Designation: D 2170 – 01a

Designation: 319/84 (89)

Standard Test Method for

Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts (Bitumens)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2170; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope D 2162 Test Method for Basic Calibration of Master Vis-

1.1 This test method covers procedures for the determina- cometers and Viscosity Oil Standards3
tion of kinematic viscosity of liquid asphalts (bitumens), road D 2493 Viscosity-Temperature Chart for Asphalts4
oils and distillation residues of liquid asphalts (bitumens) all at E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers5
60°C (140°F) and of asphalt cements at 135°C (275°F) (Note E 77 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Ther-
1) in the range from 6 to 100 000 mm2/s (cSt). mometers5
1.2 Results of this test method can be used to calculate
3. Terminology
viscosity when the density of the test material at the test
temperature is known or can be determined. See Annex A1 for 3.1 Definitions:
the method of calculation. 3.1.1 density—the mass per unit volume of liquid and the
cgs unit of density is 1 g/cm3. The SI unit of density is 1 kg/m3.
NOTE 1—This test method is suitable for use at other temperatures and 3.1.2 kinematic viscosity—the ratio of the viscosity to the
at lower kinematic viscosities, but the precision is based on determinations
density of a liquid. It is a measure of the resistance to flow of
on liquid asphalts and road oils at 60°C (140°F) and on asphalt cements
at 135°C (275°F) only in the viscosity range from 30 to 6000 mm2/s (cSt). a liquid under gravity. The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is
m2/s; for practical use, a submultiple (mm2/s) is more conve-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the nient. The cgs unit of kinematic viscosity is 1 cm2/s and is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the called a stokes (symbol St). The centistokes (1 cSt = 10−2 St) is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 1 mm2/s and is often used.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.1.3 Newtonian liquid—a liquid in which the rate of shear
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. is proportional to the shearing stress. The constant ratio of the
2. Referenced Documents shearing stress to the rate of shear is the viscosity of the liquid.
If the ratio is not constant, the liquid is non-Newtonian.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3.1.4 viscosity—the ratio between the applied shear stress
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements and rate of shear is called the coefficient of viscosity. This
for Test Methods for Construction Materials2 coefficient is a measure of the resistance to flow of a liquid. It
D 92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland is commonly called the viscosity of the liquid. The cgs unit of
Open Cup3 viscosity is 1 g/cm·s (1 dyne·s/cm2) and is called a poise (P).
D 341 Viscosity-Temperature Charts for Liquid Petroleum The SI unit of viscosity is 1 Pa·s (1 N·s/m2) and is equivalent
Products3 to 10 P.
D 445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
and Opaque Liquids (and the Calculation of Dynamic 4. Summary of Test Method
Viscosity)3 4.1 The time is measured for a fixed volume of the liquid to
D 446 Specifications and Operating Instructions for Glass flow through the capillary of a calibrated glass capillary
Capillary Kinematic Viscometers3 viscometer under an accurately reproducible head and at a
closely controlled temperature. The kinematic viscosity is then
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road calculated by multiplying the efflux time in seconds by the
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.44 on
Rheological Tests. In the IP this test method is under the jurisdiction of the
viscometer calibration factor.
Standardization Committee.
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 2001. Published January 2002. Originally
published as D 2170 – 63 T. Last previous edition D 2170 – 01.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03.
3 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 2170
5. Significance and Use device graduated in divisions of 0.1 s or less and accurate to
5.1 The kinematic viscosity characterizes flow behavior. within 0.05 % when tested over intervals of not less than 15
The method is used to determine the consistency of bitumen as min.
one element in establishing the uniformity of shipments or 6.6 Electrical Timing Devices may be used only on electri-
sources of supply. The specifications are usually at tempera- cal circuits the frequencies of which are controlled to an
tures of 60 and 135°C. accuracy of 0.05 % or better.
6.6.1 Alternating currents, the frequencies of which are
6. Apparatus intermittently and not continuously controlled, as provided by
some public power systems, can cause large errors, particularly
6.1 Viscometers, capillary-type, made of borosilicate glass,
