteria Score

1. Cellona, Kimberley B. Content (50%)
2. Dar, Lloyd Ross M. Presentation (25%)

3. Javier, Mona Lyndsay Relevance (25%)

4. Lopez, Maristela Ann F. Total (100%)

5. Soriano, Elijah Jeremie D. Percentage Equivalent

26 June 2018 3 July 2018

Date of performance Date of Submission

Dr. Lawrence P. Belo

Instructor
Engineering Thermodynamics Laboratory

Determination of Density and Viscosity

of Lubricating Oils
Kimberley B. Cellona, Lloyd Ross M. Dar, Mona Lyndsay Javier,
Maristela Ann F. Lopez, Elijah Jeremie D. Soriano
Department of Chemical Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University,
2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004, Philippines

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

AY 2017–2018 | Term 3
LBYCHED EA1
Final Laboratory Report
Experiment # 6
Date Performed: June 26, 2018
Date Submitted: July 3, 2018
Keywords
hydrometer, Westphal balance, density,
viscosity, viscometer
In this experiment, the densities and viscosities of lubricating oils sphinol, shell, and
petrolube were measured. Density was measured using erlenmeyer flasks,
hydrometers, and a Westphal balance, while viscosity was determined through a
viscosimeter, which measured the time it took to fill a beaker with 60 mL of flowing
oil. Results of the experiment show that the densities measured by the three methods
are relatively precise, with errors that may be attributed to inconsistencies in reading
measurements. The experiment verified the inverse relationships of density and
viscosity and of viscosity and temperature for lubricating oils.

