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Home >> Products >> Industrial Specialized Testing >> Various Testing >> Kinematic Viscosity Tester, Capillary Viscometer

Kinematic Viscosity Tester, Capillary Viscometer

Model: UT2100D, ASTM D445/ASTM D446, ISO 3104/ISO 3105

It can time the movement of a sample and automatically calculate the final result of kinematic viscosity. This method is suitable for determining the kinematic viscosity of liquid petroleum products (referring to Newtonian fluids), with units of m²/s, commonly expressed in practice as mm²/s. Dynamic viscosity can be obtained by multiplying the measured kinematic viscosity by the density of the liquid. This method measures the time it takes for a certain volume of liquid to flow under gravity through a calibrated glass capillary viscometer at a constant temperature. The product of the viscometer's capillary constant and the flow time gives the kinematic viscosity of the liquid at that temperature. The product of the kinematic viscosity and the density of the liquid at the same temperature gives the dynamic viscosity at that temperature.

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General Introduction

UT2100C Kinematic Viscosity Tester / Kinematic Viscometer is equipped with both dynamic viscosity testing and viscosity index calculation functions.

A kinematic viscometer is a standardized instrument used to measure the kinematic viscosity ν of liquids (unit: mm²/s, i.e., cSt). The most common and core form in the industry is the glass capillary kinematic viscometer (used with a constant temperature bath and precise timing), as well as the fully automated kinematic viscometer developed based on it.

Kinematic viscosity is defined as dynamic viscosity divided by density, and it describes the difference in 'flow speed' of different fluids under the same gravitational drive—it is one of the most critical pieces of data for oil grading, formula release, and equipment lubrication matching.

Key Features

Features
Principle
Core Functions
Different type introduction
Standard

1. Color touchscreen LCD, English character display, clear and easy to operate.
2. Set viscometer constants and control temperature values; the instrument has a memory function.
3. Uses imported sensors and software temperature control technology, with a wide temperature control range and high temperature control accuracy.
4. Non-volatile calendar clock, automatically displays the current time on startup.
5. The instrument can choose to test kinematic viscosity or dynamic viscosity.
6. The instrument has a built-in viscosity index calculator, which is very convenient.

7. Mainly consists of a heating tube, capillary tube, test rack, stirring motor, cabinet thermostat bath, lighting, electrical control components, LCD screen, printer, and other parts.

Following Poiseuille's law, in a constant temperature environment, a measured amount of the liquid to be tested is injected into a glass capillary viscometer calibrated with a constant. The liquid flows through the capillary at a constant speed under its own gravity. A photoelectric sensor (or manually) accurately records the time it takes for the liquid level to pass the upper and lower standard graduation lines. Using the capillary calibration constant, the kinematic viscosity is calculated according to the formula:

Core calculation formula: (V = C X t)

(V) = kinematic viscosity (unit: mm^2/s), commonly centistokes cSt); C = capillary constant (factory calibrated); t = average flow time of the liquid (s).

Derived calculation: dynamic viscosity = kinematic viscosity × liquid density; at the same time, the viscosity index of the oil can be calculated based on multi-temperature point data.

National standards requirement: the flow time of ordinary samples shall not be less than 200 s; for low viscosity samples, it is recommended to be no less than 350 s to reduce errors caused by kinetic energy corrections.

Basic Testing: Measure the kinematic viscosity of various transparent and opaque Newtonian fluids and convert it to dynamic viscosity, which is a fundamental fluid property testing item;

Viscosity Index Calculation: For oils such as lubricating oil and hydraulic oil, automatically calculate the viscosity index to evaluate the oil's temperature-viscosity performance;

Parallel Comparative Testing: Multiple channels simultaneously test multiple sample sets for raw material comparison, formula screening, and batch stability monitoring;

Characteristic Viscosity Testing: Using Ubbelohde viscometer to measure the characteristic viscosity of polymer solutions and indirectly calculate the polymer's viscosity-average molecular weight;

Data Management: Automatically store test data and curves, support data query, export, and printing, meeting data traceability requirements;

Expanded Functions: High and low-temperature models can simulate extreme cold and hot conditions to test the viscosity changes of oils in extreme environments.

