SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 08 October 2013
STP156420120193

Absolute Viscosity and Sample Density Measurement Methods to Determine and Report Absolute and Kinematic Viscosity Values for Used Lubricating Oils

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Trending the viscosity of used lubricating oils utilizing absolute measurement methods can be an important part of a condition monitoring program. Where kinematic measurements by capillary flow can be more applicable to quality control of new lubricants, absolute viscosity measurement methods can provide data that more directly correlates to a lubricants suitability for further use in a given machine, and is less sensitive to variations because of certain contaminants that might adversely affect trends otherwise obtained by kinematic measurement methods. Absolute viscosity methods are explored by an oscillating absolute viscometer producing a viscosity-density product as the measured parameter. Utilizing the measured density to then calculate absolute and kinematic viscosity from the oscillating absolute viscometer provides a broad and comparative data set. This paper discusses a controlled temperature chamber design that holds and preconditions the samples and the absolute viscometer oscillating geometry. It also discusses the correlation and differences between absolute and kinematic viscosity measurements made on various new and used lubricants, including aged, oxidized, and contaminated lubricant samples. The goal of this project was to determine the suitability of measuring viscosity in this manner as compared to established methods, which will allow the user to select a method based on ease of use and tailor it to their specific application.

Author Information

Bupp, Evan
MRG Labs, York, PA, US
Williams, Lisa
MRG Labs, York, PA, US
Wurzbach, Rich
MRG Labs, York, PA, US
Staniewski, George
Ontario Power Generation, Toronto, Ontario, CA
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Developed by Committee: D02
Pages: 1–11
DOI: 10.1520/STP156420120193
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7574-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7550-1