Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity (ASTM D 445)

Capillary method

Range: 2-15

Unit: mm²/s

Objects: liquid fuels and biofuels, other petroleum products (e.g. base oils, formulated oils, petroleum wax, residual fuel oils) and multifunctional additives for fuels, biofuels and special applications

Many petroleum products, and some non-petroleum materials, are used as lubricants, and the correct operation of the equipment depends upon the appropriate viscosity of the liquid being used. In addition, the viscosity of many petroleum fuels is important for the estimation of optimum storage, handing, and operation conditions. Thus, the accurate determination of viscosity is essential to many product specifications.

Summary of Test Method: this test method specifies a procedure for determination of the kinematic viscosity, ν, of liquid petroleum products, both transparent and opaque, by measuring the time for volume of liquid to flow under gravity trough a calibrated glass capillary viscometer (under a reproducible driving head and at a closely controlled and known temperature). The dynamic viscosity, η, can be obtained by multiplying the kinematic viscosity, ν, by the density of the liquid.