What are Viscometers?

We at All Scale Shop have more than just scales and balances. We have scale accessories, manuals, cable parts and today’s subject, viscometers.

What are viscometers? They are an instrument used to measure the viscosity of a liquid. Viscosity refers to the how liquid responds to stress or stimuli. For example, water tends to move and splash a lot when a force acts upon it, while honey does not. In this example, water has a low viscosity while honey has a higher one. 

Viscometers are generally used in a laboratory or manufacturing settings to measure the viscosity of various liquids. Such liquids can include paint, oils, pharmaceutical substances, chemical substances, and so on.

There are several type of viscometers as well, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

·   U-tube: With U-Tube viscometers it is possible to measure the viscosity by noting how a liquid behaves as it goes down a U shaped tube with various chambers. It may include more than one type of tube for various liquids. While it this is an accurate way to measure viscosity, the tubes can be hard to clean because of their unusual shape.

Viscometer

·  Rotational: In this viscometer there are two parts, one that rotates and one that remains still. Inside the chamber for liquids there will be a cylinder that rotates creating a flow within the liquid. Rotational viscometers tend to be large and more expensive than others.

·  Turning Fork: Turning fork viscometers are modern and feature a digital display. With this one all you have to do is load the liquid, turn it on and wait. A small, vibrating plate acts as a sensor and can detect even the smallest changes for a highly accurate reading. It does require careful handling and will cost a little more than others.

·    Falling ball: This type measures viscosity by measuring the velocity of a metal ball as it falls through the liquid. The velocity can then be used to calculate the viscosity of a given liquid. One disadvantage is that it can only measure Newtonian liquids (non-foaming, liquid substances that don’t deform under stress forces).

To learn more about viscometers or about us at All Scale Shop, please call us at 201-475-9184. One of our experts will be happy to speak to you.