over short timing intervals, when used to actuate electrical
annealed, suitable for this test are described in Annex A2 and
timing devices.
include the following:
6.1.1 Cannon-Fenske viscometer for opaque liquids, 7. Preparation of Sample
6.1.2 Zeitfuchs cross-arm viscometer,
7.1 To minimize loss of volatile constituents and to obtain
6.1.3 Lantz-Zeitfuchs viscometer,
reproducible results, proceed as follows:
6.1.4 BS U-Tube modified reverse flow viscometer.
7.1.1 Procedure for Liquid Asphalt (Bitumen) and Road Oil:
6.2 Calibrated viscometers are available from commercial
7.1.1.1 Allow sealed samples, as received, to reach room
suppliers. Details regarding calibration of viscometers are
temperature.
given in Annex A3.
7.1.1.2 Open the sample container and mix the sample
6.3 Thermometers—Calibrated liquid-in-glass thermom-
thoroughly by stirring for 30 s taking care to avoid the
eters of an accuracy after correction of 0.02°C (0.04°F) can be
entrapment of air. If the sample is too viscous for such stirring,
used or any other thermometric device of equal accuracy.
place the sample in the tightly sealed container in a bath or
ASTM Kinematic Viscosity Thermometers 47C and 47F and
oven maintained at 63 6 3°C (145 6 5°F) until it becomes
IP 35C and 35F are suitable for use at 60°C (140°F) and ASTM
sufficiently liquid for stirring.
Kinematic Viscosity Thermometers 110C and 110F are suitable
7.1.1.3 Immediately charge the viscometer, or, if the test is
for use at 135°C (275°F).
to be made at a later time, pour approximately 20 mL into one
6.3.1 The specified thermometers are standardized at“ total
or more clean, dry containers having a capacity of approxi-
immersion,” which means immersion to the top of the mercury
mately 30 mL and immediately seal with an airtight closure.
column with the remainder of the stem and the expansion
7.1.1.4 For materials with kinematic viscosities at 60°C
chamber at the top of the thermometer exposed to room
(140°F) above 800 mm2/s (cSt), heat the 20-mL sample in the
temperature. The practice of completely submerging the ther-
sealed container in an oven or bath maintained at 63 6 3°C
mometer is not recommended. When thermometers are com-
(1456 5°F) until it is sufficiently liquid for a convenient
pletely submerged, corrections for each individual thermom-
transfer into the viscometer. Such heating should not exceed 30
eter based on calibration under conditions of complete
min.
submergence must be determined and applied. If the thermom-
7.1.2 Procedure for Asphalt Cement:
eter is completely submerged in the bath during use, the
pressure of the gas in the expansion chamber will be higher or
lower than during standardization, and may cause high or low TABLE 1 Acceptability of Test Results for Kinematic Viscosity
readings on the thermometer. NOTE 1—The values given in column 2 are the coefficients of variation
6.3.2 It is essential that liquid-in-glass thermometers be that have been found to be appropriate for the materials and conditions of
calibrated periodically using the technique given in Test test described in column 1. The values given in column 3 are the limits that
Method E 77 (see Appendix X1). should not be exceeded by the difference between the results of two
properly conducted tests.
6.4 Bath—A bath suitable for immersion of the viscometer
so that the liquid reservoir or the top of the capillary, whichever Acceptable
Coefficient of
Range
is uppermost, is at least 20 mm below the upper bath level, and Material and Type Index Variation (% of
of Two Results
mean)A
with provisions for visibility of the viscometer and the ther- (% of mean)A
mometer. Firm supports for the viscometer shall be provided, Single-operator precision:
or the viscometer may be an integral part of the bath. The Asphalt cements at 135°C 0.64 1.8
(275°F)
efficiency of the stirring and the balance between heat losses Liquid asphalts at 60°C (140°F):
and heat input must be such that the temperature of the bath below 3000 mm2/s (cSt) 0.53 1.5
medium does not vary by more than 60.03°C (60.05°F) over 3000 to 6000 mm2/s (cSt) 0.71 2.0
6000 mm2/s (cSt) and above 3.2 8.9
the length of the viscometer, or from viscometer to viscometer Multilaboratory precision:
in the various bath positions at 60°C (140°F). The variation at Asphalt cements at 135°C 3.1 8.8
135°C (275°F) must not exceed 60.03°C (60.05°F). (275°F)
Liquid asphalts at 60°C (140°F):
NOTE 2—Distilled water is a suitable bath liquid for determinations at below 3000 mm2/s (cSt) 1.06 3.0
60°C (140°F). USP White Oil with a flash point above 215°C (420°F) has 3000 to 6000 mm2/s (cSt)B 3.11 9.0
above 6000 mm2/s (cSt)B 3.6 10.0
been found suitable for determinations at 135°C (275°F). The flash point
A
is determined in accordance with Test Method D 92. These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s %) and (d2s %) limits as
described in Practice C 670.
6.5 Timer—A stop watch or other spring-activated timing B
Based on less than 30 degrees of freedom.

