Kinematic Viscosity Testing Advice for ASTM D445 KV Test

The entire length of the viscometer must be maintained at the appropriate temperature. The type of circulator used, the age of the bath fluid, and the bath fluid viscosity will impact temperature uniformity. The circulator and the viscosity of the KV bath fluid need to be balanced to provide a uniform temperature throughout the bath. Change the bath fluid as soon as it begins to discolor, as discoloration usually indicates the fluid has oxidized and the viscosity has increased. The KV bath should not be located near a draft or in a fume hood, which can cause excessive temperature gradients in the bath.

Lawler Model 86-20 http://www.lawlercorp.com/d445_high.html  for high temperatures and the Model 70 Series (74, 77, 78, 79) http://www.lawlercorp.com/D445_1_UK.htm kinematic viscosity baths are designed with strong bath agitation and in enclosed cabinets to reduce the effect of room drafts.

Temperature stability is critical for ASTM D445 Kinematic Viscosity

Temperature control is the single most important parameter for obtaining accurate and precise kinematic viscosity measurements. For petroleum products even more so, as their rate of viscosity change per unit of temperature is significantly greater than other types of materials. Thus, a slight variation in temperature can have a very large effect on the viscosity of a fluid. the bath temperature for most high temperature measurements, 40 degrees C and 100 degrees C, must be controlled to within +/- 0.002 deg. C and for low temperatures, typically -20 deg. C and -40 deg. C, a stability of +/- 0.05 deg C is required. That is an extremely tight window and great care must be taken to achieve this control.

Lawler Model 86-20 High Temperature Viscosity Bath is designed with tight 0.02 degree temperature stability in mind. Instead of an open bath jar, an enclosed cabinet design is used to prevent room drafts from affecting temperature. And more importantly, a sophisticated process grade temperature controller is used with 0.01 degree resolution. It is the only one on the market used with such resolution. Other units use 0.1 degree resolution controllers which make it impossible to verify the 0.02 or even 0.05 degree stability requirement. http://www.lawlercorp.com/d445_high.html

Lawler Model 70 Series Low Temperature Kinematic Viscosity Baths are similar and additionally are built with Lawler's advanced refrigeration system to reach temperatures as low as -70 degrees C with +/-0.05 temperature stability or better. http://www.lawlercorp.com/D445_1_UK.htm

ASTM D2983 Low Temp. Brookfield Viscosity Spindle Clips

At the suggestion of a customer many years ago, there is a very simple and inexpensive method to making the spindle suspension clips using an ordinary paper clip. Cut the paper clip per this drawing.

Water Separability Paddle Cleanliness

With all the concern for cleanliness of the glassware for this ASTM D1401 test, it was recently discovered that the paddle itself may cause cleanliness problems. Most paddles are soldered to the shaft. It is unclear how to thoroughly clean soldered edges. To eliminate any possibility of impurities, the paddle and shaft should be one piece of metal. Lawler supplies a one piece paddleand shaft to address this concern. Learn more about out D1401 Water Separability bath here: http://www.LawlerCorp.com/d1401.html

Water Separability Testing Advice

Extreme care should be taken to use very clean, unscratched, un-etched glassware in this test method. Carefully examine the cylinder. Discard it if any sign of residue, etching or scratching is noted. Before using, the glassware should be checked for cleanliness by adding reagent water to the cylinder and inverting it to drain. If the water is drained by a smooth sheeting action and leaves behind no droplets, the glassware is clean for use.

Please visit the Lawler page for our Model 305 Water Separabilty Apparatus: http://www.LawlerCorp.com/d1401.html

D892 Foam Test - Ceramic or Metal Diffuser?

Although the method allows both a circular, Norton ceramic (stone) diffuser and a Mott cylindrical metal diffuser, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. The stone diffuser was used for many years before the introduction of the metal diffuser. Both need to meet certification requirements but the metal diffuser is much more uniform, easier to clean, and holds it specification for a much longer time than the stone diffuser. Based purely on the geometrical design, the circular stone diffuser produces larger bubbles, since the bubbles, as they are produced cling to the side of the stone and move upward. They then coalesce at the top of the stone thus forming larger bubbles. The larger bubbles cause the foam to break more easily, thus giving slightly better foam results.

Lawler makes several models of foam testing apparatus and diffuser certification apparatus. Learn more about them here: http://www.LawlerCorp.com/d892.html

Safe Lifting

Safe Lifting Suggestions:

• Squat down over the object to be lifted, keeping your back in a comfortable position without excessive bending of the spine


• Place your feet at shoulder width, or just beyond


• Keep the load close to your body, avoiding horizontal reaches greater than 16 inches. the further the weight moves from your body, the greater the effort needed to lift it.


• Use the large leg muscles for lifting


• Avoid twisting or bending from the waist and avoid jerking motions while lifting


• Do not rotate your upper body to move a lifted object without first shifting your feet in the direction you wish to move


• Do not attempt to lift a heavy object from the floor to shoulder level or above in one motion. rest it on a bench or other steady support at about waist level and change your grip to lift it higher

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