Kinematic Viscometers
Kinematic Viscometers
Calibrated Glass Capillary Kinematic Viscometers
Koehler offers a full selection of glass capillary viscometers for measuring kinematic viscosity of liquid petroleum products in accordance with ASTM D445 and related standard test methods. All types of viscometers conform to ASTM D446 and related standard specifications for glass capillary kinematic viscometers. Each viscometer is supplied with a calibration certificate, and holders should be ordered separately. Please refer to the following brief descriptions for determining which viscometer is best suited for your particular application.
Cannon®-Fenske Routine Viscometers
The Cannon®-Fenske Routine viscometer is a rugged and inexpensive viscometer that works well if the sample is transparent or translucent. Other viscometers for transparent samples in this catalog include the Cross Arm and BS/U-Tube viscometers.
Ubbelohde Viscometers
The Ubbelohde viscometer and other suspended-level viscometers are used to measure transparent liquids. Unlike the Cannon®-Fenske Routine viscometer, suspended level viscometers maintain the same viscometer constant at all temperatures, which is advantageous when samples are to be measured at different temperatures. Other suspended level viscometers in this catalog include the BS/IP/SL, BP/IP/SL(S), and BP/IP/MSL viscometers.
Reverse Flow Viscometers
The Cannon®-Fenske Opaque, Cross Arm, and BS/IP/RF U-Tube viscometers have been designed for testing opaque liquids. These viscometers wet the timing section of the viscometer capillary only during the actual measurement and must be cleaned, dried and refilled before a repeat measurement can be made. By contrast, other viscometer types commonly used to measure transparent liquids allow the sample to be repeatedly drawn up into the capillary, permitting duplicate measurements.
Small Volume Viscometers
Several semi-micro viscometers have been designed which require one milliliter or less of liquid, which include the Cannon®-Manning Semi-Micro, Cannon®-Manning Semi-Micro Extra Low Charge, and Cannon®-Ubbelohde Semi-Micro viscometers.
Dilution Viscometers
Estimates of the molecular size and shape of large polymers molecules can be obtained from kinematic viscosity measurements of dilute solutions. The Cannon®-Ubbelohde Dilution viscometer has an extra large reservoir which allows polymer solutions to be diluted several times and measures viscosities at four different shear rates. Dilute polymer solutions frequently appear to exhibit changes in kinematic viscosity when the shear rate is changed.
Vacuum Viscometers
In most glass capillary viscometers, the samples flow under gravity. When liquids are too viscous to flow readily under gravity, vacuum viscometers may be used to measure viscosity. A vacuum is applied to one end of the viscometer to pull the liquid through the capillary into the timing bulb. Koehler offers the Cannon®-Manning Vacuum, the Asphalt Institute Vacuum, and the Modified Koppers Vacuum reverse flow viscometer tubes. These vacuum viscometers require an accurately controlled vacuum regulator for proper measurement. Please refer to page 13 for information about the Koehler Vacuum Regulator.
Cannon®-Fenske Routine
For kinematic viscosity of transparent liquids up to 100,000cSt. Requires a sample of approximately 7mL. Use with K23310 and K23350 rectangular metal holders or K23381 and K23351 round plastic holders. Length: 250mm
| Catalog No. | Size | Approximate Constant, cST/s |
Kinematic Viscosity Range, cSt |
| 378-025-C01 | 25 | 0.002 | 0.5 to 2 |
| 378-050-C01 | 50 | 0.004 | 0.8 to 4 |
| 378-075-C01 | 75 | 0.008 | 1.6 to 8 |
| 378-100-C01 | 100 | 0.015 | 3 to 15 |
| 378-150-C01 | 150 | 0.035 | 7 to 35 |
| 378-200-C01 | 200 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-300-C01 | 300 | 0.25 | 50 to 250 |
| 378-350-C01 | 350 | 0.5 | 100 to 500 |
| 378-400-C01 | 400 | 1.2 | 240 to 1,200 |
| 378-450-C01 | 450 | 2.5 | 500 to 2,500 |
| 378-500-C01 | 500 | 8.0 | 1,600 to 8,000 |
