Mutah University

Faculty of Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering

Heat Transfer & Thermodynamics Lab 0404423

A Report About Measurement of Viscosity

Experiment no. 4

Instructor: Eng. Madallah Al Tarawneh

Student Name Student Number

Arwa Msallam Lassassmeh 120210414019
Rayan Othman Al Masri 120210414078
Ro’a Baker Al Btoush 120210414050
Sarah Muneer Abu Alkhair 120210414081
• Objectives

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the viscosity of a liquid

through the application of two distinct viscometers:

1. Falling ball viscometer

2. Redwood viscometer.

• Abstract

This experiment was carried out to investigate both the kinematic and
dynamic viscosities of two oils, the hydraulic oil and the engine oil.
Viscosity is crucial as it dictates liquid flow and behaviour, impacting
industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and engineering. For
example, it ensures efficient application of paints, the proper delivery of
injectable drugs, and the smooth operation of lubricants in engines.
Additionally, it aids in managing oil spills and optimizing pipeline
design, making it vital for innovation and safety.
• Theory

Most fluids exhibit some resistance to motion, referred to as "viscosity."

This resistance occurs due to the relative movement between layers
within the fluid. More specifically, viscosity quantifies a fluid’s
opposition to flow, resulting from internal friction as its layers slide past
one another during motion. It can also be described as a measure of a
fluid's thickness or its resistance to objects moving through it.

A highly viscous fluid resists motion significantly because its strong

intermolecular forces create substantial internal friction, hindering the
movement of layers. Conversely, a low-viscosity fluid flows effortlessly,
as its molecular structure generates minimal friction during motion.

The viscosity of liquids decreases rapidly with an increase in temperature.

Also, viscosity does not change as the amount of matter changes,
therefore it is an intensive property.

▪ There are two ways to measure the fluid’s viscosity as follows:

- Dynamic Viscosity (Absolute Viscosity) the measurement of the

fluid’s internal resistance to flow when force is applied.

- Kinematic Viscosity refers to the ratio of dynamic viscosity to

density, or a measurement of the viscosity of a fluid in motion.
 Newton's viscosity law states that shear stress τ between two layers of
dv
fluid is proportional to the velocity gradient
dy

dv
τ=μ
dy

where the proportionality μ is called coefficient of viscosity, absolute or

dynamic viscosity. Unit of dynamic viscosity in C.G.S. Units is g/cm.s or
poise. The common unit centipoise is 1/100 of a poise. In M.K.S. unit it is
kg/m.s which is ten times the poise.

Kinematic viscosity 𝑣 is the ratio of absolute viscocity to the density of

fluid:
μ
v=
ρ

In M.K.S. units, unit of kinematic viscosity is m²/s, in C.G.S. unit stokes.

▪ Viscosity Measurement:

- Falling ball method

With a sphere falling in a liquid at constant speed (i.e. it has reached its
terminal or stokes velocity vT).

The ball is affected by three forces as shown.

Fd is the drag force. Fd = 6πμ ∙ vₜr

Fb is buoyancy force. Fb = ρₛ ∙ Vₛ
Fg is the gravitational force. Fg = ρₗ ∙ Vₗ
At the terminal velocity:

Fg − Fb − Fd = 0

4 4
gρₛ πr 3 − gρₗ πr 3 − 6πμ ∙ vₜr = 0
3 3

2 gR2
μ= (ρₛ − ρₗ)
9 vₜ

where 𝜌ₛ is the density of the sphere of radius r and 𝜌ₗ is the density of

liquid. The terminal velocity vt could be measured by observing the time t
L
for sphere to travel a certain distance L, v = .
t

Thus,
μ = k (ρₛ − ρₗ)

where
2 gr²
k= ∙
9 l

Falling Ball Viscometer

- Discharge through an orifice:

If a fluid of having a head ℎ is discharged through a tube of diameter D &

length L, then the pressure difference is given by(Poiseuille flow)
128qLμlπD4.

Equating these two:

πD⁴ρg(hlL)
μ=
128q

The volumetric flow rate q could be measured by collecting a certain

volume of liquid in a certain time. The time t of efflux of 50cc, in seconds
is called the Redwood number. (sometimes a different specification gives
Saybolt number).

The above will, however, be not used; rather the following formula will
be used to find ν in stokes:

1.79
𝑣 = 0.00260𝑡 − 34 ˂ 𝑡 ˂ 100
𝑡

0.5
𝑣 = 0.00247𝑡 − 𝑡 > 100
𝑡

Orifice Tube Viscometer

• Apparatus

Falling Ball Viscometer used to measure the viscosity of a fluid by

observing the motion of a sphere through it.