1, Pinklevitch Viscometer: Also called “Pinshi”, it has a U-shaped structure with two bulbs, no side tube, requiring precise control of liquid volume (fixed volume between upper and lower marks), and flows by gravity. English name: Pinklevitch viscometer, commonly used for high-precision kinematic viscosity measurement (such as standard oils and solvents), compliant with GB/T 265 and ASTM D445, but not suitable for dilute solutions or polymer systems.

2, Ostwald Viscometer: A U-shaped glass tube with two bulbs and a capillary, no side tube, requiring equal volumes of test liquid and reference liquid (such as water) to flow through the capillary separately. English name: Ostwald viscometer (or W. Ostwald viscometer), simple structure, low cost, suitable for Newtonian fluids and low-viscosity pure liquids (such as water, ethanol, serum), used for measuring kinematic viscosity.

3, Ubbelohde Viscometer: Based on the Ostwald viscometer with an added side arm (air-support branch), which can be connected to the atmosphere, allowing the liquid column to “fall freely” under gravity without being affected by pressure fluctuations. English name: Ubbelohde viscometer (or Cannon-Ubbelohde), does not require strict equal volumes, suitable for measuring the intrinsic viscosity of high polymer dilute solutions (can be diluted online), avoids turbulence, high precision, compliant with GB/T 1632 and ASTM D2857.

4, Cannon-Fenske Viscometer: A straight or inverted U-shaped gravity viscometer improved by the American Cannon company, usually with a single-bulb capillary and a wide liquid reservoir section, no side tube but with optimized capillary position, suitable for opaque or turbid liquids (such as asphalt and lubricating oil). English name: Cannon-Fenske viscometer, compliant with ASTM D2170, requires a small sample volume, fast measurement, but not suitable for high polymer solutions that require dilution.

ISO 3104/ISO 3105: International standard for kinematic viscosity of petroleum products, commonly used in global trade;
ASTM D445/ASTM D446: American Society for Testing and Materials standards, essential for entry into European and American markets;
IP 71: UK standard for testing the viscosity of petroleum products;
ASTM D2170: Standard dedicated to testing the viscosity of asphalt and heavy oils at high temperatures.

GB/T 265 "Determination of Kinematic Viscosity of Petroleum Products and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity": Core mandatory standard for petroleum, lubricating oil, and fuel oil, most widely used domestically;
GB/T 1841 "Test Method for Viscosity of Polyolefin Resin Dilute Solutions": Detection of polymer viscosity;
SH/T 0173 "Technical Conditions for Glass Capillary Viscometers": Standard dedicated to capillary calibration;
GB/T 30515 "Determination of Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquid Petroleum Products": Suitable for all types of oils.

Main parameters

Number of liquid bath holes	4 pcs
Kinematic viscosity measurement range	0.5~20000 mm²/s
Dynamic viscosity measurement range	0.3~40000 mPa·s
Temperature control range	Room temperature +5℃ to 120℃
Temperature control accuracy	≤±0.02℃ below 70℃; ≤±0.03℃ from 70℃ to 120℃
Power supply	50Hz, 220V Single phase
Heating power	800W

Frequently Asked Questions

What languages does your operating system support?

Our operating systems generally support English. However, we can also offer Russian and other languages upon request based on your specific needs.
How about the packaging of the instrument and is it protected during transportation?

Our testing machines are packed in standard export wooden boxes and will not be damaged. We have delivered many test machines abroad by sea or air without damage.
How about your warranty?

Usually, our warranty period is 12 months. During the warranty period, we can provide technical support and parts replacement. We can provide you with lifelong technical support.

