PRODUCTS
Viscoball viscometers
Dynamic 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
Kinematic Viscometer Types
Hoppler Viscometer (Falling Ball)
Measures accurately the viscosity of transparent Newtonian liquids and gasses (with a special glass ball)
Main Features
- High accuracy through improved visibility of the falling ball.
- Minimized test time due to accurate return run of the ball.
- Reduced cost of ownership through increased lifetime of falling tube.
- Extended re-calibration periods through improved bearing support.
The Viscoball viscometer is mainly used for low viscosity substances such as used in:
- Mineral oil industry (oils, liquid hydrocarbons, …).
- Food industry (sugar solution, beer, milk, gelatine, fruit juice, …).
- Chemical industry (polymer solutions, solvents, resin solutions, latex dispersions,
- adhesive solutions, …).
- Cosmetic/Pharmaceutical industry (raw materials, glycerine, emulsions, suspensions,
- solutions, extracts, …).
- Petroleum industry (light crude, machine oil, crude petroleum,…).
- Fuels (petrol, diesel oil, paraffin, …).
- Paper industry (emulsions, pigment dispersion, paper additives, …).
- Paints and varnishes (printing inks, varnishes, water lacquers, inks,…).
- Detergents (liquid washing agents, washing-up liquids, tenside solutions,…).
Measuring principle
The rolling and sliding movements of a ball through the sample liquid are timed in an inclined cylindrical measuring tube. The sample viscosity is correlated to the time the ball requires to travel a defined distance. By turning the measuring tube upside down again the return of the ball may also be used for an additional measurement applying the return constant. The test results are given as dynamic viscosity in the internationally standardized, absolute units of mPa·s.
HOPPLER VICOMETER (Falling Ball)
Accessories
Today’s business world brings new challenges that demand innovative solutions. Fungilab’s aim, as a leading viscosity technology company, is to become an expertise partner in the viscosity world to offer you our best products and services.
To provide you and your customers with this necessary attention and an expertise support, Fungilab offers a wide range of products for the measuring of the kinematic viscosity of your products.
Our kinematic series include: the Höppler viscometer (falling ball), for the measurement of the low viscosity liquids in all industries; capillary viscometer series and baths, in accordance to ASTM and DIN methods, to obtain the most accurate viscosity of your liquids; and flow cup viscometers, suitable for paints, inks, varnishes and similar products.
Kinematic viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow under the influence of gravity. It’s defined as the ratio of the fluid’s dynamic (absolute) viscosity to its density. In other words, it describes how thick or thin a fluid is without the involvement of any external force except gravity.
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 Viscoball
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.
