A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

Sponsored by AMETEK Spectro Scientific Jun 15 2016

Viscosity the most important physical property of a lubricating oil, as determines

how easily the oil circulates and its load carrying capability. Maintaining the correct
balance between low viscosity for ease of circulation and high viscosity for load
carrying is important for the application of any type of lubricant.

Oil provides other benefits in addition to lubrication, so it is important that it is able to flow
under any condition. During use, the oil viscosity is influenced by contaminants such as
water, oxidation, fuel entering the oil, and soot. This makes viscosity measurement an
important test for the oil used in a mechanical system.

Kinematic viscosity (the resistance to flow under gravity) is the conventional method to
monitor machine condition.

The following parameters influence the viscosity of oil:

Water contamination: Free water and oil don't mix chemically. However, under
certain circumstances they combine to form an emulsion that looks similar to coffee
with cream. This emulsion will actually increase the kinematic viscosity of the oil
Additives: Additives can be part of the oil formulation. For instance, the formulation of
multigrade mineral-based engine oils, excluding naturally high VI base oils, includes a
springy additive that is compact at low temperatures and expands at high
temperatures due to increasing fluid solvency
Soot: Soot is a common issue in diesel engines. It is a particle that results in a
colloidal suspension in the oil. The oil's dispersant additive is designed to prevent
agglomeration and growth of soot particles facilitates the formation of a colloidal
suspension
Temperature variations: The Viscosity Index (VI) of a lubricating oil is the extent to
which the viscosity of the oil changes with temperature. A low VI indicates a
comparatively large change in the viscosity due to temperature change, while a high
VI denotes that the oil undergoes a very little change in viscosity. Oil with a viscosity
that does not change much between the temperatures of 40°C and 100°C has a
higher VI than an oil with a relatively higher change in viscosity. The Viscosity Index
Test (ASTM D 2270) is based on the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 40°C and 100°C,
or 104°F and 212°F. Generally, a VI greater 95 is considered high. Oils with a high VI
offer greater protection to critical components across a broad range of temperatures
P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 1
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

Thermal and oxidative degradation by-products: These by-products are insoluble,

but the oil carries them in a stable suspension

Kinematic viscosity, ν, indicates the flow behavior of a substance under the influence of
Earth’s gravity. It is calculated by dividing the dynamic viscosity by density (ρ), which is
defined as mass per volume.

Kinematic viscosity is widely established due to historical reasons:

Gravity is constant anywhere on Earth and as a driving force, it does not need any
elaborate technical equipment. The SI unit is either mm2/s or m2/s, where 1 m2/s =
1,000,000 mm2/s. The SI units can be derived from the kinematic viscosity equation:

The other common units used are centistokes (cSt) or stokes (St), where 1 St = 100 cSt

Measuring Kinematic Viscosity

Gravimetric Capillary
The most common method for measuring kinematic viscosity is the use of a gravimetric
capillary (Figure 1) that is usually temperature controlled at 40°C and 100°C for multigrade
oils, and only 40°C for single grade oils. Generally, measurements made using capillary
viscometers rely on the relation between time and viscosity.

The more viscous an oil, then the longer it takes to flow via a capillary under the influence
of gravity alone. Currently, there are several standardized capillaries in use. Most the

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 2
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

laboratory instruments use glass capillaries or “tubes”. A more recent development for field
measure of kinematic viscosity utilizes a split aluminum cell capillary (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Glass capillary types. 1. Ostwald (direct) 2. Ubbelohde (direct) 3. Cannon-Fenske

(direct) 4. Houillon (Modified Zeitfuchs crossarm) reverse flow

These instruments are designed to work either as direct-flow capillaries or as reverse-flow

capillaries. For the direct-flow capillaries, the sample reservoir is positioned below the
measuring marks. For the reverse-flow capillaries, it is located above the marks. Opaque
liquids can be tested using the reverse-flow capillaries, and some can have a third
measuring mark. Having three measuring marks provides two subsequent flow times and
improves the measurement repeatability.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 3
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

Figure 2. Split aluminum cell capillary

Common Types of Kinematic Viscometer

Manual Constant Temperature Bath Systems
In these systems, the direct-flow capillaries are immersed in a highly accurate temperature
controlled bath. A sample of oil, usually 10 ml, is suctioned into the tube until it reaches the
start point. Then, the suction is released to make the oil flow by gravity through the
controlled capillary section of the tube.

