Gravimetric Capillary Viscometer / Ubbelohde manual

Using gravity as the driving force, capillary viscometers are reliable and precise. They are widespread and have numerous standards referring to them. To obtain exact readings with the original glass capillary viscometers requires a high level of concentration from the operator when taking the flow time manually. Thermostat baths and suitable bath liquids that stay clear when measuring at low temperatures are essential in order to obtain correct results. Precise temperature equilibration takes typically several hours. The listed specifications apply to manual Ubbelohde capillaries.

• Measured quantity: Time
• Calculated quantity: Kinematic viscosity

Learn more about the Gravimetric Capillary Principle.

Many different capillaries (also referred to as 'tubes') are required to cover a wide viscosity range. Each Ubbelohde capillary can cover a range defined by its minimum viscosity times factor 5. For example, the range for type 0B is 1 mm²/s to 5 mm²/s.

• Viscosity measuring range - 16 capillaries for the entire range: 0.3 mm²/s to 100,000 mm²
• Repeatability: < 1 %
• Reproducibility: 0.65 %

• Temperature measuring range: -40°C (-40°F) to +200°C (392°F)

Sample throughput - max./hour for manual operation:

• typically 2, depending on sample type and measuring conditions

A liquid bath is required for temperature control. The capillary is immersed in the bath.

The sample volume depends on the capillary used.

Typical sample volume for an Ubbelohde capillary: 18 mL

• Suitable for transparent samples.
• Other, reverse-flow glass capillary types are suitable also for opaque samples (e.g. Cannon-Fenske Opaque).

ISO 3104, ISO 3105, ASTM D445, ASTM D446, IP 71, BS 188, USP <911>

We offer typical values which are based on the values in brochures and standards but are not related to specific instruments.