I. INTRODUCTION relative to the density of water at the same temperature

The use of lubricating oils is very important in order
to maintain engines and transmissions and enhances the
vehicle's performance by reducing the friction produced
as the parts of an engine slide past each other.
Lubricating oils are also applied to minimize corrosion in
metallic parts apart from reducing friction and heat
dissipation [1]. In this experiment, students were
introduced to the most important physical properties of
lubricating oils and how these properties were measured.
The objectives of this experiment are to determine the
density and viscosity of various lubricating oils using
Erlenmeyer method, hydrometer, Westphal balance and
Saybolt Universal Viscosimeter as well as to observe the
effect of temperature on the viscosity of the oil [1].
One of the most important physical properties of a
lubricating oil is its density. Density is the mass of a
certain volume of a substance and be calculated using
Eq. 1.
m
ρ= (1)
v friction, the greater the amount of force required to cause
where m is the mass and v is the volume. Specific
gravity, on the other hand, is the density of a liquid
[1]
[2]. An Erlenmeyer may be used to precisely determine
the density of a liquid. The Erlenmeyer is a round glass
flask fitted with a stopper. Water is first tested as a
standard before testing a different liquid sample [3].
A hydrometer, shown in Fig. 1, may also be used to
determine specific gravity and density. The glass bulb is
immersed into the liquid and depth at which it floats
indicates the specific gravity of the liquid [4]. Lastly, the
Westphal balance consists of an adjustable stand, a
levelling screw, a small sinker that is immersed into the
liquid sample, a thermometer, and a beam. The sinker is
suspended onto the end of the beam using a thin piece of
wire. The beam is divided into ten equal sections where
U-shaped riders are hung. The riders are placed onto the
beam until the pointer of the beam is aligned with that of
the stand's, and the density of the liquid is taken [5].
Another important physical property of lubricating
oils is its viscosity. Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's
internal resistance to flow. This internal resistance or
friction, becomes apparent when a layer of fluid is made
to move in relation to another layer. The greater the
this movement, it is called shear. Shearing occurs
whenever the fluid is physically moved or distributed, as
in pouring, spreading, spraying, mixing, etc. Highly
viscous fluids, therefore, require more force to move than
less viscous materials.
There are two classifications of fluids namely, purely
viscous fluids and viscoelastic fluids. Purely viscous
fluids are fluids that do not possess any solid-like elastic
behavior and do not undergo reversible deformation
when shear stress is removed while viscoelastic fluids are
those that exhibit elastic recovery from deformations
during flow. Purely viscous fluids are further classified as
time-dependent and time independent fluids. Time-
μo =Atρ−
independent fluids are those fluids that shear stress
depends only on the instantaneous shear rate [6]. There
are two types of time-independent fluids, Newtonian and
Non-Newtonian Fluids. Newtonian fluids, are fluids that
obey the Newton’s Law of Viscosity, which states that,
the shear stress between adjacent fluid layers is
proportional to the velocity gradients between the two
layers. The ratio of shear stress to shear rate is a constant,
for a given temperature and pressure, and is defined as
the viscosity or coefficient of viscosity [7]. On the other
hand, non-Newtonian fluids do not follow Newton’s law
of viscosity and which viscosity varies with shear rate or
shear rate history. Non-Newtonian fluids are classified as
Bingham plastic, dilatant, or pseudoplastic. Bingham
plastics are fluid for which a finite stress is required
before continuous deformation occurs. Dilatant, also
known as shear-rate thickening fluids, increases viscosity
as shear rate increases. On other hand, pseudoplastic,
also known as shear-rate thinning fluids, decreases
viscosity as shear-rate increases.
Two types of viscosity are absolute or kinematic, and
dynamic viscosity. Absolute or dynamic viscosity is the
tangential force required to slide two layers against each
other and can be expressed mathematically in Eq. 2. On
the other hand, kinematic viscosity is the absolute
viscosity divided by the density and is expressed
mathematically in Eq. 3.
x of hydrometers, Fig. 1; Westphal balance, Fig 2; and
μo =σ (2)
v
μo
μk = (3)
ρ
where μo is the absolute viscosity, σ is the shear stress,
Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only)
[2]
x is the length, v is the velocity, μk is the kinematic
viscosity, and ρ is the density [8].
In the Saybolt Universal Viscosimeter, lubricating
oil is allowed to overflow and is collected in a flux.
The time it takes to collect 60mL of the oil is recorded
as the efflux time, and the absolute viscosity of the
liquid can be calculated by using Eq. 4.
Bρ
(4)
t
where A and B are constants and t is the efflux time in
seconds [8]. A is taken as 0.00000237 and B is taken
as 0.00194 to give the absolute viscosity in lb/ft-sec.
Viscosity is important in the study of oils. The
effectiveness of lubricating oil depends on its
viscosity. The oil should be sufficiently viscous so that
it would easily be applied on compact surfaces, and
not so viscous as to hinder the motion of the moving
parts of the machine [1]. In addition, the viscosity of
lubricating oil fluctuates inversely with temperature,
which is why temperature should always be reported
together with viscosity measurements. Viscosity of
lubricants can also be altered by contamination,
oxidation, thermal degradation, or by improperly
mixing with another lubricant of a different viscosity.
Regular oil analysis is critical to monitoring the
lubricant’s viscosity as well as the other aspects of its
condition [9].
II. METHODOLGY
2.1 Materials and Reagents
The materials used for this experiment include:
Erlenmeyer flasks, 100mL; beakers, 100 mL;
analytical balance; graduated cylinders, 250 mL; set
thermometers. The liquids studied, shown in Fig. 3,
were water and lubricating oils from commercial
brands namely Sphinol, Petrolube, and Shell.
Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
 Figure 1. Hydrometers.

Figure 4. Saybolt viscometers.

