Determination of Viscosity Using Mechanical Viscotesters

Gapaz, Gatpayat, Gonzales, Gutierrez, Ha

2A-BC

Abstract
Mechanical viscometers are widely used in varied applications in the materials science and
chemical industries such as oil, asphalt, plastics, wax, paints, coatings, and adhesives. It measures
the viscosity of the liquid sample using the torque in a designated rotating spindle. The aim of
this experiment is to learn and understand the concept of the how mechanical viscotesters are
used and how it determines the viscosity of liquids. Each group of students performed the
experiment using different kinds of liquid sample. The samples that are used were cooking oil,
baby oil, lotion, shampoo, sanitizer, dishwashing liquid, chocolate drink, and cornstarch. First,
the viscotester was turned on, removed the attached spindle, press for autozeroing then replace
it with an appropriate spindle, and press options for the desired temperature and viscosity units,
after that, choose the corresponding spindle code and press start. The procedures were repeated
for all the liquid samples. The calculated viscometer data was multiplied by the factor of the
spindle and speed in the given table for RV series viscometer. As results, the viscosity of the liquid
samples is dependent on the spindle speed and sized that are used.

Introduction

A Viscometer is an instrument used to measure the viscosities in most circumstances.

They work for fluids whose viscosity does not change under varying flow conditions. It usually
works by comparing a stationary object and a fluid flow or moved through a stationary liquid
(Hinrichsen, 2019). A specific viscometer was used to measure the viscosity of the sample, it is
called, “rotational viscometer”, it is to measure the resistance of the fluids to torque.

Methodology
We used RV series Brookfield’ Viscometer to determine the viscosity of the substance.
First, we cleaned the beaker guard with distilled water to prevent any residual left from the first
group. Spindle, speed and temperature were chosen according to the viscosity of the samples.
The liquid samples were poured into a 500mL beaker and placed it below the machine in the
center of the spindle shaft, adjusting the height of the viscometer and placing the marker level
to the surface of the liquid sample. The chosen spindle will be attached to the rotor and then
starting the motor on. The monitor displayed the viscosity, temperature, rotation speed and
percent torque. We recorded the viscosity and repeated it for three trials. After using the
viscometer, we washed the beaker guard and spindle with distilled water.

Results and Discussion

To get the measurement of a viscosity, the reading will be multiplied by the factor
appropriate to the viscometer model, spindle, speed combination being used in the experiment.
The dial reading was converted to viscosity in cP (mPa*s) using equation 1, below:
Dial reading x Factor = Viscosity in cP equation (1)

Table 1. Group Data

Group 1 Dishwashing Liquid

Trial Dial Reading Spindle Speed Factor Viscosity

1 23000 920000

2 23280 4 50 40 931200

3 23840 953600

Mean 23373.33333

Group 2: Shampoo

Trial Dial Reading Spindle Speed Factor Viscosity

1 10800 864000

2 10800 5 50 80 864000

3 10800 864000

Mean 10800

Group 3: Cooking Oil

 Trial Dial Reading Spindle Speed Factor Viscosity

1 76 1520

2 78 4 100 20 1560

3 76 1520

Mean 76.66666667

Group 4: Hand Sanitizer

Trial Dial Reading Spindle Speed Factor Viscosity

1 55520 44416000

2 54400 4 2.5 800 43520000

3 53440 42720000

Mean 54453.33333

Group 5: Cornstarch

Trial Dial Reading Spindle Speed Factor Viscosity

1 11.6 464

2 11.6 5 100 40 464

3 12.8 512

Mean 12

Group 6: Chocolate Drink

Trial Dial Reading Spindle Speed Factor Viscosity

1 47 940

2 46 3 50 20 920

3 46 920

Mean 46.33333333

Group 7 Baby Oil

Trial Dial Reading Spindle Speed Factor Viscosity

1 16 4 100 20 320
 2 16 320

3 16 320

Mean 16

Group 8 Baby Lotion

Trial Dial Reading Spindle Speed Factor Viscosity

1 2980 1192000

2 3280 7 100 400 1312000

3 3870 1548000

Mean 3376.666667

Based on the results, it shows that viscosity is proportional to the spindle speed and is related to
the spindle’s size and shape. For a material of a given viscosity, the resistance will be greater as
the spindle size or rotational speed increase. The higher the viscosity of the substance, the
viscous it is, and the lower of the viscosity of the substance, the less viscous it is.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The purpose of this lab was to determine the viscosities of liquids using mechanical
viscotesters. We now know that using mechanical viscotesters allows us to measure viscosity
through a varying flow conditions of the sample material being tested. We also learned
techniques how to operate, to handle different kind of liquids pertaining to RV which is for
medium viscosities, and to calculate the viscosity of the material.

References:

Viscometer. (2019, September 9). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viscometer

Hinrichsen, E. (2018, November 12). Types of Viscosity Measurement Devices: Viscometers and
Rheometers. Retrieved from https://www.brighthubengineering.com/fluid-mechanics-
hydraulics/83996-viscosity-measurement-equipment/