Southwest Research Institute offers viscosity testing services in several different ways using a viscometer, which offers highly accurate and repeatable measurement of fluids. A common method of measuring viscosity is a rotational test, wherein a volume of fluid is sheared at a controlled rate and temperature.
The Anton Paar SVM 3000 viscometer is able to perform testing for density as well as dynamic and kinematic viscosity
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to deform and flow under an applied stress. It describes the internal friction of the fluid components. Essentially, it is a measure of how “thin” or “thick” a fluid appears under a certain stress and environment. SwRI utilizes two rotary type viscometers to measure fluid viscosity at different shear rates and temperatures:
- Anton Paar SVM 3000 Stabinger Viscometer
- Measures dynamic and kinematic viscosity, and density
- Sample volume: 2.5mL
- Temperature range: Ambient – 105C
- Shear range: 10^2, constant
- PCS Instruments Ultra Shear Viscometer
- Measures dynamic viscosity at very high shear rates
- Sample volume: 4.5mL
- Temperature range: 40-150C
- Shear range: 10^6 – 10^7 1/s
Viscosity Test Methods
SwRI offers a variety of viscosity test procedures and viscosity measurement methods, including:
- ASTM D445
- ASTM D6448
- ASTM D2270
- ASTM D2501
- ASTM D6074
- ASTM D6823
- ASTM D7042
- ASTM D7152
In addition to standard viscosity testing, SwRI offers rheology testing for more comprehensive and customized fluid evaluations. Rheology testing for viscosity includes:
- Temperature sweeps in the range of -20C – 200C
- Shear sweeps in the range of 0 1/s – 45,000 1/s
- Pressurized viscosity in the range of 0psi – 6000psi (1bar – 400bar)
- Viscosity under electric field (AC and DC) – Electro-rheology
- Complex viscosity of viscoelastic fluids
Watch the SwRI Tribology team in action.
Related Services
Or call Peter Lee at +1 210 522 5545.