| 378-600-C01 | 600 | 20.0 | 4,000 to 20,000 |
| 378-650-C01 | 650 | 45.0 | 9,000 to 45,000 |
| 378-700-C01 | 700 | 100.0 | 20,000 to 100,000 |
Cannon®-Fenske Opaque
Reverse-flow viscometer for measurement of transparent and dark liquids having kinematic viscosities of up to 100,000cSt. Requires a sample of approximately 12mL. Allows timing of samples whose thin films are opaque and are thus not suitable for modified Ostwald and suspended-level type viscometers. Can be used for kinematic viscosities of asphalts by ASTM D2170 method. Use with K23310 and K23350 rectangular metal holders or K23381 and K23351 round plastic holders. Length: 295mm
| Catalog No. | Size | Approximate Constant, cST/s | Kinematic Viscosity Range, cSt |
| 378-025-C02 | 25 | 0.002 | 0.4 to 2 |
| 378-050-C02 | 50 | 0.004 | 0.8 to 4 |
| 378-075-C02 | 75 | 0.008 | 1.6 to 8 |
| 378-100-C02 | 100 | 0.015 | 3 to 15 |
| 378-150-C02 | 150 | 0.035 | 7 to 35 |
| 378-200-C02 | 200 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-300-C02 | 300 | 0.25 | 50 to 250 |
| 378-350-C02 | 350 | 0.5 | 100 to 500 |
| 378-400-C02 | 400 | 1.2 | 240 to 1,200 |
| 378-450-C02 | 450 | 2.5 | 500 to 2,500 |
| 378-500-C02 | 500 | 8.0 | 1,600 to 8,000 |
| 378-600-C02 | 600 | 20.0 | 4,000 to 20,000 |
| 378-650-C02 | 650 | 45.0 | 9,000 to 45,000 |
| 378-700-C02 | 700 | 100.0 | 20,000 to 100,000 |
Ubbelohde
Suspended-level type viscometer for kinematic viscosities of transparent liquids of up to 100,000cSt. Requires a sample volume of approximately 11mL. Use with K23320 and K23350 rectangular metal holders or K23382 and K23351 round plastic holders. Length: 283mm
| Catalog No. | Size | Approximate Constant, cST/s | Kinematic Viscosity Range, cSt |
| 378-000-C03 | 0 | 0.001 | 0.3 to 1 |
| 378-00C-C03 | 0C | 0.003 | 0.6 to 3 |
| 378-00B-C03 | 0B | 0.005 | 1 to 5 |
| 378-001-C03 | 1 | 0.01 | 2 to 10 |
| 378-01C-C03 | 1C | 0.03 | 6 to 30 |
| 378-01B-C03 | 1B | 0.05 | 10 to 50 |
| 378-002-C03 | 2 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-02C-C03 | 2C | 0.3 | 60 to 300 |
| 378-02B-C03 | 2B | 0.5 | 100 to 500 |
| 378-003-C03 | 3 | 1.0 | 200 to 1,000 |
| 378-03C-C03 | 3C | 3.0 | 600 to 3,000 |
| 378-03B-C03 | 3B | 5.0 | 1,000 to 5,000 |
| 378-004-C03 | 4 | 10.0 | 2,000 to 10,000 |
| 378-04C-C03 | 4C | 30.0 | 6,000 to 30,000 |
| 378-04B-C03 | 4B | 50.0 | 10,000 |
| 378-005-C03 | 5 | 100.0 | 20,000 to 100,000 |
Cannon®-Ubbelohde Four-Bulb Shear Dilution
Suspended level viscometer for the measurement of intrinsic viscosity extrapolated to zero shear rate. Provides five-fold range of shear rates. Requires approximately 20mL of sample. Use with K23361 rectangular holder or K23384 round holder. Length: 280 mm
| Catalog No. | Size | Approximate Constant, cST/s | Kinematic Viscosity Range, cSt |
| 378-025-C16 | 25 | 0.002 | 0.5 to 2 |
| 378-050-C16 | 50 | 0.004 | 0.8 to 4 |
| 378-075-C16 | 75 | 0.008 | 1.6 to 8 |
| 378-100-C16 | 100 | 0.015 | 3 to 15 |
| 378-150-C16 | 150 | 0.035 | 7 to 35 |
Cannon®-Ubbelohde
Suspended level viscometer for transparent liquids. Requires approximately 11mL of sample. Use with K23361 rectangular holder or K23384 round holder. Length: 335mm
| 378-025-C11 | 25 | 0.002 | 0.5 to 2 |
| 378-050-C11 | 50 | 0.004 | 0.8 to 4 |
| 378-075-C11 | 75 | 0.008 | 1.6 to 8 |
| 378-100-C11 | 100 | 0.015 | 3 to 15 |
| 378-150-C11 | 150 | 0.035 | 7 to 35 |
| 378-200-C11 | 200 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-300-C11 | 300 | 0.25 | 50 to 200 |
| 378-350-C11 | 350 | 0.5 | 100 to 500 |
| 378-400-C11 | 400 | 1.2 | 240 to 1,200 |
| 378-450-C11 | 450 | 2.55 | 00 to 2,500 |
| 378-500-C11 | 500 | 8.01 | ,600 to 8,000 |
| 378-600-C11 | 600 | 20.0 | 4,000 to 20,000 |
| 378-650-C11 | 650 | 45.0 | 9,000 to 45,000 |
| 378-700-C11 | 700 | 100.0 | 20,000 to 100,000 |
Cannon®-Ubbelohde Dilution
Suspended level viscometer for the measurement of intrinsic viscosity of transparent liquids. Requires approximately 8mL of sample. Use with K23361 rectangular holder or K23384 round holder. Length: 385mm. Note: 18" Depth bath required to accommodate tubes.
