The physical properties of a liquid affect many aspects of its behavior, and that includes how those properties are measured. A viscometer is an instrument used to measure the viscosity of a liquid, and the main physical properties must be taken into account to ensure an accurate measurement. In this way, the viscosity measurement is reported for certain conditions, which may be normal conditions, or under the conditions of use of the substance.
A viscometer is a measuring device used to measure the viscosity of a liquid. This viscosity is a measure of the resistance a liquid face when attempting to move or flow through a pipe or material. It is the amount of friction generated between the molecules of the liquid that makes it behave like a viscous substance, so it is one of the main properties that influence the fluidity of a liquid.
What are the devices used to measure viscosity?
There are two main types of viscometers, temporary and relational viscometers. Time-based viscometers are designed to measure viscosity as a function of time. These liquids are placed in a graduated cylinder or a rotating bottom that moves at a constant speed. Viscosity is measured by classifying the time it takes for the liquid to flow. Relational viscometers measure viscosity through the use of a pair of rotating disks.
In that sense, one of the disks moves at a constant speed, while the other remains static. Viscosity is determined by calculating the resistance faced by the moving disc. This is known as the “viscosity factor”, and depends to a large extent on the density of the liquid, as well as the temperature of the liquid and its impurity content. In view of this, viscosity measurements are a complex function of the interactions of the sample components.
Some of the main physical properties that affect viscosity measurement with viscometers are density, temperature, impurity content and cooling state. The density of a liquid is a measure of its mass per unit volume. Typically, a denser liquid is also more viscous, which means that its measurement with a viscometer can be affected by the density.
What are the most relevant physical properties involved in viscosity measurement?
As previously stated, temperature affects viscosity. When the temperature of a liquid increases, its viscosity decreases, and vice versa. It is important to take this property into account when using a viscometer, since a measurement made at a lower temperature can reveal a much higher result than a measurement made at a higher temperature.
The degree of impurities in a liquid also affects the viscosity measurement with viscometers. Purer liquids will be less viscous and more fluid, which means that it will take less time to measure viscosity with a viscometer. It is important to ensure that the sample being measured has been well filtered and has a low impurity content before taking measurements. Finally, the degree of cooling must also be taken into account when using a viscometer.
As a liquid cools, its viscosity increases, so it is important to take into account the degree of cooling of the liquid before taking the measurement. In conclusion, physical properties are of great importance to ensure accurate measurements in a viscometer. The main factors affecting viscosity measurement with viscometers are density, temperature, impurity content and degree of cooling. By taking these factors into account, anyone with a viscometer can take accurate measurements.
Measuring viscosity with Kalstein viscometers
When measuring viscosity with equipment from the manufacturer Kalstein, the measuring conditions must be clearly established. In the case of the YR05864 – YR05865 kinematic rotational viscometer, the temperature of the sample being studied can be measured and viscosity readings of up to two million cps can be given with an accuracy of about 2%. For those interested in purchasing our equipment and to review our sales prices, please go to HERE and HERE.