Detailed Explanation of Four Capillary Viscometers (Structure, Principle, Characteristics, Standards, Applicable Scenarios)

1. Pinkevitch Viscometer
1.1 Structural Features
Dual-tube structure, no independent vent pipe, integrated liquid storage + chronograph ball, the entire glass tube is used vertically; Testing must strictly control the fixed sample volume; the liquid level height directly affects the liquid column pressure and test results; A full range of capillary tube thicknesses and specifications are available, suitable for medium to high viscosity oils.
1.2 Core Strengths and Weaknesses
Advantages: sturdy structure, simple operation, low cost, wear-resistant, suitable for conventional industrial batch testing; The domestic petroleum industry's standard standard specification (1833 series).
Disadvantages: Sample volume must be precise, and volume deviations can lead to systematic errors; Not suitable for solution dilution tests.
1.3 Applicable samples and scenarios
Preferentially used in various transparent petroleum products: lubricating oil, diesel, engine oil, hydraulic oil, base oil, and other Newton oils; It is the main testing instrument for domestic refining and lubricating oil factories.
1.4 Implement Standards
Domestic: GB/T 265, SH/T 0173, GB 1660; International: ISO 3105.

2. Ostwald Viscometer
2.1 Structural Features
The classic U-shaped double-tube structure, with no side tubes or suspension columns, is one of the earliest capillary viscometers to be used; Relying on the liquid level difference on both sides of the U-shaped tube generates driving force, which requires extremely high sample volume.
2.2 Core Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages: Extremely simple structure, low cost, compact size, the top choice for teaching experiments.
Disadvantages: Many sources of error (volume, tilt, vibration), low test accuracy; Unable to conduct dilution series tests, repeated testing operations are cumbersome.
2.3 Applicable Samples and Scenarios
Used only for teaching experiments, basic comparative tests, and low-precision screening; Suitable for dilute solvents, clean water, and low-viscosity transparent liquids; Industrial quality inspection is rarely used.
2.4 Implementation of Standards
Mostly used as teaching methods in universities, without mandatory national industrial standards, commonly found in university chemistry and chemical engineering basic laboratory specifications.

3. Ubbelohde Viscometer
3.1 Structural Features
Three-tube suspension column type (core signature structure) with independent atmospheric branch pipes; During testing, an independent suspended column is formed, and the results are independent of injection volume, allowing the sample to be diluted multiple times in the original tube without needing to reload.
3.2 Core Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages: Highest testing accuracy, good parallelism; Supports gradient dilution tests, making it a specialized instrument for polymer materials; It has strong temperature adaptability, and the viscometer constant is less affected by temperature.
Disadvantages: Complex glass piping, higher price than Pine's and Aussie; Capillaries are easily clogged, requiring high sample cleanliness.
3.3 Applicable Samples and Scenarios
Main products include dilute polymer solutions: PET, PP, PVC, resins, chemical fibers, rubber solutions; Used to determine characteristic viscosity and estimate viscosity-average molecular weight, and can also be used for detection of transparent solutions in fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
3.4 Implement Standards
Domestic: GB/T 1628, HG/T 2626; International: ISO 1628, ASTM D4020, ISO 3104.

4. Cannon / Cannon-Fenske Viscometer
It is divided into two main subcategories: conventional type (transparent samples) and countercurrent type (opaque samples). It is the mainstream industrial viscometer in the European and American markets, widely used by domestic foreign trade enterprises and foreign-related laboratories.
4.1 Structural Features
Standard Cannon-Fenske (transparent version): Double-tube structure, design close to Pine, compact structure, high mechanical strength, compatible with European and American standard thermostatic baths;
Counterflow Cannon-Fenske (Opaque Version): The timing section is located on the upward path of the liquid column, specifically addressing the problem of dark, cloudy oils not being able to observe the downward liquid level.
4.2 Core Strengths and Weaknesses
Advantages: comprehensive series, specifications covering an ultra-wide viscosity range; Traceable NIST standards, highly internationally recognized; The counterflow model can measure dark oils (crude oil, heavy oil, waste oil).
Disadvantages: Imported models are priced relatively high; The standard model still requires fixed injection volume and does not support polymer dilution tests.
4.3 Applicable samples and scenarios
Conventional type: transparent petroleum products and solvents under European and American standards;
Counterflow type: dark, turbid, oils containing trace impurities (crude oil, fuel oil, asphalt, in-use waste engine oil);
Main clients: foreign trade oil enterprises, customs commodity inspection, foreign-invested laboratories, factories implementing ASTM standards.
4.4 Standards are enforced
International mainstream methods: ASTM D445, ASTM D446, IP 71; equivalent to domestic international testing laboratories.