2.3 Experimental Procedure

The experiment is divided into two subsequent parts:
determination of density, and the determination of
viscosity among different liquids.
Figure 2. Westphal Balance
In the first part, there were three methods used to
determine the density of lubrication oils, with water used
as the reference. The first method was the Erlenmeyer
method. Four Erlenmeyer flasks were cleaned then
weighed individually. Afterwards, the mass of the flasks
containing 100 ml samples of water, Sphinol, Shell, and
Petrolube were measured. The differences in mass were
obtained and recorded as the mass of the fluid. There
were used to calculate the density of the liquid. Table 3
Figure 3. Liquids used in the experiment. From left
lists the data obtained using this method.
to right: water, Sphinol, Shell, and Petrolube
lubricating oils.
Second, the Hydrometer method made use of 250 ml
of each liquid measured separately in graduated
2.2 Equipment
cylinders. Based on the density calculated from the first
The laboratory equipment used in this
method, the appropriate hydrometer was selected and
experiment are Saybolt viscosimeters shown in Fig.
used to measure the density of each liquid. Table 4
4 below. Saybolt viscometers are used to measure
contains the data obtained using this method.
viscosity along with the effect of temperature
variation. Saybolt viscosity tests are by far the most
For the last method, the Westphal balance was used.
common because they are the standard for petroleum
The clear cup of the Westphal balance was filled with
oils. The great majority of instruments for
each of the four liquids until the mark. After that, the
determining viscosity are of the efflux type. This
bulb was immersed into the liquid. Different weights
type of instrument consists of a tank fitted with a
were placed onto the beam of the balance until it reached
small orifice. The time it takes for the quality of oil
equilibrium, and then density was recorded at the point
to flow through may be used to determine the
where the pointers were aligned. The data obtained for
viscosity. The higher the viscosity of the fluid, the
the method are listed in Table 5.
longer is the time taken [10].

Having finished the three methods, the second part of

experiment involved the use of the Saybolt Universal
Viscosimeter. 60 ml samples of Sphinol, Shell, and
Petrolube were prepared in beakers separately. Prior to
pouring each liquid into the Saybolt viscometers, the
Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[3]
 beakers were heated to 60oC (left viscometer) and 90oC determined to be the least accurate from the experiment.
(right viscometer) in the viscometers as shown in Fig. 4. Nonetheless, the percent errors are relatively low, at most
The time elapsed for all of the oil to flow from the orifice of 4%.
was recorded. Table 5 lists the results obtained.
Table 2. Comparison of evaluated densities of water with
The ambient temperature recorded for the duration of literature value at 25oC.
the experiment was 25oC.   Density (g/cm3)  
Method Average Theoretical Error (%)
Erlenmeyer 0.9962 0.08826
III. RESULTS & DISCUSSION
Hydrometer 0.9950 0.9971 0.2086
Westphal balance 0.9540 4.321
The densities evaluated from the different methods
performed are summarized in Table 1, wherein Petrolube
Thus, the densities from the Erlenmeyer method were
was found to be the most dense lubricating oil, followed
used in evaluating the kinematic and absolute viscosities.
by Sphinol and Shell respectively. At a glance, the data
The evaluated viscosities corresponding to different
can be recognized to follow the fact that the densities of
temperatures are then listed in Table 6. From the table,
oils are lower than that of water. Further, it can be
absolute viscosities can be observed to have higher
observed that the standard deviations are low in value for
values than kinematic viscosities. This can be traced to
each liquid, indicating that the densities determined from
Eq. 3, which indicates the relationship between the two
different for each liquid are relatively close to each other,
wherein the former viscosity will be divided by density,
demonstrating low variation from the mean. Therefore, it
which, for the liquids used in the experiment, are of
can be inferred that the different methods are appropriate
values less than 1. The resulting quantity, the kinematic
in determining densities of fluids, wherein the variance
viscosity, therefore, results to be of higher value. In
observed across each method may be attributed to the
addition, the liquids may also be observed to have
inherent errors for each equipment and method, along
become less viscous as the temperature was raised. Thus,
with human inaccuracies or bias in performing the
in order to determine the relationship between viscosity
procedure and reading proper measurements.
and temperature, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are made to illustrate
the absolute and kinematic viscosities plotted against
Table 1. Summary of densities for different liquids using
different methods at 25oC. temperature, respectively.
Density (g/cm3)
Westphal Standard
Erlenmeyer Hydrometer Average 0.035
Liquid balance Deviation
Water 0.9962 0.9950 0.9540 0.9817 0.02403 f(x) = − 0 x + 0.05
0.030
Sphinol 0.8546 0.8910 0.8320 0.8592 0.02977
Absolute Viscosity (lb/ft-s)

