Group No: G1.

Module Name: ME1053

Semester: 2

Viscosity of Oils’ by Redwood Viscometer

By

Index No. Name Marks

220119U H.Dhiviyamainan

Date of practical 30/04/2024

Due date of submission 14/05/2024

Advisors’/Instructors’ names, associations and signature

Instructors’ Name Affiliation

Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Ms.M.H.Dahanayake
University of Moratuwa

Department of Mechanical Engineering

University of Moratuwa
Sri Lanka
Summary
Viscosity, the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, is influenced by temperature and
pressure. The Redwood Viscometer is a commonly used tool for assessing viscosity
alongside temperature. In this experiment, we examined the kinematic viscosity of coconut
oil and SAE30 engine oil across varying temperatures. Viscosity is a crucial factor in Engine
oils, affecting their performance. Our findings revealed that coconut oil exhibits a lower rate
of viscosity change with temperature compared to SAE30 engine oil. While this suggests
potential suitability for lubrication, other essential lubricant properties must be considered.
Consequently, despite its viscosity characteristics, coconut oil may not fulfill all requirements
for engine lubrication.

1
Table of Contents
Summary ................................................................................................................................ 1

Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... 2

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3

2 Theory ................................................................................................................................ 4

3 Material and methods ......................................................................................................... 5

4 Observations ...................................................................................................................... 6

5 Analysis and results ..................................................................................................... 7-10

6 Discussion ........................................................................................................................ 11

7 Conclusions ...................................................................................................................... 12

8 References ........................................................................................................................ 13

2
1 Introduction
Viscosity refers to the degree of resistance exhibited by a fluid against uniform flow under a
specific force per unit area. It essentially measures a fluid's resistance to deformation when
subjected to shear or tensile stress. Higher viscosity indicates greater resistance to flow. This
resistance arises from the cohesive forces among the fluid's molecules and is influenced by
temperature. Therefore, viscosity remains constant at a given temperature. Proficiency in
understanding viscosity is crucial across various engineering applications. Fluids with high
viscosity incur substantial energy losses due to resistance, significantly impacting efficiency.
In industries like food production, viscosity knowledge is vital for enhancing product quality.
Moreover, maintaining the correct viscosity level is paramount in fields such as medicine and
automotive engineering.

3
2 Theory
• Viscosity is usually the measurement of a fluid’s internal resistance to flow. Viscosity
occurs due to the cohesion between the molecules of the fluid. The fluids which obey
the Newton’s Law of Viscosity are called Newtonian fluids.
• It is measured in centipoise (cps) or poise. Unit of poise is equal to 100 units of
centipoise.
• The fluid inside viscometer was heated using Bunsen burner. Then the time it took to
flow through the outlet valve was measured.
• The time took is 𝜃, then the relevant redwood seconds = 10θ
• Then the viscosity of fluid is given by,
B
ղ = ( AT - )ρ
T

ղ = Viscosity in Poise (CGS unis)

ρ = Specific gravity of oil
A= 0.0026
B= 0.4
T= Time in redwood seconds.
ρ for coconut oil = 0.93
ρ for SAE 30 = 0.87

• For a given fluid,

ղ = αΦβ Φ = Temperature in Celsius
take log for both side of the equations.
Log10ղ = log10α +β log10Φ
Y = c + mx

4
3 Material and Methods
Materials

• Redwood Viscometer
• Engine oil (SAE 30)
• Coconut oil
• Stopwatch
• 50 cc flask
• Bunsen burner ( Match Box )
• Thermometers
• Thermocouple ( With Laptop )
• Water
• Stopper valve ( Ball valve )

Methods

• Initially, the outlet chamber was

filled with water, followed by filling
the inlet chamber with coconut oil
up to the indicator point.
• A 50cc flask was positioned under
the outlet valve to collect the displaced oil.
• Thermometers and a thermoset were set up to record the temperatures of the outer and
internal chambers.
• The initial temperature of the oil was recorded before removing the stopper valve.
• Using a stopwatch, the time taken for 50cc volume of oil to flow through the outlet
valve was measured.
• The internal chamber was then refilled with oil, and the water was reheated to 100°C
using a Bunsen burner.
• The water was stirred until the temperature readings of the inlet and outlet chambers
equalized.
• Subsequently, the time taken for the oil to flow through the outlet valve was measured
again as described earlier.
• This procedure was repeated four times, and the relevant readings were recorded.
• A similar experimental process was conducted by another group using Engine oil
(SAE 30).

