Dip Viscosity Cups
Coatings & Industry > Physical properties > Viscosity & Consistency
Controlling viscosity provides improved quality
Flow Viscometers
The viscosity of a large number of materials such as paints, lacquers, inks, oil, pastes, gels etc. can indicate their quality, composition or suitability for a process or use.
As a result, this parameter should be controlled and its evolution anticipated when products are being developed.
Depending on the objectives, different methods can be used to measure viscosity.
Simple and inexpensive flow cups are currently used for one-off verifications of consistency, while with rotational viscometers, designed on the basis of defined physical principles, it is possible to fundamentally study flow properties.
Flow viscometers provide a low-cost simple method for rapidly controlling liquid products such as paint, lacquers, inks etc.
Based on the principle of gravity flow, these instruments generally measure efflux times, expressed in seconds (s), or kinematic viscosity, expressed in St (Stokes).
This method includes the family of flow cups, bubble viscometers and special gauges.
Purpose and Application
Rapid determination of the viscosity of any type of fluid, as for instance paint, varnish, wet enamel, photogravure ink, dye and lacquer for leather, oil, fat, foodstuff etc. Particularly suit-able in the workshop.
Measuring Principle
The viscosity of a substance to be determined is expressed as the efflux time of the measured volume (100 ml) out of a cup through an orifice of specified diameter. The efflux time is measured with a stop-watch.
FLOW CUP WITH HANDLE (FRIKMAR)
Thanks to its handle, this cup is very easy to use and performs quick controls in workshop or during manufacturing processes.
The instrument is first dipped into the product to be measured then emptied through the orifice. The flow time can be converted into cSt.
Several models, from 6 to 2000 cSt.
ASTM - DIN - EN - ISO - NF
Model 321 (DIN Dip Viscosity Cup technically equivalent to DIN 53 211)
Material Aluminium alloy
Ord.-No. Nozzle Dia. Viscosity Range*)
101-0062.01.31 2 mm 10 - 50 mm²/s
101-0062.05.31 3 mm 30 - 300 mm²/s
101-0062.02.31 4 mm 50 - 800 mm²/s
101-0062.03.31 6 mm 300 - 1,500 mm²/s
101-0062.04.31 8 mm 500 - 5,000 mm²/s
*) for efflux times in the range of 20 - 200 s
Model 322 (ISO Dip Viscosity Cup technically equivalent to EN ISO 2431)
Material Anodized aluminium
Ord.-No. Nozzle Dia. Viscosity Range*)
101-0165.01.31 3 mm 10 - 40 mm²/s
101-0165.02.31 4 mm 35 - 135 mm²/s
101-0165.03.31 5 mm 90 - 330 mm²/s
101-0165.04.31 6 mm 190 - 680 mm²/s
*) for efflux times in the range of 30 - 100 s
ZAHN CUP
ASTM D 4212
This practical instrument is made from aluminium alloy and fitted with a handle.
It is generally used for quick checks on paints or inks, on site or during production.
Flow times are convertible into cSt.
Five models are available, with different orifice diameters.
There is also a complete set available with 5 exchangeable cups and one handle in a velvet case.
Zahn Dip Viscosity Cup
101-0049.01.32 Nr. 1 5 - 60 mm²/s
101-0049.02.32 Nr. 2 20 - 250 mm²/s
101-0049.03.32 Nr. 3 100 - 800 mm²/s
101-0049.04.32 Nr. 4 200 - 1,200 mm²/s
101-0049.05.32 Nr. 5 400 - 1,800 mm²/s
*) for efflux times in the range of 20 - 80 s
Viscosity Nomogramme and Viscosity
Temperature Comparative Dial, Model 458
Purpose and Application
The Nomogram Disk 458 is designed for the conversion of viscosity measurement data in various unitary systems which have a specified reference temperature within any one unitary system.