| 378-025-C15 | 25 | 0.002 | 0.5 to 2 |
| 378-050-C15 | 50 | 0.004 | 0.8 to 4 |
| 378-075-C15 | 75 | 0.008 | 1.6 to 8 |
| 378-100-C15 | 100 | 0.015 | 3 to 15 |
| 378-150-C15 | 150 | 0.035 | 7 to 35 |
| 378-200-C15 | 200 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-300-C15 | 300 | 0.25 | 50 to 200 |
| 378-350-C15 | 350 | 0.5 | 100 to 500 |
| 378-400-C15 | 400 | 1.2 | 240 to 1,200 |
| 378-450-C15 | 450 | 2.5 | 500 to 2,500 |
| 378-500-C15 | 500 | 8.0 | 1,600 to 8,000 |
| 378-600-C15 | 600 | 20.0 | 4,000 to 20,000 |
Cannon®-Ubbelohde Semi-Micro
For transparent liquids. Requires approximately 1.0mL of sample. Use with K23361 rectangular holder or K23384 round holder. Length: 335mm
| 378-025-C12 | 25 | 0.002 | 0.5 to 2 |
| 378-050-C12 | 50 | 0.004 | 0.8 to 4 |
| 378-075-C12 | 75 | 0.008 | 1.6 to 8 |
| 378-100-C12 | 100 | 0.015 | 3 to 15 |
| 378-150-C12 | 150 | 0.035 | 7 to 35 |
| 378-200-C12 | 200 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-300-C12 | 300 | 0.25 | 50 to 200 |
| 378-350-C12 | 350 | 0.5 | 100 to 500 |
| 378-400-C12 | 400 | 1.2 | 240 to 1,200 |
| 378-450-C12 | 450 | 2.5 | 500 to 2,500 |
| 378-500-C12 | 500 | 8.0 | 1,600 to 8,000 |
| 378-600-C12 | 600 | 20.0 | 4,000 to 20,000 |
Cannon®-Manning Semi-Micro
For transparent liquids. Requires a sample of approximately 1.0mL. Use with K23310 and K23350 rectangular holders or K23381 and K23351 round holders. Length: 275mm
| 378-025-C10 | 25 | 0.002 | 0.5 to 2 |
| 378-050-C10 | 50 | 0.004 | 0.8 to 4 |
| 378-075-C10 | 75 | 0.008 | 1.6 to 8 |
| 378-100-C10 | 100 | 0.015 | 3 to 15 |
| 378-150-C10 | 150 | 0.035 | 7 to 35 |
| 378-200-C10 | 200 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-300-C10 | 300 | 0.25 | 50 to 200 |
| 378-350-C10 | 350 | 0.5 | 100 to 500 |
| 378-400-C10 | 400 | 1.2 | 240 to 1,200 |
| 378-450-C10 | 450 | 2.5 | 500 to 2,500 |
| 378-500-C10 | 500 | 8.0 | 1,600 to 8,000 |
| 378-600-C10 | 600 | 20.0 | 4,000 to 20,000 |
Cannon®-Manning Semi-Micro Extra Low Charge
For transparent liquids. Requires a sample of approximately 0.5mL. Use with K23350 rectangular holders or K23351 round holders. Length: 200mm
| 378-025-C17 | 25 | 0.002 | 0.5 to 2 |
| 378-050-C17 | 50 | 0.004 | 0.8 to 4 |
| 378-075-C17 | 75 | 0.008 | 1.6 to 8 |
| 378-100-C17 | 100 | 0.015 | 3 to 15 |
| 378-150-C17 | 150 | 0.035 | 7 to 35 |
| 378-200-C17 | 200 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-300-C17 | 300 | 0.25 | 50 to 200 |
| 378-350-C17 | 350 | 0.5 | 100 to 500 |
| 378-400-C17 | 400 | 1.2 | 240 to 1,200 |
| 378-450-C17 | 450 | 2.5 | 500 to 2,500 |
| 378-500-C17 | 500 | 8.0 | 1,600 to 8,000 |
| 378-600-C17 | 600 | 20.0 | 4,000 to 20,000 |
Cross-Arm
Reverse-flow type viscometer for transparent and dark liquids having kinematic viscosities of up to 100,000cSt. Requires a sample of approximately 1-3mL. Use with K23362 and K23350 rectangular metal holders or K23383 and K23351 round plastic holders. Length: 305mm