5
4 Observations

6
5 Analysis and Results
Sample Calculations

• For coconut oil

When the temperature is 350C, the time taken to fill the 50cc flask is 14.46 s.
Time in Redwood Seconds (T) = 10θ
= 10 × 14.46
= 144.6

B
Viscosity in Poise (ղ) = ( AT - )ρ
T

= (0.0026*144.6 – 0.4/144.6) × 0.93

= 0.3471

• For Engine oil

When the temperature is 420C, the time taken to fill the 50cc flask is 36.89 s.
Time in Redwood Seconds (T) = 10θ
= 10 × 36.89
= 368.9

B
Viscosity in Poise (ղ) = ( AT - )ρ
T

= (0.0026*368.9 – 0.4/368.9) × 0.87

= 0.8335

7
8
9
10
6 Discussion
• Using logarithmic scales for both Time (Log(Time)) and Temperature
(Log(Temperature)), the second formula, representing the line on the graph, can be
derived from the first equation by taking the logarithm of both sides of the equation.

• Relationship between Log(Time) and Log(Temperature): The graph illustrates the

correlation between the logarithm of time and the logarithm of temperature
concerning the time required to flow 50cc of each liquid as temperature changes. The
graph depicts that as temperature increases, the time taken for 50cc to flow decreases,
indicating a reduction in the flow rate of liquids. Consequently, it can be inferred that
the viscosities of both liquids decrease with rising temperature.

• Criterion used in SAE classification of Engine oil: The SAE engine oil viscosity
classification system, developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers, categorizes
engine oils based on viscosity classes. For single-grade oils and multi-grade oils, the
observed viscosity at high temperature and at low and high temperatures, respectively,
is utilized for classification. Crankcase lubricants fall within the range of 5 to 50,
while transmission and axle lubricants range from 75 to 250. A lower number
indicates easier oil flow.

• Suitability of coconut oil as an engine lubricant: By comparing the gradients of the

time vs. temperature graphs of coconut oil and Engine oil, it's evident that coconut
oil's gradient is significantly lower, indicating a slower viscosity change rate
compared to Engine oil. Consequently, coconut oil may offer a viscosity value that
remains more consistent over time than Engine oil, making it easier to use and more
predictable. Therefore, based on this criterion alone, coconut oil appears to be a
superior option for lubrication.

• Coconut oil's compatibility with requirements: Coconut oil exhibits excellent

thermal stability and oxidation resistance, making it potentially suitable as a Engine
oil. However, it has a lower specific heat capacity than Engine oil, requiring a larger
quantity for efficient usage, which is both costly and inefficient. Additionally, coconut
oil has a low melting point, rendering it unsuitable for use as a Engine oil.

• Consideration of other crucial factors: Apart from viscosity change rate with
temperature, several other factors, such as specific heat capacity and boiling point, are
crucial in selecting an oil for internal combustion (IC) engines. Engine oil is primarily
employed for engine cooling, necessitating a sufficient specific heat capacity.
Moreover, the lubricant should not reach its boiling point when exposed to engine
heat, hence requiring a high boiling point. Coconut oil's lower specific heat capacity
and boiling point render it less suitable for usage in IC engines compared to Engine
oil.

11
7 Conclusions
• Viscosity varies with the temperature. Viscosity decreases with temperature increase.
• The rate of change of viscosity with temperature of lubricant oil is higher than
coconut oil.
• Fluids that have high rate of a change of viscosity are not suitable as engine oils.
• SAE classification of engine oil is based on their viscosity under different
temperatures.
• Redwood viscometer can be used to measure the viscosity of fluids under different
temperatures.

12
8 References
[1]
“All you need to know about Redwood Viscometer - Mechanical Duniya,” Jul. 30, 2019.
https://www.mechanicalduniya.com/determination-of-viscosity-of-oil-by-redwood-
viscometer-thermodynamic practical/ #What_are_Viscosity_and_Viscometer
(accessed May 01, 2024).

[2]
“UNIT 5 FUEL ANALYSIS Structure 5.1 Introduction Objectives 5.2 Experiment No. 12 :
Determination of Viscosity of a Lubricating Oil at Different Temperatures by Redwood
Viscometer.” Accessed: May 01, 2024. [Online]. Available:
https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/28478/1/Unit-5.pdf

[3]
“Understanding Oil Viscosity,” AMSOIL Blog, Jan. 17, 2023.
https://blog.amsoil.com/understanding-oil-viscosity/

[4]
“You are being redirected...,” www.filamatic.com. https://www.filamatic.com/blog/liquid-
viscosity-what-you-need-to-know/

[5]
“Redwood Viscometer | PDF | Viscosity | Chemistry,” Scribd.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/170513996/Redwood-viscometer#

13
14