Shell 0.8839 0.8715 0.8320 0.8625 0.02710 f(x) = − 0 x + 0.05

0.025
Petrolube 0.9700 0.9003 0.8630 0.9111 0.05432
0.020

To further verify, the accuracy of the methods is 0.015

determined, using the data obtained for water as the f(x) = − 0 x + 0.02
0.010
reference, by evaluating the percent error between the
average density from each method and the value from 0.005
literature at the same temperature. Water is used as the 0.000
reference as all the other liquids are commercial products 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100

from different manufacturers consisting of mixtures of Temperature (oC)

different oils and other impurities, which do not have Sphinol Linear (Sphinol)

reference data available. Thus, for water, the results are Figure 4. Absolute viscosity of lubricating oils against
listed in Table 2. It can be observed from the calculated temperature.
data that the most accurate method among the three was
the Erlenmeyer method, followed by the use of
hydrometers, while the Westphal balance method was
Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[4]
 0.0006
f(x) = − 0 x + 0
Kinematic Viscosity (ft2/s)
0.0005
f(x) = − 0 x + 0
0.0004
0.0003
0.0002 f(x) = − 0 x + 0
0.0001
0.0000
50 55 60 65 70 75
Temperature (oC)
Sphinol
Figure 5. Kinematic viscosity of lubricating oils against
temperature.
From the graphs, linear relationships are fitted for
each liquid and for each type of viscosity, revealing
Petrolube as the most viscous while contrasted by
Sphinol as the least viscous among the three. However,
these perfectly linear trendlines are simply results of only
two data points (for 60oC and 90oC) obtained for each
liquid, as allowed by the timeframe and equipment
during the procedure. It is important to note, therefore,
that while the actual relationship between temperature
and the viscosity of the oil may follow a decreasing
trend, as explained by the increase in kinetic energy of
the molecules which helps overcome the internal
resistance between molecules and allows them to flow
across each other easier, the relationship may not
necessarily be perfectly linear as illustrated by the figures
as the graphs are only in the context of two data points,
as these will always define a straight line.
Further, from the equations, it can be noted that the
slopes used in the equations are very small in magnitude
or nearly zero, which denote nearly horizontal linear
relationships. This signifies that the temperature change
followed in the experiment (from 60 oC to 90oC) was able
to affect the viscosity only very delicately, and not to a
pronounced extent. Alternatively, this observation can be
viewed as indicative of the sensitivity of the viscometers
used.
Relating the two quantities, based from Eq. 3, the
densest lubricating oil is expected to also exhibit a high
value for kinematic viscosity. Comparing data from
Table 1 and Table 6 (illustrated in Fig. 5), the results
Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only)
from the experiment may be observed to have failed to
follow this. Sphinol, Shell, and Petrolube, respectively
were found to be increasing in density, while also
increasing in kinematic viscosity.
Lastly, individual observations from the experiment
are as follows:
(1) To measure the density of the lubricating oils using
the hydrometer, it is helpful to have an idea of the
density of each oil so that the appropriate
80 85 90 95 100 hydrometer scale to use will be known, minimizing
trials and washing of materials (Cellona).
Linear (Sphinol)
(2) Although there were different methods to determine
the liquids' densities, they all resulted in precise
measurements. The Saybolt Viscosimeter,
meanwhile, was only used on one trial, since
prolonged usage of the equipment would sustain
heat; thus, lessening the liquids' viscosities (Dar).
(3) The lubricating oil with the highest density,
Petrolube, was determined to have the highest
kinematic viscosity. The data from the experiment
was not able to follow the inverse relationship
between density and viscosity (Javier).
(4) Different methods for determining the viscosity of
the same fluid will only yield similar values, but not
exactly the same value for a given liquid. The
experiment therefore illustrated that the accuracy of
measurements obtained in laboratory experiments is
also determined by the approach or method
employed. Comparison of data with literature values
is therefore necessary in order to verify the accuracy
of the data obtained or the method used (Lopez).
(5) The viscosity of the lubricating oils decreases with
the increase of temperature. In addition, the
lubricating oil becomes appears to become thinner
when the temperature increases (Soriano).
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
In this experiment, the densities and viscosities of
lubricating oils sphinol, shell, and petrolube were
measured. The densities measured by these methods were
