VISCOSITY DETERMINATION BY SAYBOLT VISCOMETER

Experiment 7
Group # 9 Tamse, Jan Marvin M.
1. Introduction
1.1
This experiment aims at determining the kinematic and dynamic viscosity of
petroleum sample at different test temperatures.
2. Theoretical Background
2.1
Viscosity is a measure of the flow properties of a given oil. This will give you an
insight on what to use in different working temperatures since viscosity changes
with changes in temperature

[8.3]

. To determine the viscosity of an oil, there are

different tests used but they all share similar principle. They all measure the time
required for a standard amount of oil at a specific temperature to flow by gravity
through a hole having specified dimensions [8.2].
2.2
There are problems brought by the high viscosity of an oil [8.3]:
2.2.1 Difficult to pump thus resulting into pumping losses
2.2.2 Insufficient oil reaches the burner causing problems in starting
2.2.3 Poor atomization will result due to insufficient preheating
2.3
There are also problems brought by low viscosity of an oil [8.3]:
2.3.1 Too much oil will be pumped so there will be an incomplete combustion
2.3.2 Loss of heat will result due to the low-Btu values of a low-viscosity oil.
2.3.3 Pump slippage can occur due to low viscosity
3. Material/Equipment Used
3.1
Oil Tube
3.2
Receiver
3.3
Bath
3.4
Oil Thermometers
4. Methodology
4.1
A 60 mL amount of petroleum sample was obtained.
4.2
Test temperatures for Saybolt Universal Viscometer were used.
4.3
The sample was cooled or heated depending on the test temperature.
4.4
The sample was then placed in the oil tube.
4.5
The time was then recorded until the meniscus of the oil reaches the mark of the
receiver flask.
4.6
Calculation was then done.
5. Data and Discussion

5.1

Sample: SAE 10
Temp

23
39
52
99

SSU

345
255
190
150

Oil Density

52.92
-

Abs. Viscosity

Kinematic Viscosity

cP

Lb/ft

cst

ft3/s

60
42
25
20

sec
.043
.026
.017
.010

75
45
35
25

.00085
.000502
.00035
.00022

6. Conclusion
6.1
As shown in the data and discussions, the different kinematic viscosities and
dynamic viscosities were shown. Viscosity is one of the important characteristics
as this gives an indication of the rate at which the oil will flow in the system and
ease in the atomization

[8.1]

. Viscosity is often used as a consideration in selecting

lubricating oil. With this, the viscosity of a lubricating oil must conform to the
speed, load, and temperature conditions of the lubricated part [8.2].
7. Recommendation
7.1
It is recommended that a separate pre-heating or pre-cooling (depending on the
7.2

test temperature) be used to save time.

It is also recommended that a saybolt viscometer having a digital temperature

screen be used to be able to obtain accurate data.

8. Bibliography
8.1
Salvatore, J. Rand. Significance of Tests for Petroleum Products. ASTM Stock
8.2

No: MNL1-7th.
Bloch, Heinz. Practical Lubrication For Industrial Facilities. 2nd ed. Lilburn:

8.3

The Fairmont Press, Inc, 2009.

Schimdt, Paul Frank. Fuel Oil Manual. 4th ed. New York: Industrial Press Inc.,
1985. Print.