2
 D 2170
7.1.2.1 Heat the sample with care to prevent local overheat- solution to remove organic deposits, rinse thoroughly with
ing until it has become sufficiently fluid to pour, occasionally distilled water and residue-free acetone, and dry with filtered
stirring the sample to aid heat transfer and to assure uniformity. dry air.
7.1.2.2 Transfer a minimum of 20 mL into a suitable NOTE 3—The cleaning oven may burn off the glue that connects the
container and heat to 135 6 5.5°C (275 6 10°F), stirring viscometer tube to the holder.
occasionally to prevent local overheating and taking care to
avoid the entrapment of air. 8.8.1 Chromic acid cleaning solution may be prepared by
adding, with the usual precautions, 800 mL of concentrated
8. Procedure sulphuric acid to a solution of 92 g of sodium dichromate in
8.1 The specific details of operation vary somewhat for the 458 mL of water. The use of similar commercially available
various types of viscometers. See the detailed descriptions of sulphuric acid cleaning solutions is acceptable. Nonchromium-
viscometers in Annex A2 for instructions for using the type containing, strongly oxidizing acid cleaning solutions6 may be
viscometer selected. In all cases, however, follow the general substituted so as to avoid the disposal problems of chromium-
procedure described in 8.2 to 8.8. containing solutions.
8.2 Maintain the bath at the test temperature within6 8.8.2 Use of alkaline glass cleaning solutions may result in
0.01°C (60.02°F) for test temperature of 60°C (140°F) and a change of viscometer calibration, and is not recommended.
within 60.03°C (60.05°F) for test temperature of 135°C
9. Calculation
(275°F). Apply the necessary corrections, if any, to all ther-
mometer readings. 9.1 Calculate the kinematic viscosity to three significant
8.3 Select a clean, dry viscometer which will give an efflux figures using the following equation:
time greater than 60 s and preheat to test temperature. Kinematic viscosity, mm2/s ~cSt! 5 Ct (1)
8.4 Charge the viscometer in the manner dictated by the
design of the instrument, as prescribed in Annex A2. where:
8.5 Allow the charged viscometer to remain in the bath long C = calibration constant of the viscometer, mm2/c2(cSt/s),
enough to reach the test temperature, as prescribed in Annex and
A2. t = efflux time, s.
8.6 Start the flow of asphalt in the viscometer as prescribed NOTE 4—Other ASTM publications on viscosity that may be used in
in Annex A2. conjunction with results determined in accordance with this test method
8.7 Measure to within 0.1 s, the time required for the are Test Method D 445, Standards D 341 and D 2493, and Specifications
leading edge of the meniscus to pass from the first timing mark D 446.
to the second. If this efflux time is less than 60 s, select a 10. Report
viscometer of smaller capillary diameter and repeat the opera-
tion. 10.1 Always report the test temperature with the result, for
8.8 Upon completion of the test, clean the viscometer example:
thoroughly by several rinsings with an appropriate solvent Kinematic viscosity at 60°C 5 75.6 mm2/s ~cSt! (2)
completely miscible with the sample, followed by a completely
volatile solvent. Dry the tube by passing a slow stream of 11. Precision
filtered dried air through the capillary for 2 min, or until the last 11.1 Criteria for judging the acceptability of viscosity test
trace of solvent is removed. Alternatively, the viscometer may results obtained by this method are given in Table 1.
be cleaned in a glass cleaning oven, at a temperature not to
exceed 500°C (932°F), followed by rinses with distilled or
deionized water, residue-free acetone, and filtered dry air. 6
A commercial source for nonchromium-containing cleaning solution is Godax
Periodically clean the instrument with a strong acid cleaning Laboratories, Inc., 480 Canal St., New York, NY 10013.

