Viscosity Measurement

Abstract

This chapter is designed to provide detailed and practical information on methods for measuring viscosity for the nonexpert. The chapter starts with a brief theoretical and mathematical overview of viscosity and presents correlations that can be used to account for the effects of pressure and temperature. Next we describe the theory of operation and advantages and disadvantages of the major measurement methods, including drag‐type, flow‐type, and vibrational viscometers. The chapter includes tables of information on commercially available viscometers, reviews the ASTM standards for measuring viscosity, and guides the reader through a set of questions/answers that can be used to select the appropriate viscometer for a given application.

In-line measurement of multiphase flow viscosity

“…The current standard in the petroleum industry is to make viscosity measurements in the laboratory or with contact sensors that automatically take a fluid sample and analyze its characteristics [1]. The most commonly used viscometry methods are the capillary flow method, the rotary method, and the Stokes method.…”

Simultaneous Measurement of Viscosity and Optical Density of Bacterial Growth and Death in a Microdroplet

“…Classical viscometers, such as falling ball [ 6 ] (Hoeppler), cone-and-plate [ 7 ], rotating disc [ 8 ], and U-tube capillaries (e.g., Ostwald [ 9 ] or Ubbelohde [ 10 ]), despite some drawbacks (repetitive tests are required, large volume consumptions, and complex cleaning procedure [ 11 ]), are still used to measure the various fluids in the medical and biological fields. Moreover, optical technology also enables viscosity measurements with the use of optical tweezers [ 12 ], photoacoustic [ 13 ], and fluorescence [ 14 ] methods.…”