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Viscoball viscometers
+ infoDynamic viscosity measurement for laboratory and industrial applications
Dynamic viscosity measurement is essential for evaluating how liquids and semi-solid materials resist flow under applied force. Accurate viscosity data supports product development, quality control and process optimisation across a wide range of industries.
Fungilab provides complete dynamic viscosity measurement solutions based on precision rotational viscometers, temperature control systems and specialized accessories designed to deliver reliable, repeatable and traceable laboratory results.
Whether measuring low-viscosity liquids or highly viscous materials, Fungilab offers instruments adapted to routine laboratory testing as well as demanding research applications.
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 falling-ball viscometers for laboratory viscosity testing
Viscoball viscometers determine dynamic viscosity by measuring the time required for a precisely calibrated ball to fall through a liquid under the influence of gravity. This well-established measuring principle provides highly accurate and repeatable results for transparent Newtonian fluids.
The falling-ball method is particularly suitable for laboratories requiring reference-quality measurements, product verification and compliance with recognised testing standards.
How the falling-ball method works
The sample is introduced into a precision glass measuring tube containing a calibrated ball. Under controlled temperature conditions, the time required for the ball to travel between two reference marks is measured and converted into dynamic viscosity using the instrument calibration constants.
Typical applications
- Mineral oils.
- Silicone oils.
- Lubricants.
- Petroleum products.
- Chemical solutions.
- Pharmaceutical liquids.
- Research laboratories.
- Calibration and quality control laboratories.
Complementary viscosity measurement solutions
Fungilab also manufactures a complete range of rotational viscometers for applications involving Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, including the Viscolead Series and the V-Series.
For laboratories performing kinematic viscosity measurements, Fungilab supplies capillary viscometers, including Ubbelohde and Cannon-Fenske Routine models.
Importance of temperature control
Accurate viscosity determination requires precise thermal stability. Fungilab provides heating circulators and refrigerated circulators to maintain constant sample temperatures throughout the measurement process.
Calibration and verification
Routine verification using certified viscosity standard oils helps ensure measurement accuracy, repeatability and full laboratory traceability.
Advantages of Viscoball viscometers
- High measurement accuracy.
- Excellent repeatability.
- Ideal for transparent Newtonian liquids.
- Simple and reliable measurement principle.
- Suitable for research and quality control laboratories.
- Compatible with precision temperature-controlled testing.
Frequently asked questions about the Viscolead ADV
What is a Viscoball viscometer?
A Viscoball viscometer is a falling-ball viscometer used to determine the dynamic viscosity of transparent Newtonian liquids by measuring the travel time of a calibrated ball.
Which liquids can be measured?
Viscoball viscometers are suitable for transparent Newtonian liquids such as mineral oils, silicone oils, lubricants, solvents and many chemical solutions.
How does the falling-ball method work?
The instrument measures the time required for a calibrated ball to fall through the sample under controlled temperature conditions and converts this value into dynamic viscosity.
Why is temperature control important?
Viscosity is temperature dependent, so maintaining constant thermal conditions is essential for obtaining accurate and repeatable measurements.
Which industries commonly use Viscoball viscometers?
They are widely used in petroleum, lubricant, pharmaceutical, chemical, research and calibration laboratories.
Can Viscoball viscometers measure non-Newtonian fluids?
The falling-ball method is primarily intended for transparent Newtonian liquids. Rotational viscometers are generally preferred for non-Newtonian materials.
How is measurement accuracy verified?
Routine verification using certified viscosity standard oils helps maintain accurate, repeatable and traceable viscosity measurements.
What are the main advantages of Viscoball viscometers?
They offer high precision, excellent repeatability, a simple measurement principle and reliable dynamic viscosity determination for transparent Newtonian liquids.