3
 D 2170

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. CALCULATION OF VISCOSITY OF A NEWTONIAN LIQUID

A1.1 The viscosity of a Newtonian liquid is calculated from A1.3 When the specific gravity of the asphalt is not known,
its kinematic viscosity by multiplying the kinematic viscosity a satisfactory determination of the viscosity at 135°C (275°F)
by the density of the liquid at the test temperature. can be obtained by multiplying the kinematic viscosity at
135°C (275°F) by an assumed density of 0.948 g/cm3. This
A1.2 For paving grade asphalts, density at 135°C (275°F)
density value is equivalent to a specific gravity of 1.015 at
can be conveniently determined from specific gravity at
25/25°C (77/77°F). Tests on a large number of asphalts indicate
25/25°C (77/77°F) by multiplying by a factor of 0.934 g/cm3;
that the error introduced by this assumed density will not
or from the specific gravity at 15.5/15.5°C (60/60°F) by
multiplying by a factor of 0.931 g/cm3. These factors are based exceed 63 %.
on an average coefficient of expansion for asphalt cement of
0.00061/°C (0.00034/°F).

A2. REVERSE-FLOW VISCOMETERS

A2.1 Scope A2.3.2 Select a clean, dry viscometer that will give a flow
A2.1.1 The reverse-flow viscometers for transparent and time greater than 60 s.
opaque liquids include the Cannon-Fenske Opaque,7 Zeitfuchs A2.3.3 Charge the viscometer in the manner dictated by the
Cross-Arm,8 BS/IP/RF, and Lantz-Zeitfuchs viscometers. Un- design of the instrument, this operation being in conformity
like the modified Ostwald and suspended-level viscometers, with that employed when the instrument was calibrated. If the
the sample of liquid flows into a timing bulb not previously wet sample may contain lint, solid particles, etc., filter as prescribed
by sample, thus allowing the timing of liquids whose thin films in Test Method D 445.
are opaque. Reverse-flow viscometers are used for the mea- A2.3.3.1 To charge the Cannon-Fenske Opaque viscometer,
surement of kinematic viscosities of opaque and transparent invert the viscometer and apply suction to the tube L, immers-
liquids up to 100 000 mm2/s (cSt). ing tube N in the liquid sample. Draw liquid through tube N,
filling bulb D to fill mark G. Wipe excess sample off tube N and
A2.2 Apparatus invert the viscometer to its normal position. Mount the vis-
A2.2.1 For the reverse-flow viscometers, detailed drawings cometer in the constant-temperature bath, keeping tube L
of the size designations, approximate constants, kinematic vertical.
viscosity range, capillary diameter, and bulb volumes for each A2.3.3.2 Mount the Zeitfuchs Cross-Arm viscometer in the
viscometer are shown in Figs. A2.1-A2.4. The kinematic constant-temperature bath, keeping tube N vertical. Introduce