relatively close to each other, having percent errors at
most of 4.3%, with errors that may be attributed to
inconsistencies in reading measurements. Kinematic
viscosity was then calculated and plotted against
temperature. Based on the graphs, kinematic
Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[5]
viscosity yielded an inverse relationship with
temperature, validating the trend in literatures.
Moreover, with increasing density, the viscosity of the
lubricating oils decreases, also agreeing with the inverse
relationship between the two as presented in literature.
The use of pycnometers instead of Erlenmeyer flasks
would have resulted to more accurate densities.
V. ANSWERS TO GUIDE QUESTIONS
1. What are the units and significance of absolute
viscosity, kinematic viscosity, Saybolt universal
viscosity, and Saybolt Furol viscosity?
The units of absolute viscosity and kinematic
viscosity are centipoise (cP) and Stokes (St) or kg m -1s-1,
respectively. Saybolt viscosity, on the other hand, is
measured in terms of time, specifically the time it takes
60 mL of a petroleum product to flow through a Saybolt
universal or Furol viscosimeter. Measurement of
viscosity is important in different process industries
primarily for controlling rate of flow of the liquid and
determining the power input or equipment necessary to
transfer especially for petroleum industries.
2. Enumerate and describe briefly other instruments (not
mentioned in the discussion) used in determining
densities and viscosities of liquids.
Other measurements to measure viscosities of
liquids are: Ostwald viscometer (to measure kinematic
viscosity by measuring the time it takes for a Newtonian
liquid to flow from one mark to the other in a bulb) and
rotational viscometer (to measure the viscosity of
Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluids, wherein a motor-
powered spindle measures the resistance of the fluid to
REFERENCES
[1] LBYCHED Manual [PDF Document]
[2] Available online at www.britannica.com/science/density
[3] Available online at
https://staryweb.fpharm.uniba.sk/fileadmin/user_upload/english/Fyzika/Density_determination_by_Erlenmeyer.pdf
[4] Available online at www.britannica.com/technology/hydrometer
[5] Virmani, O. P. & Narula, A. K. (1995). Applied chemistry: Theory and practice. New Delhi: New Age International.
[6] Viswanath, D., Dutt, N., Ghosh, T., Prasad, D., & Rani, K. (2007). Viscosity of Liquids. Dordrecht: Springer.
Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only)
[6]
the spindle rotation). For density, another instrument is
the oscillation-type density meter, wherein the density of
liquids is determined by measuring the frequency and
duration of vibration of a U-tube filled with a sample.
3. Enumerate other types of lubricating oils, their
properties, and major uses.
There are two primary types of lubricating oils,
which are mineral oils and synthetic oils. The former is
retrieved from natural sources, such as crude oil, while
the latter is manufactured by man. Lubricants are
primarily used for vehicular operations, due to the
efficient movement of the pistons, in turn having less fuel
consumption [10].
4. What are greases? What are the important physical
properties of these materials and how are these
measured?
Grease is another type of lubricant, which is present
either as a solid to semifluid lubricant. Grease is
composed of three components. First is the base oil,
which compromises its bulk, and is typically derived
from mineral oil. Second is the thickener that provides
the solid or semifluid characteristic of grease. Lastly,
additives are included to modify existing greases, based
on the desired outcome [11]. The important physical
properties for grease is its viscosity, wherein the
consistency of the oil is based primarily on the base oil
used. Meanwhile, the determination of its density is also
of importance; hence, hydrometers are used to measure
the density of grease. Flash point is likewise determined
using specific equipment, such as the Cleveland open cup
and the Pensky-Marten Closed Cup test [13].
Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
 [7] Gupta, S. V. (2014). Viscometry for Liquids: Calibration of Viscometers. Dordrecht: Springer.
[8] Available online at https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Lubricating_oil
[9] Available online at https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/1352/grease-basics
[10] Available online at http://vclindia.in/training/wbt%20final/PhysicalPropertiesofLubricants.pdf
[11] Perry, R. H., & Green, D. W. (2008). Perry's chemical engineers' handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill.
[12] McCabe, W. L., Smith, J.C., & Harriott, P. (1993). Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering. New York:
McGraw-Hill
[13] Available online at https://iselinc.com/questions-answers/viscosity-qa/

