Adamson University

College of Engineering

Chemical Engineering Department

Laboratory Experiment

MEASUREMENT OF VISCOSITY
Experiment 4

Experiment run on: March 19, 2021

Submitted by:

Andallo, Jan Arvee V. 201912478

Austria, Jeremy Kyle Edson A. 201914365

Castro, Sean Carlo S.A. 201914624

Chua, Ma. Angelica B. 201914283

Reyes, Joserie Joice P. 201914413

Group 7

Submitted to:

Engr. Pinky Joy Janaban

Physical Chemistry for Engineers 1 Laboratory

Instructor

24 March 2021
 1

I. ABSTRACT
The viscosity of a fluid is a measurement of its resistance to flow. A
highly viscous fluid has high resistances and moves more slowly compared
to low-viscosity fluid. This experiment aims to familiarize the instruments
that are used in measuring the viscosity and to determine the relationship
between the time of efflux and viscosity of the given compound. In this
experiment, we measured the viscosity of distilled water as well as three other
organic compounds; ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and benzene using the
Ostwald Viscometer. Distilled water after three trials at constant temperature
and density had a consistent 0.894 cP viscosity whereas the other organic
compounds’ viscosity at constant temperature and their respective densities
are as follows: 1.087507 cP, 0.920255 cP, and 1.268057 cP. These organic
compounds are highly viscous therefore flows slowly compared to distilled
water. The flow rate is inversely proportional to the time of efflux. As for the
second part of the experiment, we measured the viscosity of catsup and
condensed milk but this time using a different simulation called the Portable
Viscosity tester (Vt-03). After three trials and at constant temperatures, catsup
had the highest average viscosity of 0.065 cP and condensed milk’s highest
average viscosity is 0.118 cP both recorded at the lower scale rotor 03 of the
equipment. Condensed milk’s viscosity is higher than catsup therefore it has
a higher resistance and takes longer to flow. Since there are no theoretical
values to be compared to, no percentage errors were recorded in this
experiment. When manufacturers collect data on a material's viscosity, they
can predict how the material will behave in the real world and that is the
importance of knowing the viscosities of certain fluids.
Keywords: Ostwald Viscometer, Portable Viscotester (Vt-03), time of
efflux, Viscosity, flow rate
 2

II. INTRODUCTION

Viscosity is defined as the quantity that pertains to a fluid’s resistance

to flow. All fluids have the ability to resist the relative motion of objects that
are immersed through them. Also, it can resist the motion of layers that
happen to have varying velocities within it. Technically, viscosity is
determined to be the ratio of shearing stress to the velocity gradient within a
fluid system. This relationship can be often described by Newton’s equation
which interrelates the resulting shear stress to be directly proportional to the
force applied—all of which are inversely proportional to viscosity.
Viscosity’s SI Unit is measured through pascal-second [Pa-s] with no defined
special name. The International System of Unit, despite being the standard,
has not gained popularity. Today, professionals routinely use dyne-second per
square centimeter [Dyne-s/cm2]

The measurement of this particular physical quantity allows the

observer to determine the thickness of a fluid; often confusing considering the
difference between the densities of different fluids. Looking at viscosity at a
molecular level, it can be noticed that this phenomena is a result of the
interaction between different molecules. Measuring this quantity can be used
in a variety of applications in the industry. The food sector utilizes viscosity
to maximize the efficiency of production and effectiveness of costing
methods. Through this property, process engineers are able to measure the
rate at which a fluid runs through a pipe, determining the duration at which
the product travels and time it requires to be packaged. With these
considerations in mind, the process can be maximized ensuring the proper
design of pipelines that produce maximum profit to the company.
Furthermore, measuring viscosity can also be useful in the production of
adhesives; dispensing the right amount of fluid to induce adherence to other
surfaces. Other industries that utilize this quantity include petroleum,
concrete, and cosmetics.
 3

In this experiment, the researcher will observe the effects of viscosity to

the time of efflux in a tube. Time of efflux refers to the time it takes to empty
a vessel; thus, this experiment will determine the relationship of a fluid’s
resistance to the time it takes for the fluid to flow inside a pipe. This
experiment can be utilized in analyzing the speed at which a fluid travels in a
vessel in the production of a certain product. Furthermore, this experiment
aims to measure the viscosity of liquids using the two different instruments:
Ostwald Viscometer and Portable Viscotester. Lastly, this experiment will
allow the researcher to gather significant experience in utilizing these
instruments to quantify viscosity in fluid systems.

III. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

The resistance of matter to flow or change shape is measured by
viscosity, a property found in liquids and gases. Jean-Louis-Marie Poiseuille
a French physicist and physiologist who discovered viscosity while studying
the circulation of blood in the human body. Poiseuille discovered viscosity by
conducting experiments in which he tested the flow of liquids through various
sized narrow tubes. In a fluid, viscosity can be measure by the ratio of
shearing stress over measurement of sheer rate, it is expressed in SI unit of
Pascal second (Pa s) and in centipoise (cP).

Viscosity is a term that refers to two different quantities. To differentiate

it from the other quantity, the quantity defined above is sometimes called
dynamic viscosity, absolute viscosity, or simple viscosity. The other quantity
is kinematic viscosity, which is the ratio of a fluid's viscosity to its density.
Resistive flow of a fluid under the influence of gravity is measured by
kinematic viscosity, its focus is on the relationship between internal forces
and the viscous of liquid. It can be expressed in square meter per second
m(2/s) the SI unit of kinematic viscosity and in common unit is square
centimeter per second (cm2/s), centistokes (St), and square foot per secs
(𝑚2 /𝑠). The other is dynamic viscosity, it when an external and controlled
 4

force, such as a spindle driven by a motor, forces oil through a capillary or a

body is forced through the fluid by an external and controlled force. It can be
expressed in centipoise (cP), dyne per secs (dyn/secs), kilogram per meter
seconds (kg/secs) and Pascal per second (Pa/s).

Viscometer is a device used to measure viscosity. The amount of time it takes

for a certain volume of fluid to flow through an opening is measured. The
pressure required to force a fluid to flow at a specified rate through a narrow
tube is measured in the capillary tube viscometer. Other kinds rely on time
taken for a sphere to fall through the fluid, force required to rotate the inner
cylinder of a coaxial pair or the rate at which oscillations of a disk vibrating
in the fluid die out. Several factors affect the viscosity of fluids on gases and
liquid. These are the following factors that affect the viscosity of fluids:

Temperature. Temperature affects the viscosity of liquids and gases in

opposite ways, meaning that the viscosity of a liquid decreases quickly when
heated, while gases flow more slowly. The average speed of molecules in a
liquid increases as the temperature rises, and as a result, they spend less time
with their neighbors. As the temperature rises, the average intermolecular
forces decrease, allowing molecules to interact without being weighed down.
The viscosity of a gas, on the other hand, increases as temperature rises due
to an increase in the frequency of intermolecular collisions. Because the
molecules spend most of their time flying around in the void, any increase in
their contact with one another will increase the intermolecular force, causing
the entire substance to become immobile.

Pressure. The viscosity of gases increases as pressure rises. In addition, the

molecular size of the compounds or system under investigation is important
in controlling the viscous effect of the system. Plastics with a large molecular
size, for example, have a greater viscosity than those with a smaller molecular
size. On the other hand, only a fraction of each phase affects the viscosity of
a mixture. Pressure has such a minor impact on liquid viscosity, it has
 5

statistically negligible effects. However, it is generally accepted that viscosity

increases with pressure if the liquid is in a stable or metastable (undercooled)
equilibrium state.

FORMULA
Poiseuille Law:

𝜋𝑃𝑟 2 𝑡 Where:
𝜇=
8𝐿𝑉
P = pressure head
𝜋𝑃𝑟 2 𝑡 r = radius of the capillary tube
𝜇𝑢𝑛𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 ( 8𝐿𝑉 ) 𝑢𝑛𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛
= L = length of the capillary tube
𝜇𝑟𝑒𝑓 𝜋𝑃𝑟 2 𝑡
( 8𝐿𝑉 ) 𝑟𝑒𝑓
V = volume of the fluid
T = time of efflux

Density:

𝐶1 Where:
𝜌=
𝑇
𝐶2(1 + (1 − 𝐶3)𝐶4 ) 𝝆 = Density
C1, C2, C3, C4 = Values
retrieved from Perry’s ChE
Handbook
T = Temperature

