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Kinematic viscometers
+ infoKinematic viscometers for precise viscosity determination
Kinematic viscometers are laboratory instruments used to determine the kinematic viscosity of liquids by measuring the time required for a defined volume of fluid to flow through a calibrated glass capillary under the influence of gravity.
Widely used in petroleum, lubricant, chemical and research laboratories, kinematic viscometers provide highly accurate and repeatable measurements in accordance with internationally recognised testing standards.
Fungilab offers complete kinematic viscosity solutions, including precision capillary viscometers, temperature-controlled baths and accessories for reliable and traceable laboratory measurements.
Our products
Viscolead Series
Viscolead ONE
Viscolead ADV
Accessories
LABORATORY DIVISION
Dynamic viscosity
Viscosity is part of the science of Rheology which quantifies the resistance materials give to changing shape.
Proper interpretation of viscosity data can reduce the rate of rejects while keeping production and formulation development costs to a minimum. Consistent product quality is ensured through proper viscosity measurements, either alone or in conjunction with compatible tests.
Dynamic viscosity testing can help with:
- Material characterization or “finger-printing”
- Standard testing methods to check for differences between batches
- Indirect way of measuring quality
- Product formulation
- Quality control
- Process control
- Design, optimization and operation of process equipment
Material characterization or “finger-printing”
Standard testing methods to check for differences between batches
Indirect way of measuring quality
Product formulation
Quality control
Process control
Design, optimization and operation of process equipment
Viscosity types
Dynamic viscosity
Centipoise (mPa*s)
Kinematic viscosity
Centistokes (mm2/sec)
Apparent viscosity
Centipoise (mPa*s)
Newton’s Law
According to Newton’s law, the viscosity of a fluid is constant. As shear rate changes, shear stress changes in proportion such that viscosity is constant. Common fluids that exhibit such behavior are:
Unfortunately for us, not all fluids follow Newton’s law. In fact, most fluids do not. For this reason, fluids are classified into two categories:
Rotational Viscometer
The viscosity is calculated from the measured torque and rotational speed, as well as the dimensions of the measuring geometry.
A fluid’s resistance to flow is measured by the torque it exerts on the rotating shaft of the viscometer.
Absolute viscosity: the measuring geometry fulfills certain requirements (which is the case of coaxial spindles).
Relative viscosity: the dimensions of the measuring geometry are not well defined.
Advantage
Flexibility in:
- Viscosity Range
- Temperature range
- Shear rate range
Application
For Newtonian and non-Newtonian substances and temperatures different from room temperature.
Professional kinematic viscometers for laboratory applications
Kinematic viscometers determine the kinematic viscosity of transparent or opaque liquids by measuring the time required for the sample to flow through a calibrated glass capillary at a precisely controlled temperature. The measured flow time is converted into kinematic viscosity using the calibration constant of the viscometer.
This measurement technique is widely recognised for its excellent accuracy and repeatability, making it the preferred method for lubricant analysis, petroleum testing and many laboratory quality control procedures.
Fungilab capillary viscometer range
Fungilab offers several types of capillary viscometers to suit different applications:
- Ubbelohde viscometers.
- Cannon-Fenske Routine viscometers.
- BS/U-Tube viscometers for transparent liquids.
- BS/U-Tube viscometers for opaque liquids.
Precision temperature control
Accurate temperature control is essential because kinematic viscosity is highly temperature dependent. Fungilab provides the THERMOCAP precision bath, specifically designed to maintain exceptional thermal stability during capillary viscosity measurements.
Applications of kinematic viscometers
- Lubricating oils.
- Petroleum products.
- Hydraulic fluids.
- Industrial oils.
- Fuels.
- Chemical products.
- Research laboratories.
Calibration and verification
To maintain laboratory measurement quality, kinematic viscosity systems can be verified using certified viscosity standard oils. These reference materials help ensure traceability, instrument performance and long-term measurement reliability.
Kinematic versus dynamic viscosity
Kinematic viscosity measures the resistance of a liquid to flow under gravity, whereas dynamic viscosity measures the force required to move one layer of fluid over another. For dynamic viscosity measurements, Fungilab also manufactures professional rotational viscometers suitable for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian materials.
Frequently asked questions about the Viscolead ADV
What is a kinematic viscometer?
A kinematic viscometer measures the kinematic viscosity of a liquid by determining the time required for the sample to flow through a calibrated capillary under gravity.
Which industries use kinematic viscometers?
Kinematic viscometers are widely used in petroleum, lubricant, chemical, pharmaceutical and research laboratories.
Why is temperature control important?
Kinematic viscosity changes significantly with temperature, making precise thermal control essential for obtaining accurate and repeatable results.
Which capillary viscometers does Fungilab offer?
Fungilab supplies Ubbelohde, Cannon-Fenske Routine and BS/U-Tube capillary viscometers for both transparent and opaque liquids.
What is THERMOCAP?
THERMOCAP is Fungilab's precision temperature-controlled bath designed specifically for highly accurate capillary viscosity measurements.
How can instrument performance be verified?
Routine verification using certified viscosity standard oils helps ensure accurate, repeatable and traceable viscosity measurements.
What is the difference between kinematic and dynamic viscosity?
Kinematic viscosity measures a liquid's resistance to flow under gravity, while dynamic viscosity measures its resistance to shear when an external force is applied.
Which liquids are commonly tested with kinematic viscometers?
They are commonly used for lubricating oils, fuels, petroleum products, hydraulic fluids, industrial oils and other Newtonian liquids.