▪ There are labeled components and their functions:

1. Sphere (Steel Ball): A small sphere of known radius and density is

released into the liquid. Its motion through the fluid under gravity
and buoyancy force and drag force so it’s used to calculate
viscosity.
2. Liquid Container: A transparent vertical tube filled with liquid
whose viscosity is to be measured. It allows observation of the
sphere’s motion.
3. Meter Scale: A scale attached to the container for measuring
the distance traveled by the sphere.
4. Sphere Retrieving Device: A mechanism or setup at the base to
collect and retrieve the sphere after it has completed its descent.
5. Constant Temperature Bath: A surrounding medium (usually water)
maintained at a constant temperature to ensure the fluid’s viscosity
does not vary due to temperature fluctuations.
Orifice tube viscometer measures fluid viscosity by observing the time it takes
for the liquid to flow through the outlet tube.

▪ There are labelled components and their functions:

1. Rotary Dial Controller: This external control unit regulates the

heating element. The dial allows for precise adjustment of
temperature, which is critical for maintaining the fluid’s viscosity
consistency.
2. Heating Element: Embedded within the viscometer body, this
component provides uniform heating to the liquid inside. Ensures
that the temperature remains constant, minimizing errors due to
temperature fluctuations.
3. Thermometer Port: A dedicated opening in the viscometer body for
inserting a thermometer. Used to monitor and verify the
temperature of the fluid during measurements.
4. Viscometer Body: The central container where the liquid sample is
held. Designed to ensure thermal insulation and uniform
temperature distribution.
5. Outlet Tube with Valve: A tube connected to the lower part of the
viscometer body, fitted with a valve. Allows controlled discharge
of the fluid for viscosity measurements.
6. Stand with Adjustable Legs: Provides stability and allows for
precise levelling of the apparatus.
Ensures accurate and consistent operation during the experiment.
• Procedure

▪ Part 1

1. Make sure that all the necessary tools and materials are available,
including:
- Viscometer.
- Spherical ball of steel with known density and diameter and the fluid to
be tested. The sphere used in this experiment has a diameter of 14.29
mm and a density of 7.7g/cm³.
- Stopwatch.
- fluid to be tested. Two types of oil are being tested, the hydraulic and
engine oils.
- Top loading balance.
- A 100 ml beaker.
2. To calculate the density of the selected fluid:
- Record the mass of an empty beaker using the top loading balance.
- Add a volume of 50 ml of the desired fluid.
- Record the mass of the beaker and the fluid.
- The difference in the two masses the mass of the fluid.
- Calculate the density of the fluid.
3. Fill the cylindrical container with the liquid to be tested. Ensure no
bubbles or impurities are present. Let the liquid settle and ensure it is at a
consistent, known temperature. In this experiment at room temperature.
4. Gently drop the ball into the liquid, ensuring it falls straight without
touching the sides of the container.
5. A stopwatch is used to Measure the time it takes for the ball to travel
between two marked points (usually within the steady-state region of the
liquid.
6. Conduct multiple trials to ensure reliable results.
7. Use Stokes’ Law for the calculation to calculate the viscosity.
8. Repeat the same procedure for both oils.
 ▪ Part 2

1. Make sure that all the necessary tools and materials are available,
including:
- Orifice viscometer.
- fluid to be tested. Hydraulic oil is tested.
- Stopwatch.
- Beaker.
2. clean the viscometer and ensure the orifice is unobstructed.
3. Make sure that the orifice tube is blockage free.
4. Fill the viscometer with the liquid to be tested, avoiding air bubbles.
Maintain the liquid at a constant, known temperature. In this experiment
at room temperature.
5. Open the orifice to allow the liquid to flow freely under gravity or
applied pressure.
6. Place a container beneath the orifice to collect the discharged liquid.
7. Using a stopwatch, measure the time it takes for a specific volume of
liquid to flow through the orifice (50 ml of hydraulic oil).
8. Conduct multiple trials for consistency and reliability in the
measurements.
9. calculate the viscosity, using the Redwood correlation.
• Data

- Density of the sphere:

ρₛ = 7.7 g⁄cm³
- Radius of the sphere:

D
r=
2

𝑟: 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑢𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 (𝑐𝑚)

𝐷: 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 (𝑐𝑚)

14.29 mm 1 cm
r= × = 0.71 cm
2 10 mm

- Density of both oils:

m
ρₗ =
v

m: mass of oil (g)

v: volume of oil (cm3 )

ρ: density of oil (g⁄cm³)

40.82 g 1 ml
ρₗ = ∙ = 0.82 g⁄cm³
50 ml 1 cm³

- Gravitational acceleration:

g = 981 cm⁄s²
 ▪ Part 1

- Hydraulic oil

Trial Time of falling (s) Average time (s)