Viscosity: Where:

(𝜌𝑡)𝑢𝑛𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝝁 = Viscosity
𝜇= 𝑥 𝜇𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒
(𝜌𝑡)𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝝆 = Density of unknown
substance

t = time of efflux
 6

IV. PROCEDURE
In this experiment, the researchers have identified the effects of
temperature in the viscosity of liquids, specifically of Distilled Water, Milk
and different organic compounds including Benzene, methanol, and ethanol.
This experiment quantified different factors that are in play with regards to the
relationship of viscosity and time of efflux. Here are the following steps that
are undertaken to complete this experiment:
A. Collection of Pre-fabricated Result. In this part of the experiment, the
researcher will define the steps executed to collect the pre-fabricated data.
Here are the following steps that are executed to collect and analyze the
data:
a. Measurement of Viscosity using Ostwald Viscometer. In this
simulation, the instructor has collected data regarding the time of efflux
of each sample at constant temperature. This data will in turn allow us
to determine the viscosity of the given sample in the u-tube capillary.
Here are the following steps executed to collect significant data:
1. Open the simulation.
2. Select a liquid to be examined.
3. Click the fill liquid button on the middle right corner contained
under the variable section
4. Click the start button to initiate the experiment.
5. After step 4, immediately start the time on the lower left side of
the simulation to measure the time of efflux
6. Repeat steps 1 – 4 using a difference sample to gather the other
results.
b. Measurement of Viscosity using Portable Viscotester (Vt-03).
Succeeding from the previous part, the instructor will determine the
density of liquids at a particular temperature. Here are the following
steps that are executed to collect and analyze the data:
 7

1. Insert the threaded end of the rotor into the connector hole
2. Turn the rotor in counter-clockwise until it is completely mounted.
3. Fill the cup with starch solution up to the dip mark as indicated in
each motor.
4. Level the instrument as indicated in the level indicator of the
instrument.
5. Release the clamp and turn on the power.
6. Read the viscosity according to the rotor used.
7. Repeat the procedure using the condensed milk and ketchup.
B. Data Analysis. For this part, the researcher will use the initial
experimental results from part i and ii to be graphed, comparing the
characteristics of each sample. From the obtained value, we can
determine the relationship of viscosity and time of efflux from varying
liquid samples. But due to the scarcity of data provided by the
simulation, there will be no analysis of error performed in the analysis
of data.
 8

V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

I. Measurement of Viscosity using Ostwald Viscometer

Figure 1. Comparison of Experimental Viscosity of Distilled Water and

Different Organic Compounds

Using the Ostwald Viscometer, the viscosity of distilled water, Benzene,

Ethyl Alcohol and Methyl Alcohol were determined, each with their time of efflux
recorded. When the distilled water was measured in the apparatus, it was done three
times to perform a calibration. The values obtained from the distilled water were
used as a reference in determining the viscosity of the other three compounds.

In Figure 1, the viscosity values were plotted against their respective time
of effluxes. It can be deduced that the higher the viscosity, the longer time of efflux.
Based on the graph, the liquids ranked from the least to greatest viscosity would be
distilled water, Methyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol then Benzene with values of 0.894
cP, 0.920255 cP, 1.086507 cP, and 1.268057 cP, respectively. In the same order,
their efflux timings were 0.420 min, 0.549 min, 0.651 min, and 0.684 min.
 9

discussing the behavior of the liquids, a higher viscosity leads to more resistance to
flow and a slower laminar flow rate based on observations from the simulation. The
slow flow rate of the liquid caused more time to elapse as it was being drained down
the tube from the first position to the second. This means that the lower the velocity
the liquid was travelling at, the longer the time it took for efflux. The flow rate and
the time of efflux have an inversely proportional relationship to each other.

II. Measurement of Viscosity using Portable Viscosity tester (Vt-03)

Figure 2. Comparative Index of Experimental Viscosity of Catsup using

Different Rotors in Portable Viscosity tester (Vt-03)

Another simulation is used in measuring viscosity called the Portable

Viscosity tester (Vt-03). This was used to gather experimental viscosity data using
different rotors at a constant temperature of 35 C for Catsup as shown in Figure 2.
Three trials were conducted and its averages were calculated and plotted in a bar
graph with the rotor number as the independent variable on the x-axis and viscosity
as the dependent variable on the y-axis. At rotor number 5, Catsup’s viscosity was
 10

highest at 0.065 cP. The second highest viscosity was at rotor number 3 with 0.027
cP and lastly was 0.024 cP at rotor number 4. Rotor number 5 is used preferably for
higher viscosities while rotor number 3 is used for lower viscosities. These are part
of the apparatus and do not really have a relationship with the substance’s viscosity.