viscosity range is based on a 60-s minimum flow-time in this sample through tube N taking care not to wet the sides of tube
method; the same viscometers are also described in Specifica- N, into the cross-arm D until the leading edge stands within 0.5
tions D 446 with a different viscosity range based on a 200-s mm of fill mark G on the siphon tube.
minimum flow-time as prescribed in Test Method D 445. The NOTE A2.1—The volume of the test specimen is dependent on the
lengths of the upper tubes K, L, M and N in Figs. A2.1-A2.4 location of the fill mark G. When the flow time of the lower meniscus is
may be increased (or decreased) to conform to the immersion being measured between timing marks E and F, the upper meniscus shall
requirements of 6.4. be in the horizontal cross-arm D, thus making the location of fill mark G
critical.
A2.3 Operating Instructions A2.3.3.3 Mount the Lantz-Zeitfuchs viscometer in the
A2.3.1 A standard operating procedure is contained in constant-temperature bath keeping tube N vertical. Introduce
Section 7. Additional operating instructions for the reverse- sufficient sample through tube N to completely fill bulb D,
flow viscometers are outlined in A2.3.2-A2.3.8 with emphasis overflowing slightly into overflow bulb K. If the sample is
on procedures that are specific to a particular instrument or this poured at a temperature above test temperature, wait 15 min for
group of instruments. the sample in the viscometer to attain bath temperature and add
more sample to overflow slightly into bulb K.
A2.3.3.4 Mount the BS/IP/RF viscometer in the constant-
7
Cannon, M. R., and Fenske, M. R., “Viscosity Measurement—Opaque Liq- temperature bath keeping tube L vertical. Pour sample through
uids,” Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Analytical Edition, Vol 13, 1941, p.
2910.
tube N to a point just above filling mark G; allow the sample
8
Zeitfuchs, E. H., “Kinematic Viscometer for Opaque and Very Viscous to flow freely through capillary R, taking care that the liquid
Liquids,” Oil and Gas Journal, Vol 44, No. 36, 1946, p. 98. column remains unbroken, until the lower meniscus is about 5

4
 D 2170

NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres.

Dimensions and Kinematic Viscosity Ranges
Inside Diameter of
Inside Diameter of Volume Bulb
Approximate Con- Kinematic Viscosity Tube N and G Volume Bulbs A, C,
Size No. Tube, R, mm D, mL
stant, mm2/s (cSt/s) Range, mm2/s (cSt) Tubes E, F, and I, and J, mL (65 %)
(62 %) (65 %)
mm (65 %)
200 0.1 6 to 100 1.02 3.2 2.1 11
300 0.25 15 to 250 1.26 3.4 2.1 11
350 0.5 30 to 500 1.48 3.4 2.1 11
400 1.2 72 to 1200 1.88 3.4 2.1 11
450 2.5 150 to 2500 2.20 3.7 2.1 11
500 8 480 to 8000 3.10 4.0 2.1 11
600 20 1200 to 20 000 4.00 4.7 2.1 13

