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Measurement of Kinematic Viscosity of Engine Oils by Capillary Viscometer (CAT#: STEM-PPA-0002-YJL)

Introduction

Engine oil ensures smooth engine operation through its lubricating and cooling effects; yet, with time and use, it becomes subject to degradation processes. High temperature; solid impurities (such as soot, coke, products of tribological wear of the engine, corrosion products, etc.); and the external ones (moisture, air dust, air, and other gases), as well as shear, oxidation, and nitration processes are some of the key factors contributing to the degradation of engine oil. It is then particularly important to monitor the properties of oil; especially, as its degradation can eventually lead to engine damage or failure. A regular replacement of oil forms an essential part of a car maintenance program. The assessment of oil viscosity makes it possible to select an appropriate interval between subsequent oil changes, which has a significant impact on the operating and maintenance costs (operation and maintenance) .




Principle

A capillary viscometer is an instrument used to measure the viscosity, or thickness, of a liquid by measuring how long it takes the liquid to flow through a small-diameter tube, or capillary. The flow, or efflux, time is directly proportional to the liquid's kinematic viscosity, and may be converted directly to viscosity by use of a conversion factor unique to each instrument. Viscosity is generally temperature dependent, so the capillary viscometer is usually used in a controlled-temperature water bath set to a specific temperature.
The capillary method is used to determine the viscosity of a Newtonian fluid (a liquid with a viscosity independent of the shearing stress or rate of shear). Capillary viscometer calculations are performed using suspended level capillary viscometers and Ostwald-type capillary viscometers.

Applications

Mineral oil industry; Food industry; Cosmetic/pharmaceutical industry; Petroleum industry

Procedure

1. Select the capillary viscometer and load the sample.
2. Adjust the bath temperature.
3. Determine the efflux time of the sample.

Materials

• Sample Type: Newtonian fluid