Figure 3. Comparative Index of Experimental Viscosity of Condensed Milk

using Different Rotors in Portable Viscosity tester (Vt-03)

The same procedure was done for Condensed Milk’s viscosity in the
Portable Viscosity tester (Vt-03). This time the constant temperature used was 34
C to gather the data as shown in Figure 3. Three trials were also conducted and its
computed averages were plotted in a bar graph with the same rotor numbers 5, 4
and 3. At rotor number 5, the Condensed Milk’s viscosity was highest at 0.0118 cP.
The second highest viscosity was at rotor number 4 with 0.117 cP and lastly was
0.103 cP at rotor number 3. Comparing the viscosities of Condensed Milk and
Catsup, the Condensed Milk has a higher viscosity in all three rotor numbers.
 11

II. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The viscosity of distilled water, benzene, ethyl alcohol, and methyl

alcohol were calculated using the Ostwald Viscometer as well as their period of
efflux was registered for each. The distilled water was weighed three times in
the apparatus in order to conduct a calibration. Based on the results, distilled
water, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, and benzene will be the liquids ranked from
least to greatest viscosity. Benzene had the highest recorded viscosity followed
by ethyl alcohol and methyl alcohol with distilled water having the least
viscosity among the rest. According to simulation results, higher viscosity causes
more flow resistance and a slower laminar flow rate. The liquid's slow flow rate
caused more time to pass as it was drained down the tube from the first to the
second spot. This suggests that the slower the liquid's velocity was, the longer it
took for efflux to occur. The flow rate and the time it takes for efflux to occur
are inversely proportional. The viscosities of catsup and condensed milk were
also calculated using the Portable Viscosity tester (Vt-03). Similar to the first
part of the experiment, condensed milk had greater viscosities recorded at lower
scale rotor 03, upper scale rotor 04, and middle scale rotor 05 when compared to
catsup. Therefore, condensed milk has a higher flow resistance and slower
laminar flow rate.

The simulations that were used for this experiment functions in only one
way and that is by finding the viscosities of the given fluids. There were no
theoretical values recorded for the given liquids therefore only experimental
values were obtained, which resulted in no percentage errors. The viscosities
noted for each sample seem accurate upon observing their respective time of
effluxes. Thus, the simulations used were accurate and precise. It is
recommended for future similar experiments to have more trials to be recorded
to ensure a much more accurate and precise results and deeper discussions, and
for the given temperature values to be different in each trial in order to emphasize
the relationship between viscosity and temperature.
 12

III. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, August 17). Viscosity.

Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/viscosity

Chemistry LibreTexts (August 15 2020)

Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_M
odules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Physical_Properties_of_
Matter/States_of_Matter/Properties_of_Liquids/Viscosity. Retrieved
March 22, 2021 from
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chem
istry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretica
l_Chemistry)/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/States_of_Matter/Properties
_of_Liquids/Viscosity

Encyclopedia Britannica – Viscometer. Retrieved March 22, 2021 from

https://www.britannica.com/technology/viscometer

Serc. (2020). How do I calculate density. Serc Carleton. Retrieved from

https://serc.carleton.edu/mathyouneed/density/index.html#:~:text=Densit
y%20is%20the%20mass%20of,same%20volume%20as%201%20millilit
er

Sutori Viscosity story. Retrieved March 22, 2021 from

https://www.sutori.com/story/viscosity--7ajFHCyBf53E6bmkjJzT89bb

The Physics Hypertextbook -Viscosity. Retrieved March 22, 2021 from

https://physics.info/viscosity/
 13

IV. NOMENCLATURE
In this experiment, the researchers have determined the relationship
between several factors that affect the viscosity of a sample. Analyzing this
experiment, we have utilized several formulas which were used to determine the
unknown. These equations consist of the following variables and terminology
that are presented and defined in this table below:

