How to control the viscosity of oils and lubricants? l Inventech

Sofraser's inline reference temperature viscometers have a number of major advantages over other process viscometers. Also when it comes to measuring the viscosity index of oils and lubricants in the petrochemical industry as described in ASTM D2270. They are ijn fact three analyzers in one, which we will explain below. This analyzer saves you time and money and allows you to perfectly control the viscosity of lubricants and hydraulic fluids. The ATEX Zone 1, inline Thermoset analyzers come in two variants.

What is the viscosity index and what is its importance?

Controlling the viscosity index (VI) of lubricants and hydraulic fluids is an essential step in many petrochemical manufacturing processes. Viscosity and fluidity have a major influence on the quality of the end product. Many industries therefore use the properties of viscosity in their industrial processes and integrate them into their production standards. When oil viscosity is stated, it is necessary to indicate at what temperature it was measured.The viscosity index is a standardized quantity that takes into account the influence of temperature on the kinematic viscosity. The more important the viscosity index is, the less the viscosity is affected by the temperature.

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How is the viscosity index calculated?

The calculation method is described in ASTM D2270. The viscosity index is based on the viscosity measurement at 2 reference temperatures: 37.8 ° C (100 ° F) and 98.9 ° C (210 ° F). In the oil production process, measuring and calculating the viscosity index is a real challenge because it is necessary to measure the viscosity of the oil at these two reference temperatures while the manufacturing process can take place at a different temperature.

Measurement solutions at 2 reference temperatures

Analyzers that measure viscosity at reference temperature have clear advantages over other process viscometers when it comes to measuring oils and lubricants. The measurement is performed at the actual reference temperature, regardless of the behavior of the process.

There are two types of measurement techniques:

Capillary Analyzers: Using a pump, the dynamic viscosity measurement is performed and they are therefore not directly correlated to the D445 standard. They require the use of an external density meter to calculate the kinematic viscosity.

To determine the viscosity index, it is necessary to install two analyzers, one for each reference temperature.

The online analyzer based on the vibrating viscometer: A single analyzer allows online measurements at 2 reference temperatures and the calculation of the viscosity index according to ASTM D 2270-04. ATEX Zone 1, Sofraser Thermoset In-line analyzers ensure a continuous VI.

Different versions of the Thermoset from Sofraser

The Thermoset KV is the only analyzer that can measure kinematic viscosity directly with a single probe and provide measurements in cSt. The Thermoset LT is the simplest and most economical solution on the market and measures dynamic or kinematic viscosity in cyclic mode (the sampling temperature of the liquid is significantly higher than 40 and 100 ° C). This solution is robust, cost effective and requires almost no maintenance.

Foto: Thermoset Sofraser

More information on the inline viscosity measurement

Controlling the viscosity index of oil and lubricants

How to control the viscosity of oils and lubricants