| 378-001-C09 | 1 | 0.003 | 0.6 to 3 |
| 378-002-C09 | 2 | 0.01 | 2 to 10 |
| 378-003-C09 | 3 | 0.03 | 6 to 30 |
| 378-004-C09 | 4 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-005-C09 | 5 | 0.3 | 60 to 300 |
| 378-006-C09 | 6 | 1.0 | 200 to 1,000 |
| 378-007-C09 | 7 | 3.0 | 600 to 3,000 |
| 378-008-C09 | 8 | 10.0 | 2,000 to 10,000 |
| 378-009-C09 | 9 | 30.0 | 6,000 to 30,000 |
| 378-010-C09 | 10 | 100.0 | 20,000 to 100,000 |
BS/IP/RF U-Tube Opaque
Reverse-flow viscometer for opaque liquids having kinematic viscosities of up to 300,000cSt. Requires a sample of 12-25mL. Use with K23330 rectangular metal holders or K23387 round plastic holders. Length: 275mm
| 378-001-C08 | 1 | 0.003 | 0.6 to 3 |
| 378-002-C08 | 2 | 0.01 | 2 to 10 |
| 378-003-C08 | 3 | 0.03 | 6 to 30 |
| 378-004-C08 | 4 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-005-C08 | 5 | 0.3 | 60 to 300 |
| 378-006-C08 | 6 | 1.0 | 200 to 1,000 |
| 378-007-C08 | 7 | 3.0 | 600 to 3,000 |
| 378-008-C08 | 8 | 10.0 | 2,000 to 10,000 |
| 378-009-C08 | 9 | 30.0 | 6,000 to 30,000 |
| 378-010-C08 | 10 | 100.0 | 20,000 to 100,000 |
| 378-011-C08 | 11 | 300.0 | 60,000 to 300,000 |
BS/U-Tube Transparent
U-Tube viscometer for transparent liquids having kinematic viscosities of up to 10,000cSt. Requires a sample of 7-23mL. Length: 300mm
| 378-00A-C08 | A | 0.003 | 0.9 to 3 |
| 378-00B-C08 | B | 0.01 | 2.0 to 10 |
| 378-00C-C08 | C | 0.03 | 6 to 30 |
| 378-00D-C08 | D | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-00E-C08 | E | 0.3 | 60 to 300 |
| 378-00F-C08 | F | 1.0 | 200 to 1,000 |
| 378-00G-C08 | G | 3.0 | 600 to 3,000 |
| 378-00H-C08 | H | 10.0 | 2,000 to 10,000 |
BS/U/M Miniature U-Tube
Miniature U-Tube viscometer for transparent liquids having kinematic viscosities of up to 100cSt. Requires a sample of 2mL. Length: 250mm
| 378-0M1-C18 | M1 | 0.001 | 0.2 to 1 |
| 378-0M2-C18 | M2 | 0.005 | 1 to 5 |
| 378-0M3-C18 | M3 | 0.015 | 3 to 15 |
| 378-0M4-C18 | M4 | 0.04 | 8 to 40 |
| 378-0M5-C18 | M5 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
BS/IP/MSL Miniature Suspended Level
Miniature suspended level viscometer for transparent liquids having kinematic viscosities of up to 3,000cSt. Requires a sample of 4mL. Length: 345mm
| 378-001-C19 | 1 | 0.003 | 0.6 to 3 |
| 378-002-C19 | 2 | 0.01 | 2 to 10 |
| 378-003-C19 | 3 | 0.03 | 6 to 30 |
| 378-004-C19 | 4 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-005-C19 | 5 | 0.3 | 60 to 300 |
| 378-006-C19 | 6 | 1.0 | 200 to 1,000 |
| 378-007-C19 | 7 | 3.0 | 600 to 3,000 |
BS/IP/SL Suspended Level
Suspended level viscometer for transparent liquids having kinematic viscosities of up to 100,000cSt. Requires a sample of 11mL. Length: 250mm
| 378-001-C20 | 1 | 0.01 | 3.5 to 10 |
| 378-01A-C20 | 1A | 0.03 | 6 to 30 |
| 378-002-C20 | 2 | 0.1 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-02A-C20 | 2A | 0.3 | 60 to 300 |