FIG. A2.1 Cannon-Fenske Opaque Viscometer for Opaque and Transparent Liquids

mm below the filling mark H and then arrest its flow by closing A2.3.5 For the Cannon-Fenske Opaque and BS/IP/RF vis-
the timing tube with a cork or rubber stopper in tube L. Add cometers, remove the stopper in tubes N and L, respectively,
more liquid if necessary to bring the upper meniscus slightly and allow the sample to flow by gravity. For the Zeitfuchs
above mark G. After allowing the sample to attain bath Cross-Arm viscometer, apply slight vacuum to tube N (or
temperature (see A2.3.4) and any air bubbles to rise to the pressure to tube L) to cause the meniscus to move over the
surface, gently loosen the stopper allowing the sample to flow siphon tube and about 30 mm below the level of tube D in
to the lower filling mark H and again arrest flow. Remove the capillary R; gravity flow is thus initiated. For the Lantz-
excess sample above filling mark G by inserting the special Zeitfuchs viscometer, apply slight vacuum to tube M (or
pipet until its cork rests on top of tube N; apply gentle suction pressure to tube N with tube K closed) until the lower meniscus
until air is drawn through. The upper meniscus shall coincide is opposite the lower timing mark E; allow the sample to flow
with mark G. by gravity.
A2.3.4 Allow the viscometer to remain in the constant-
temperature bath a sufficient time to ensure that the sample A2.3.6 Measure to the nearest 0.1 s the time required for the
reaches temperature equilibrium (10 min minimum, 30 min leading edge of the meniscus to pass from timing mark E to
maximum). timing mark F as prescribed in Section 8 of this method.

5
 D 2170

NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres.

Dimensions and Kinematic Viscosity Ranges
Inside Diameter of Length of Tube R, Horizontal Tube Di-
Approximate Con- Kinematic Viscosity Lower Bulb Volume,
Size Tube R, mm mm ameter, mm
stant, mm2/s2(cSt/s) Range, mm2/s (cSt) mL (65 %)
(62 %) (62 %) (65 %)
4 0.10 6 to 100 0.64 210 0.3 3.9
5 0.3 18 to 300 0.84 210 0.3 3.9
6 1.0 60 to 1000 1.15 210 0.3 4.3
7 3.0 180 to 3000 1.42 210 0.3 4.3
8 10.0 600 to 10 000 1.93 165 0.25 4.3
9 30.0 1800 to 30 000 2.52 165 0.25 4.3
10 100.0 6000 to 100 000 3.06 165 0.25 4.3

FIG. A2.2 Zeitfuchs Cross-Arm Viscometer for Transparent and Opaque Liquids

A2.3.7 Calculate the viscosity as prescribed in Section 9 of method.

this method.
A2.3.8 Clean the viscometer as prescribed in 8.8 of this

6
 D 2170

NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres.

Dimensions and Kinematic Viscosity Ranges
Approximate Con- Kinematic Viscosity Inside Diameter of Tube Length of Tube R, Volume, Bulb C, mL
Size No.
stant, mm2/s2(cSt/s) Range, mm2/s (cSt) R, mm (62 %) mm (62 %) (65 %)
5 0.3 18 to 300 1.65 490 2.7
6 1.0 60 to 1000 2.25 490 2.7
7 3.0 180 to 3000 3.00 490 2.7
8 10.0 600 to 10 000 4.10 490 2.7
9 30.0 1800 to 30 000 5.20 490 2.7
10 100.0 6000 to 100 000 5.20 490 0.85

FIG. A2.3 Lantz-Zeitfuchs Type Reverse Flow Viscometer for Opaque Liquids

7
 D 2170

NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres.

Dimensions and Kinematic Viscosity Ranges
Approximate Inside Diameter of Volume
Kinematic Viscosity Length of Tube R, Inside Diameter at E, F,
Size No. Constant, Tube R, mm Bulb C, mL
Range, mm2/s (cSt) mm (62 %) and G, mm (62 %)
mm2/s2(cSt/s) (62 %) (65 %)
4 0.1 6 to 100 1.26 185 3.0 to 3.3 4.0
5 0.3 18 to 300 1.64 185 3.0 to 3.3 4.0
6 1.0 60 to 1000 2.24 185 3.0 to 3.3 4.0
7 3.0 180 to 3000 2.93 185 3.3 to 3.6 4.0
8 10 600 to 10 000 4.00 185 4.4 to 4.8 4.0
9 30 1800 to 30 000 5.5 185 6.0 to 6.7 4.0
10 100 6000 to 100 000 7.70 210 7.70 4.0
11 300 18 000 to 300 000 10.00 210 10.00 4.0

