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Viscosity Testing Services

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.

technician using Anton Paar SVM 3000 viscometer in a lab setting

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:

  1. Anton Paar SVM 3000 Stabinger Viscometer
    1. Measures dynamic and kinematic viscosity, and density
    2. Sample volume: 2.5mL
    3. Temperature range: Ambient – 105C
    4. Shear range: 10^2, constant
  2. PCS Instruments Ultra Shear Viscometer
    1. Measures dynamic viscosity at very high shear rates
    2. Sample volume: 4.5mL
    3. Temperature range: 40-150C
    4. 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.

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Or call Peter Lee at +1 210 522 5545.