| 378-003-C20 | 3 | 1.0 | 200 to 1,000 |
| 378-03A-C20 | 3A | 3.0 | 600 to 3,000 |
| 378-004-C20 | 4 | 10.0 | 2,000 to 10,000 |
| 378-04A-C20 | 4A | 30.0 | 6,000 to 30,000 |
| 378-005-C20 | 5 | 100.0 | 20,000 to 100,000 |
BS/IP/SL(S) Suspended Level
Shortened suspended level viscometer for transparent liquids having kinematic viscosities of up to 100,000cSt. Requires a sample of 10mL. Length: 255mm
| 378-001-C21 | 1 | 0.0008 | 3.5 to 10 |
| 378-002-C21 | 2 | 0.003 | 6 to 30 |
| 378-003-C21 | 3 | 0.01 | 20 to 100 |
| 378-004-C21 | 4 | 0.03 | 60 to 300 |
| 378-005-C21 | 5 | 0.1 | 200 to 1,000 |
| 378-006-C21 | 6 | 0.3 | 600 to 3,000 |
| 378-007-C21 | 7 | 1.0 | 2,000 to 10,000 |
| 378-008-C21 | 8 | 3.0 | 6,000 to 30,000 |
| 378-009-C21 | 9 | 10.0 | 20,000 to 100,000 |
Cannon®-Manning Vacuum
For highly viscous materials, including asphalt cement at 140°F (60°C) in accordance with ASTM D2171. Requires approximately 6mL of sample. Use with K23360 rectangular holder or K23388 round holder. Length: 230-260mm
| Catalog No. | Size | Bulb B | Bulb C | Viscosity Range, Poise |
| 378-004-C13 | 4 | 0.0002 | 0.0006 | 0.36 to 0.8 |
| 378-005-C13 | 5 | 0.006 | 0.002 | 0.12 to 2.4 |
| 378-006-C13 | 6 | 0.02 | 0.006 | 0.36 to 8 |
| 378-007-C13 | 7 | 0.06 | 0.02 | 1.2 to 24 |
| 378-008-C13 | 8 | 0.2 | 0.06 | 3.6 to 80 |
| 378-009-C13 | 9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 12 to 240 |
| 378-010-C13 | 10 | 2 | 0.6 | 36 to 800 |
| 378-011-C13 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 120 to 2,400 |
| 378-012-C13 | 12 | 20 | 6 | 360 to 8,000 |
| 378-013-C13 | 13 | 60 | 20 | 1,200 to 24,000 |
| 378-014-C13 | 14 | 200 | 60 | 3,600 to 80,000 |
Asphalt Institute Vacuum
Similar to Cannon®-Manning Vacuum type, but with graduated capillary instead of two timing bulbs. Requires a sample of approximately 4mL. Use with K23360 rectangular holder or K23388 round holder. Length: 230-260mm
| Catalog No. | Size | Bulb B | Bulb C | Bulb D | Viscosity Range, Poise |
| 378-025-C14 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 0.7 | 42 to 800 |
| 378-050-C14 | 50 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 180 to 3,200 |
| 378-100-C14 | 100 | 32 | 16 | 10 | 600 to 12,800 |
| 378-200-C14 | 200 | 128 | 64 | 40 | 2,400 to 52,000 |
| 378-400-C14 | 400 | 500 | 250 | 160 | 9,600 to 200,000 |
Modified Koppers Vacuum
For highly viscous materials in accordance with ASTM D2171. Requires a sample of 2mL. Use with K23364 rectangular holder or K23363 round holder. Length: 270mm
| Catalog No. | Size | Bulb B | Bulb C | Bulb D | Viscosity Range, Poise |
| 378-025-C06 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 0.7 | 42 to 800 |
| 378-050-C06 | 50 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 180 to 3,200 |
| 378-100-C06 | 100 | 32 | 16 | 10 | 600 to 12,800 |
| 378-200-C06 | 200 | 128 | 64 | 40 | 2,400 to 52,000 |
| 378-400-C06 | 400 | 500 | 250 | 160 | 9,600 to 200,000 |