FIG. A2.4 BS/IP/RF U-Tube Reverse Flow Viscometer for Opaque Liquids

A3. CALIBRATION OF VISCOMETERS

A3.1 Scope cosity oil standards9 having the approximate kinematic viscosi-
ties shown in Table A3.1. Certified kinematic viscosity values
A3.1.1 This annex describes the materials and procedures
established are supplied with each sample.
used for calibrating or checking the calibration of viscometers
used in this method.
9
The viscosity oil standards are available in 1-pt containers. Purchase orders
A3.2 Reference Materials should be addressed to the Cannon Instrument Co., P. O. Box 16, State College, Pa.
16801. Additionally the Cannon Instrument Co. has available viscosity standards
A3.2.1 Viscosity Oil Standards conforming to ASTM vis- N600, N2000, and N8000, which have viscosities at 60°C (140°F) of 180 cSt, 500
cSt, and 1700 cSt, respectively; standards N600 and N2000 have viscosities at
135°C (275°F) of 12 and 25 cSt respectively. Shipment will be made as specified or
by best means.

8
 D 2170
TABLE A3.1 Viscosity Oil Standards where:
Viscosity Oil Approximate Kinematic v = volume of charge, cm3,
Standards Viscosity, mm2/s (cSt) d = average diameter, cm, of the meniscus in
Conforming
to ASTM At 40°C At 100°C the upper reservoir,
At 50°C (122°F)
Standards (104°F) (212°F) h = average driving head, cm,
S 60 54 ... 7.2 a = coefficient of thermal expansion of the test
S 200 180 ... 17 sample between the fill temperature and
S 600 520 280 32
S 2000 1700 ... 75
the test temperature,
S 8000 6700 ... ... r = density, g/cm3, and
S 30 000 23 000 11 000 ... t, f subscripts = as defined in A3.3.3.
A3.3.5 If the viscometer is used at a location other than the
calibrating laboratory, the C constant should be corrected for
the difference in the acceleration of gravity, g, at the two
A3.3 Calibration locations as follows:
A3.3.1 Calibration of Routine Viscometer by Means of C2 5 ~g 2/g1! 3 C1 (A3.4)
Liquid Viscosity Standards—Select from Table 1 a liquid where:
standard having a minimum efflux time of 200 s at the C2 = the calibration constant in the testing laboratory,
calibration temperature (preferably 37.8°C (100°F)). Deter- C 1 = the calibration constant in the calibrating laboratory,
mine the efflux time to the nearest 0.1 s by the procedure g2 = the acceleration of gravity at the testing laboratory,
described in Section 8, and calculate the viscometer constant, and
C, as follows: g1 = the acceleration of gravity at the calibrating labora-
C 5 n/t (A3.1) tory.
Certificates for viscometers should state the value of g at the
where: location of the calibrating laboratory. Failure to correct for
n = viscosity for the standard liquid, mm2/s (cSt) and gravity can result in errors of 0.2 %.
t = efflux time, s. A3.3.6 Calibration of Routine Viscometer by Means of
A3.3.2 The viscometer constant is independent of tempera- Standard Viscometer—Select any petroleum oil having an
ture for the Zeitfuchs Cross-Arm, Lantz-Zeitfuchs and BS/ efflux time of at least 200 s. Select also a standard viscometer
IP/RF U-Tube viscometers. of known C constant. This viscometer may be a master
A3.3.3 The Cannon-Fenske Opaque viscometer has a fixed viscometer which has been calibrated by the “step-up” proce-
volume of sample charged at the fill temperature. If the test dure using viscometers of successively larger diameters start-
temperature differs from the fill temperature, the viscometer ing with distilled water at the basic viscosity standard (see Test
constant is calculated as follows: Method D 2162) or a routine viscometer of the same type that
Viscometer constant, Ct 5 Co @1 1 F~T t 2 Tf!# (A3.2) has been calibrated by comparison with a master viscometer.
Calibrated viscometers are available from a number of com-
where: mercial suppliers.
Co = viscometer constant when filled and tested A3.3.6.1 Mount the standard viscometer together with the
at the same temperature, viscometer to be calibrated in the same bath and determine the
T = temperature, efflux times of the oil by the procedure described in Section 8.
F = temperature dependence factor (see A3.3.6.2 Calculate the C constant as follows:
A3.3.4), and
C1 5 ~t 2 3 C2!/t1 (A3.5)
t, f subscripts = values at the test temperature and at the fill
temperature, respectively. where:
A3.3.4 Calculate the temperature dependence constant by C1 = C constant of routine viscometer,
means of the following equation: t1 = efflux time to nearest 0.1 s in routine viscometer,
C2 = C constant of standard viscometer, and
Factor, F 5 4aV/pd2h 5 @4V ~rf 2 rt!#/@pd2hr t ~Tt 2 Tf!#
(A3.3)
t2 = efflux time to nearest 0.1 s in standard viscometer.

