Experiment No.

6
Aim: To determine the viscosity of a given sample of a
lubricating oil using Redwood Viscometer (No.1
and No.2)

Apparatus required and reagent required

• Redwood viscometer No.1
• Stopwatch
• Lubricating Oil
Theory
Viscosity is the property of a liquid or a fluid by virtue of which it offer resistance to
its own flow. It describes the internal friction of a moving fluid. A fluid with large
viscosity resists motion because its molecular makeup gives it a lot of internal
friction. If two layer of a liquid separated by a distance ‘d’ and moving with a
relative velocity difference ‘V’ then force per unit area (F) required to maintain the
velocity difference is given by

UNITS OF VISCOSITY
C.G.S system : 1 poise = 1dyne/sec/cm2
And 1 centi poise = 1/100 poise
S.I. system : Newton second/m2 (NS/m2)
Theory
Viscosity is the most important single property of any lubricating oil.
• If the viscosity of the oil is too low, a liquid oil film cannot be maintained
between two moving surfaces and excessive wearing takes place.
• In case of heavy pressure and low speed machine less viscous oils will be easily
squeezed out hence thick viscous oil are used. Similarly, in light machine less
viscous oil are used.
• In industry viscosity of lubricating oil is determine by Redwood viscometer, the
measure of viscosity of oil is the time in seconds for 50ml. of an oil to flow
through standard orifice under a given set of conditions.
• It is of two types : (1) Redwood viscometer No.1 and ( 2) Redwood
viscometer No.2.

The difference between these two are viscometer no. 1 is used to determine the
viscosities of thin lubricating oils. It has a jet of bore diameter 1.62mm and length
10mm.

Viscometer no. 2 is used to determine the viscosities of thick lubricating oils. It has
a jet of diameter 3.8 mm and length 15mm.
 Viscometer no. 1
Thin lubricating oils
Bore diameter 1.62mm,
length 10mm

Viscometer no. 2
Thick lubricating oils
Bore diameter 3.8mm,
length 15mm
Procedure
The apparatus is leveled and water bath is filled with water. A thermometer is
placed in water bath. The oil cup is cleaned and ball of value on the agate jet to
close it. An empty cleaned Kohlrausch flask is kept just below the jet. The
experimental oil is listed in oil cup up to a pointer. A thermometer is also placed in
oil cup to read the temperature of the oil. Now water bath is heated upto a certain
temperature with constant stirring the water. When the oil acquires the desired
temperature, heating is stopped and the ball value is lifted and suspended from
thermometer jacket. The time taken for 50 ml of the oil to pass through the agate
jet and collected into Kohlrausch flask is noted. Note the value immediately close
to prevent any overflow of the oil. The experiment is repeated and the mean value
of time of flow 50ml. oil sample is reported as a result expressed in Redwood No.1
seconds at a particular temperature. Repeat the experiment at five different
temperatures and note respective times of efflux.
Observations

Sr.No. Temperature of Oil Time of flow

(degree Celsius) (sec)
1. 25
2. 40
3. 50
4.
5.
6.
 Calculation:
The experiment is repeated with an experimental oil sample and a
standard oil (or water ) liquid and the efflux time of 50 ml liquid is
noted then,
Results
The viscosity of given lubricating oil at T (degree Celsius)
is ………………….poise.
Precaution
• With a suitable solvent, properly wash the cup and receiver time.
Before repeating the test, both the cup and the receiver should be
properly dried.
• Receiving flask should be placed in such a way that the oil is
directly collected and no trace of oil is lost.
• Before testing for viscosity, filter the lubricating oil through a 100
mesh wire sieve.

Thank you