1 1.66 1.66 + 1.75
= 1.71
2 1.75 2

- Terminal velocity:
d
vₜ =
t
d: distance (cm)

t: average time (s)

vₜ: terminal velocity (cm⁄s)

5 cm
vₜ = = 2.92 cm⁄s
1.71

- Dynamic viscosity:
2 gR2
μ= (ρₛ − ρₗ)
9 vₜ

μ: dynamic viscoty (g⁄cm ∙ s)

2 981 cm (0.71)2 cm2 (7.7 − 0.82) g

μ= ∙ ∙ ∙ = 258.93 g⁄cm ∙ s
9 s2 2.92 cm⁄s cm3

- Kinematic viscosity:
μ
v=
ρₗ
v: kinematic viscosity (cm²⁄s)
μ: dynamic viscosity (g⁄cm ∙ s)

258.93 g cm3
v= ∙ = 315.76 cm2 ⁄s
cm ∙ s 0.82 g
- Engine oil

Trial Time of falling (s) Average time (s)

1 2.77 2.77 + 2.78
= 2.78
2 2.78 2

- Terminal velocity:
d
vₜ =
t
d: distance (cm)
t: average time (s)
vₜ: terminal velocity (cm⁄s)

5 cm
vₜ = = 1.80 cm⁄s
2.78

- Dynamic viscosity:
2 gR2
μ= (ρₛ − ρₗ)
9 vₜ

μ: dynamic viscoty (g⁄cm ∙ s)

2 981 cm (0.71)2 cm2 (7.7 − 0.82) g

μ= ∙ ∙ ∙ = 420.01 g⁄cm ∙ s
9 s2 1.80 cm⁄s cm3

- Kinematic viscosity:
μ
𝑣=
ρₗ
v: kinematic viscosity (cm²⁄s)
μ: dynamic viscosity (g⁄cm ∙ s)

420.01 g cm3
v= ∙ = 512.21 cm²⁄s
cm ∙ s 0.82 g
▪ Part 2

- Time of discharge:
60 s
t = 16 min ∙ = 960 s
min

- Kinematic viscosity of engine oil

0.5
v = 0.00247t − , t > 100
t
v: kinematic viscosity (St)

t: time of discharge (s)

0.5
v = 0.00247 ∙ 960 s − = 2.40 St
960s

1 St = 1 cm²⁄s

v = 2.40 cm²⁄s
 • Results

The results refer to the viscosity values determined through the experiments:

▪ Using the Falling Ball Method

- Hydraulic oil
Dynamic viscosity 258.93 g⁄cm ∙ s
Kinematic viscosity 315.76 cm²⁄s

- Engine oil
Dynamic viscosity 420.01 g⁄cm ∙ s
Kinematic viscosity 512.21 cm²⁄s

▪ Using the Orifice Tube Method

The kinematic viscosity of the engine oil 2.40 cm²⁄s

• Analysis and conclusion

▪ Falling Ball Method

This segment of the experiment demonstrated the viscosities of both

oils, revealing that engine oil possesses a significantly higher viscosity
compared to hydraulic oil. Additionally, the measured viscosity values
exhibited slight deviations from the standard or expected values.

Sources of Error:
- Inaccurate Time Measurement:
Errors in starting or stopping the timer can introduce inaccuracies.
Human reaction time or poorly calibrated sensors can affect precision.
- Misalignment of the Tube:
The tube must be perfectly vertical. Even slight tilts can alter the ball's
motion.
- Contamination of liquid or ball
- Impurities in the liquid or dirt on the ball's surface can affect the drag
forces.
 ▪ Discharge Through Orifice Method

A comparative analysis of the kinematic viscosity of engine oil between

the two experimental parts revealed a substantial discrepancy. This
pronounced difference can be attributed to the following factors:

Sources of Error:
- Inaccurate Flow Rate Measurement:
Errors in measuring the volume of liquid discharged or the time taken
for discharge can affect results.
- Non-Ideal Flow Conditions:
Turbulence, vortex formation, or non-laminar flow near the orifice can
lead to deviations.
- Orifice Geometry:
Irregularities in the shape or size of the orifice can introduce errors.
- Improper Calibration:
Faulty calibration of measuring devices like pressure gauges or flow
meters can skew results.
- Surface Tension and Wettability Effects:
Surface tension near the orifice may distort the flow, especially for
smaller openings.

• Conclusion

The viscosity values obtained by both methods were consistent within

experimental error, confirming the reliability of the setup. The Falling
Ball Method required precise terminal velocity measurement, while the
Orifice Tube Method relied on accurate flow rate and pressure drop
data, making it ideal for liquids with variable flow properties.
Temperature control was crucial to maintain consistency, as small
fluctuations significantly impact viscosity. Efforts were made to
minimize errors, such as air bubbles or equipment imperfections, to
ensure accuracy.