9
 D 2170
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. ICE POINT DETERMINATION AND RECALIBRATION OF KINEMATIC VISCOSITY

THERMOMETERS

X1.1 To achieve an accuracy of 60.02°C (60.04°F) for least 1 min apart should agree within one tenth of a division.
calibrated kinematic viscosity thermometers, it is required that X1.2.4 Record the ice point reading and compare it with the
a check at the ice point be made and the corrections altered for previous reading. If the reading is found to be higher or lower
the change seen in the ice point. It is recommended that the than the reading corresponding to a previous calibration,
interval of checking be every six months; for a new thermom- readings at all other temperatures will be correspondingly
eter, check monthly for the first six months. increased or decreased.
X1.2 A detailed procedure for the measurement of the ice X1.2.5 The ice point procedure given in X1.1-X1.2.4 is
point and recalibration of thermometers is described in 6.5 of used for the recalibration of kinematic viscosity thermometers,
Test Method E 77. The suggestions in the following sections of and a complete new calibration of the thermometer is not
this appendix are given specifically for the mercury-in-glass necessary in order to meet the accuracy ascribed to this design
kinematic viscosity thermometers and may not apply to other thermometer.
thermometers.
X1.2.1 The ice point reading of kinematic viscosity ther- X1.3 It is recommended that these kinematic viscosity
mometers shall be taken within 60 min after being at the test thermometers be stored vertically when not in use so as to
temperature for not less than 3 min. The ice point reading shall avoid the separation of the mercury column.
be expressed to the nearest 0.01°C or 0.02°F.
X1.2.2 Select clear pieces of ice, preferably made from X1.4 It is recommended that these kinematic viscosity
distilled or pure water. Discard any cloudy or unsound por- thermometers be read to the nearest 1⁄5 of a division using
tions. Rinse the ice with distilled water and shave or crush into appropriate magnification. Since these thermometers are typi-
small pieces, avoiding direct contact with the hands or any cally in a kinematic viscosity bath (which has vision through
chemically unclean objects. Fill the Dewar vessel with the the front), the thermometer is read by lowering the thermom-
crushed ice and add sufficient distilled and preferably pre- eter such that the top of the mercury column is 5 to 15 mm
cooled water to form a slush, but not enough to float the ice. As below the surface of the bath liquid. Be careful to ensure that
the ice melts, drain off some of the water and add more crushed the expansion chamber at the top of the thermometer is above
ice. Insert the thermometer packing the ice gently about the the lid of the constant temperature bath. If the expansion
stem, to a depth approximately one scale division below the chamber is at elevated or lowered temperatures from ambient
0°C (32°F) graduation. It may be necessary to repack the ice temperatures, a significant error can occur. This error can be as
around the thermometer because of melting. much as one or two thermometer divisions. A reading glass
X1.2.3 After at least 3 min have elapsed, tap the stem such as used for reading books may be useful to ensure reading
gently, and observe the reading. Successive readings taken at the scale to 1⁄5 of a division.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).

10