Two or three marks are visible on the tube. An operator observes the oil meniscus as it
passes the start point and then measures the time taken for the oil to pass the final mark.
The tubes are chosen so that the test takes at least 200 seconds to complete, making it
easier for manual timekeeping. ASTM D 445 is the technique for kinematic viscosity and

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 4
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

was initially written for the manual method.

Figure 3. Cannon Instrument Company constant temperature bath

The advantages and disadvantages of the manual constant temperature bath systems are
listed below:

Advantages

Easy tube replacement

Inexpensive
Accurate

Disadvantages

Opaque/dark oils require additional steps

At least 10 ml of oil required
Manual cleaning is required for tubes
Slow operation and requires operator to monitor time manually (typically 10 samples
per hour)

Automated Modified Ubbelohde Method

An automated modified Ubbelohde method is a common system used by laboratories.
Here, a 10 ml bottle is placed in a small carousel rack. Like the manual method, the system
draws oil up to the tubes. However in this method, a computer program controls all of the
tasks, removing the requirement for an operator to monitor and time the oil flow.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 5
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

Figure 4. Automated Ubbelohde viscometer

The advantages and disadvantages of the automated modified Ubbelohde method are as
follows:

Advantages

Dual solvent option for difficult to clean sooty oil samples

Automation carousel for sample loading
Automation – self-cleaning and drying tubes and sample vials

Disadvantages

Sample volume is 5 ml per measurement (minimum)

Slow – 12 samples per hour (10 position carousel)
Less flexibility as two tubes fixed in place
High solvent usage during self cleaning (15 ml per sample)

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 6
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

Direct Flow Capillaries

These systems are highly favored for in-service condition monitoring, as they are more
appropriate for opaque fluids. The lab versions exhibit higher throughput and flexibility.
“Houillon” or “Hele-Shaw” are the common names for this method, and the ASTM that
describes it is ASTM D7279.

A common question posed by someone who is considering buying a viscometer is how

does this method compare to ASTM D445, which is a widely acknowledged viscosity
method. As ASTM D7279 exhibits exceptional repeatability, all that is needed to acquire
results similar to ASTM D445 is a standard offset.

For users who focus on changing trends, laboratory instruments designed using this
method have exceptional accuracy and surpass machine condition monitoring needs.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 7
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

Figure 5. Spectro Scientific SpectroVisc Q300 kinematic temperature bath viscometer

To make the measurement using this method, a small oil sample (between 0.6 - 1.6 ml) is
pipetted and directly introduced into the tube, which is heated to the desired temperature.
To reduce cross contamination, disposable pipette tips are employed.

The following are the advantages and

Related Content
disadvantages of the direct flow capillaries:
Spectro-Visc Q300 Automatic
Advantages Viscometer Oil Viscosity Analyzer

High throughput – 25 to 45 samples per hour

Low sample volume (0.6 ml)

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 8
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

Semi automation – Self-cleaning and drying tubes and sample vials

4 tubes per bath – easy replacement of tubes, requiring below one minute to swap
without bath draining
Dual measurement options (sample measured twice on same tube) for high accuracy
new oil blending QC
Dual solvent option for hard to clean sooty oil samples

Disadvantages

Houillon capillaries susceptible to stuck particles

Automated sample loading is not standard
High solvent usage during self-cleaning (15 ml per sample)

Portable, Solvent Free Direct Flow Capillary Viscometer

When a kinematic viscosity result is required for field or mobile applications, a new
generation of viscometers based on the Hele-Shaw split cell capillary design can be
employed. A single heated aluminum block with a machined capillary ensures temperature
controlled viscosity at 40°C without the need to use solvents for cleaning.