SYMBOL DEFINITION UNIT

Density g/mL
𝝆

Length of the capillary tube m

L

Pressure Pa
P

Radius of the capillary tube m

r

o
Temperature C
T

Time of efflux min

t

Values retrieved from Perry’s ChE -

C1, C2, C3, Handbook
C4
Viscosity cP
μ

Viscosity of reference cP
μreference
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APPENDICES
 15

APPENDIX A.1
RAW DATA
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I. Measurement of Viscosity using Ostwald Viscosimeter

DISTILLED
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average
WATER

Temperature
30 30 30 30
(oC)
Density (g/mL) 0.996565 0.996565 0.996565 0.996565

Viscosity (cP) 0.894 0.894 0.894 0.894

Time of Efflux
0.416 0.423 0.421 0.420
(min)
Table 1. Measurement of Viscosity and Time of Efflux of Distilled Water using
Ostwald Viscometer

COMPOUND

Ethyl Alcohol Methyl Alcohol Benzene

Temperature (oC) 30 30 30

Density (g/mL) 0.781392 0.784790 0.867961

Viscosity (cP) 1.086507 0.920255 1.268057

Time of Efflux (min) 0.651 0.549 0.684

Table 2. Measurement of Viscosity and Time of Efflux of Different Organic
Compounds using Ostwald Viscometer
 17

II. Measurement of Viscosity using Portable Viscosity tester (Vt-03)

CATSUP

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average

Temperature (oC) 35 35 35 35

Rotor Number Viscosity (cP)

05 0.025 0.030 0.025 0.027

04 0.023 0.025 0.025 0.024

03 0.065 0.065 0.065 0.065

Table 3. Experimental Viscosity of Catsup using Portable Viscosity tester (Vt-03)

CONDENSED MILK

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average

Temperature (oC) 34 34 34 34

Rotor Number Viscosity (cP)

05 0.120 0.085 0.105 0.103

04 0.120 0.112 0.119 0.117

03 0.120 0.115 0.120 0.118

Table 4. Experimental Viscosity of Condensed Milk using Portable Viscosity tester
(Vt-03)
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APPENDIX A.2

ANALYSIS OF DATA AND SAMPLE CALCULATIONS

 19

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS

DENSITY

ETHYL ALCOHOL Solution:

T = 30°C + 273.15 = 303.15 K
MWEthOH = 46.068 g/mol
C1 = 1.6288
C2 = 0.27469
C3 = 514
C4 = 0.23178

METHANOL Solution:
T = 30°C + 273.15 = 303.15 K
MWMetOH = 32.042 g/mol
C1 = 2.3267
C2 = 0.27073
C3 = 512.5
C4 = 0.24713

BENZENE Solution:

T = 30°C + 273.15 = 303.15 K

MWBen = 78.112 g/mol
C1 = 1.0259
C2 = 0.26666
C3 = 562.05
C4 = 0.28394
 20

VISCOSITY

[0.781392][0.651]
𝝁𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒚𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒉𝒐𝒍 = × [0.894] = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟖𝟔𝟓𝟎𝟕 𝒄𝑷
[0.996565][0.420]
[0.784790][0.549]
𝝁𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒍 = × [0.894] = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓𝟓 𝒄𝑷
[0.996565][0.420]
[0.867961][0.684]
𝝁𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒛𝒆𝒏𝒆 = × [0.894] = 𝟏. 𝟐𝟔𝟖𝟎𝟓𝟕 𝒄𝑷
[0.996565][0.420]

SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS USING MICROSOFT EXCEL

Temperature MW
COMPOUND C1 C2 C3 C4
(K) (g/mol)

Ethyl Alcohol 303.15 46.068 1.6288 0.27469 514 0.23178

Methyl
303.15 32.042 2.3267 0.27073 512.5 0.24713
Alcohol

Benzene 303.15 78.112 1.0259 0.26666 562.05 0.28394

Density Density
COMPOUND Exponent Denominator
(mol/dm3) (g/cm3)
Ethyl Alcohol 1.813399 0.096028 16.961705 0.781392
Methyl
1.801513 0.094996 24.492527 0.784790
Alcohol
Benzene 1.802442 0.092326 11.111754 0.867961
 21

APPENDIX A.3
SIMILARITY REPORT
22