• The VISCOSITY NOMOGRAM makes it possible to convert viscosity data into the following units (reference temperatures between 15°C and 25°C):
• cSt = mm²s-¹
• cP = mPa s
• Engler degrees
• Krebs Stormer units
• Gardner Holdt units
• Efflux times
- ISO 2431 (4 mm)
- ASTM D 1200 (Ford No. 3, No. 4)
- DIN 53 211
The TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT VISCOSITY SCALE is used for converting viscosity data for reference temperatures in the range between 5°C and 30°C.
Design and Function
The conversion nomograms are combined in one disk which can be used from both sides.
A direct comparison between different units of viscosity is possible on the VISCOSITY NOMOGRAM by way of a simple indicator reading.
By conversions between kinematic (cSt = mm² s-¹) and dynamic (cP = mPa s) units the liquid density in the range between 0.7 and 1.5 g/cm³ can be specified.
On the TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT VISCOSITY SCALE the conversion is effected by reading off adjacent scales for viscosity by temperature. These scales are turned in opposite directions on the slide rule principle. The conversion is based on a temperature coefficient of 5.5 %/°C.
The use of both nomograms is dependent on the test liquids featuring approximate Newton behaviour.
Order number: 101-0099.01.31
VISCOSOFT® 460 FC
Software for rapid conversion between viscosity and efflux time to be used with standardized flow cups.
• The clearly arranged graphics immediately show the measuring ranges of the standardized flow cups (DIN, ISO, ASTM)
• Relation between efflux time and viscosity (kinematic and dynamic) in a diagram
• Helps to select the appropriate flow cup
• Comfortable conversion by numerical input of values for viscosity, efflux time or density
• Indicates simultaneously the efflux times of flow cups with overlapping measuring ranges
• Converts between dynamic and kinematic viscosity
• Easy handling by operating a few keys by using the mouse
• Operating instructions in English/French/German
Standards
- ASTM D 1200
- ASTM D 5125
- EN ISO 2431
Order number: 101-0173.01.31
Visco Test Blade acc. to Rossmann, Model 301
Simple consistency test
There is a basic procedure for assessing the application consistency of paints and coatings,
namely to stir the liquid with a spatula and measure the run-off time subsequent to removing the spatula from the liquid. With this method, however, surface tension factors make it difficult to determine the end of run-off time.
By using the Visco Test Blade, Model 301, the influence of the surface tension is comparatively low and the end of run-off can be accurately defined.
The Visco Test Blade is designed for the rapid determination of the viscosity of paints for spray and brush application. On the one hand it is a practical stirring utensil when adding thinner to the paint and, on the other hand, it serves as a device to measure the viscosity of the substance. It is easy to use and to clean, making it a convenient instrument for use in the practice.
ASTM D 1131,1545, 1725 - AOC Meth. Ka 6-63 - FTMS 141a Meth. 4271
The rising speed of a trapped air bubble with a liquid in a glass tube indicates the kinematic viscosity.
With the GARDNER tubes, you can quickly characterise a large number of products by comparison.
They are divided into 4 series, covering a range of 0.50 to 1066 Stokes.
These tubes are also available separately. Empty tubes for sampling are supplied as option, in package of 144 pieces.
Series Number Viscosity Range (St)
of tubes (Approximate)
A-T 20 0.50 - 5.5
A5 - A1 5 0.005 - 0.32
U-Z6 12 6.27 -148
Z7-Z10 4 388- 1066
Please be aware of the following accuracies when performing the test:
Temperature control: 1°C = 10% error
Verticality control: 5° slant = 10% error
Tube I.D. control: 0.1mm = 2% error
Tube I.D. control: 0.1mm = 2% error
Proceedure for Use
Knowing the approximate viscosity, pick four standard tubes closest in viscosity to your sample
Fill the sample tube with liquid, insert a cork, and then using the tube holder insert the four lettered tubes and the sample tube into the holder.
Turn over the holder and visually compare what letter best matches the rise time of the bubble in the sample
The rise time in seconds of the sealed tubes and samples can also be determined using a basic timer