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LUBRIZOL TEST PROCEDURE

Test Procedure 42
Edition: November 22, 2002

Brookfield Viscosity
Scope:
This test is intended for the evaluation of viscosity
of specialty silcones and Guerbet derivatives.

Abstract:
The molecules of a liquid exert an attraction for one
another. There is within the liquid a resistance to
the movement of the molecules. This resistance is
expressed in terms of viscosity, which is measured
using the appropriate apparatus.

Safety Precautions:
Proper personal protective equipment should be
worn during transfer of materials so that injury due
to spillage is avoided.

Apparatus:
1. A proper viscometer. Brookfield viscometer, if
specified: Model LV, RV HA or HB with the
appropriate spindles. A Wells-Brookfield
Cone/Plate viscometer, if specified, with the
appropriate cones. A Helipath stand, if
necessary.
2. Constant temperature water bath, maintained at
250.2C.
3. A 600-mL beaker, or specified container, or any
container sufficiently large to avoid wall effects.

Procedure:
1. Place the sample into the 25C bath and allow it
to equilibrate to temperature. The sample must
be in the bath until its temperature is 251.0C.
2. Make sure the viscometer is level.
3. For Brookfield viscometers:

a. Attach the appropriate spindle (noted on the

specification sheet) to the viscometer,
immerse the spindle into the sample so that
its annular groove is at the surface level of
the sample and be sure that the spindle is in
the center of the container opening. NOTE:
Be careful to avoid trapping air bubbles
under the spindle disk.
b. Allow the spindle to rotate as specified on
the specification sheet (i.e. at the proper
speed and for the proper time interval),
engage the clutch, stop the motor and note
the dial reading.
c. Calculate the viscosity using the appropriate
spindle factor. (See Viscometer manual).
For Brookfield viscometers with Helipath
Stands:
a. Attach the bar spindle specified in the
specification sheet to the model viscometer
specified in the specification sheet.
b. Attach the viscometer to the Helipath Stand.
c. Adjust the height so that the top of the bar is
0.25 0.06 inch below the surface of the
sample.
d. Adjust the stroke so that the top of the bar
will be 1.25 0.06 inch below the surface of
the sample at the bottom of the stroke. The
bottom of the bar should be about 0.75 inch
above the bottom of the container.
e. Start the motor.
f. Record the dial reading at uniform intervals,
e.g. every one or two revolutions.
g. Determine the average of all the readings.
h. Use the average and the factor given for the
model, spindle and speed to calculate the
viscosity.
Report the viscosity, model,
spindle and speed.

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. / 9911 Brecksville Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44141-3247 / TEL: 800.379.5389 or 216.447.5000
The information contained herein is believed to be
reliable, but no representations, guarantees or
warranties of any kind are made as to its accuracy,
suitability for particular applications or the results to
be obtained. The information often is based on
laboratory work with small-scale equipment and
does not necessarily indicate end product
performance or reproducibility. Because of the
variations in methods, conditions and equipment

used commercially in processing these materials, no

warranties or guarantees are made as to the
suitability of the products for the applications
disclosed. Full-scale testing and end product
performance are the responsibility of the user.
Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. shall not be liable
for and the customer assumes all risk and liability for
any use or handling of any material beyond Lubrizol
Advanced Materials, Inc.s direct control. The

SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR

IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Nothing contained herein is to be considered as
permission, recommendation, nor as an inducement
to practice any patented invention without
permission of the patent owner.

For further information, please visit www.personalcare.noveon.com

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Lubrizol Corporation
* Trademark owned by The Lubrizol Corporation
Copyright 2007 / The Lubrizol Corporation

Formerly Test Procedure #015

Edition: April 18, 2002

For Wells-Brookfield Cone/Plate viscometers:

a. Enter required parameters into the digital
viscometer.
b. Adjust the position of the sample cup in
relation to the cone as specified by the
manufacturer
to
maintain
required
clearance.
c. Remove cup and add 0.60.1mL sample to
the center of the cup in such a manner that
all air bubbles are excluded from the
material.
d. Replace cup and allow temperature to
equilibrate at 250.1C.
e. Start the motor at the speed specified on
the specification sheet.
f. Read digital readout between 45 and 60s.
g. Stop motor and remove cup.
Do not
remove spindle.
h. Clean spindle and cup carefully with a paper
towel while holding the spindle stationary
with the supplied wrench.
i. Report the viscosity, model, cone and
speed.

Calculations:
Brookfield viscosity (cP) = dial reading x factor
Ex). Using the RV#2 spindle @ 20 rpm
Dial reading = 22.5 and the factor = 20
Brookfield viscosity = 22..5 x 20 = 450 cP.

Viscosity (cSt) = Brookfield viscosity (cP)

Sample Density (g/cc)
Ex). Brookfield viscosity = 100 cP
Sample density = 0.96 g/cc
Viscosity = 100 / 0.96 = 104.2 cSt

Special Instructions:
1. Viscous samples may necessitate changing to
a higher spindle number.
Less viscous
samples may necessitate changing to a lower
spindle number.
In either case the dial
readings should be between 20 and 80 for the
most accurate results.
2. Insert the spindle into the sample at an angle to
avoid entrapping air bubbles under the spindle
disk. If excessive bubbles are found in the
sample, it may be necessary to place the
sample jar into a sonic bath to eliminate the
bubbles.
3. Never clean the spindle while it is attached to
the viscometer. Twisting the spindle while still
attached to the viscometer can seriously
damage the viscometer mechanism.
4. The viscometer should be standardized at least
once every six months using either primary or
secondary standard fluids.