APPENDICES

A. Raw Data
Table 3. Raw data and evaluated densities from Erlenmeyer method.
Mass (g)
Liquid Flask Flask and 100 mL of Liquid 100 mL of Liquid Calculated Density (g/ml)
89.9
Water 5 189.57 99.62 0.9962
93.0
Sphinol 9 178.55 85.46 0.8546
88.4
Shell 6 176.85 88.39 0.8839
Petrolub 87.5
e 5 184.55 97.00 0.9700

Table 4. Density readings from hydrometer.

Density (g/ml)
Trial
Liquid 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 Average
Water 0.995 0.995 0.995 0.995 0.995
Sphinol 0.891 0.891 0.891 0.891 0.891
Shell 0.872 0.872 0.871 0.871 0.8715
Petrolube 0.901 0.900 0.900 0.900 0.90025

Table 5. Density measurements from Westphal balance.

Liquid Density (g/ml)
Water 0.954
Sphinol 0.832
Shell 0.832
Petrolub
e 0.863

Table 5. Properties, constants, and conversion factor used to determine viscosity from Saybolt Standard Universal Viscometer.

Properties Volume of liquid (ml) 60

Length of capillary (ft) 0.0057917
Radius of capillary (ft) 0.04025
Constants A (ft2) 0.00000237
B (ft2) 0.00194
Conversion Factor
[12] From g/cm3 to lb/ft3 0.016018-1
Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[7]
 Table 6. Raw data and evaluated viscosities from Saybolt Standard Universal Viscometer.
Viscosity
o Absolute Kinematic
Lubricating Oil Temp ( C) Time (s)
(lb/ft-s) (ft2/s)
Sphinol 60 114.39 0.013559 0.0002541
90 74.72 0.008063 0.0001511
Shell 60 221.88 0.028535 0.0005171
90 149.49 0.018834 0.0003413
Petrolube 60 232.46 0.032857 0.0005426
90 161.01 0.022378 0.0003695

B. Sample Calculations

 Density of water from Erlenmeyer method

m 99.62 g g
ρ= = =0.9962
v 100 mL mL

 Absolute viscosity for sphinol at 60oC

Bρ
μo =A tρ−
t
lb
1

1
lb (
( 0.00194 ft 2 ) 0.8546
g
cm3 ( ft 3
) 0.016018 g )
g
μo =( 0.00000237 ft 2 ) ( 114.39 s ) 0.8546 3
cm ( (
) 0.016018 g ft 3

cm3

lb
) −
114.39 s
cm3

μo =0. 01356
ft ∙ s

 Kinematic viscosity for sphinol at 60oC

μo
μk =
ρ

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[8]
 lb
0.013 56
ft ∙ s
μk =
lb
1
3
(
(0 .8546 cmg ) 0.016018
ft 2
ft 3
g
cm3
)
μk =0.0 002541
s

C. Photos

Figure 5. Measuring the mass of flask and liquid for Erlenmeyer method.

Figure 6. Determining the density from hydrometer.

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[9]
 Figure 7. Determining the density using Westphal balance.

Figure 8. Determining the viscosity using Saybolt Standard Universal Viscometer.

Cruz, Dela Cruz, Francisco(your last names only) Dr. Lawrence P. Belo
[10]