As with lab systems, a 60 µl sample is pipetted and introduced into a temperature

controlled cell, which is usually set at 40°C. Once the process is finished, the device directly
displays the kinematic viscosity on the screen. After the test, the operator vigorously cleans
the plates using a cleaning pad, and the cell can be warmed to test the next sample.

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of the portable, solvent free direct
flow capillary viscometer:

Advantages

Low sample volume (0.06 ml)

Easy to use for an unskilled operator
Solvent free
Direct measurement at 40 C

Disadvantages

Manual cleaning required

Indirect measurement of viscosity at 100 C with VI supplied
Plate needs to be conditioned before measurements by prewetting with oil

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 9
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

Conclusion
Viscosity is a critical property of a fluid, and monitoring viscosity is highly essential to oil
analysis. Kinematic viscosity measurement techniques for used oils should be investigated,
and the differences between the methods should be considered. It is important that the
details of viscosity measurements are understood so that accurate lubrication decisions can
be made.

While choosing an onsite viscometer, a user should not expect the laboratory’s kinematic
viscometer to be in complete agreement with the onsite instrument, especially for field
systems. Instead the conditions, the method, and the user environment should be
considered.

The user should review whether the solvents are difficult to obtain or maintain, and whether
the equipment will be used routinely. It is advisable to baseline the new oil with the same
viscometer that is used with the in-service oil.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by
AMETEK Spectro Scienti c.

For more information on this source, please visit AMETEK Spectro Scientific.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 10
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

AMETEK Spectro Scientific

Address

One Executive Drive, Suite 101

Chelmsford
Massachusetts, 01824-2563
United States

Phone: +1 (978) 431 1120

Visit Website

Related Profiles

AMETEK - Process & Analytical Instruments

AMETEK - Barben Analytical

AMETEK - Dynotech Engineering Services

AMETEK - Micro-Poise Drivetrain Business

AMETEK - Micro-Poise Measurement System

AMETEK - Universal Analyzers

AMETEK Cardinal UHP

AMETEK Chandler Engineering

AMETEK Land (Land Instruments International Ltd).

AMETEK MOCON

AMETEK O'Brien Corporation

AMETEK Petrolab Company

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 11
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

Ametek Process Instruments

AMETEK Solartron ISA

AMETEK Surface Vision

Grabner Instruments

Recent Tweets

Practical product knowledge at your fingertips. Introducing the Fluid Management 

Academy - a new online learning p… https://t.co/OrXKZJdgkn

Feb 1 2022 11:30am

A winter storm is heading to the Boston area.??? Snow plows and other public works 
vehicles will be running 24/7.… https://t.co/QL3m8nYgE5

Jan 28 2022 7:30pm

Measure coolant condition and diesel exhaust fluids (DEF) in under 1 minute? Yes 
you can with the CoolCheck 2 - a… https://t.co/Txq2gFe4cr

Jan 25 2022 3:08pm

View all tweets

Spectro Scientific, an ISO 9001:2008 company, specializes in analytical tools and software
for machine condition monitoring. The company is one of the largest suppliers of oil and fuel
analysis instruments to industry and the military worldwide. Industry clients include
petrochemical, mining, marine and power generation companies as well as commercial
testing laboratories. Spectro Scientific’s extensive product offerings include spectrometers
for wear metal analysis, lubricant degradation and contamination analyzers, particle
analysis instruments and complete turnkey systems for oil or fuel analysis laboratories, all
managed by its SpectroTrack software platform.

Spectro Scientific develops a broad array of fluid analysis instruments for evaluating
machine and lubricant condition in the field, in the lab and in highly mobile, handheld

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 12
/13
A Guide to Measuring Oil Viscosity

applications. The instruments provide critical data about an engine’s condition and can
provide an early warning of engine failure. Capturing, analyzing and trending this data on
Spectro Scientific products enable you to:

Schedule maintenance before a failure occurs

Avoid the expense of maintenance you don’t need
Avoid the disruption of taking an engine out of service unnecessarily

The result is higher equipment availability, greater productivity, lower maintenance costs,
lower total cost of ownership, fewer outages, optimal equipment performance and greener
operation.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12878 13
/13