Viscosity Referral

using ASTM D341

Viscosity Referral of Hydrocarbon
Liquids
The 7950/7951 Signal Converters offer 3
methods of viscosity referral:-
4 x 5 Referral Matrix. This operates in the same way at
the density referral matrix. It is suitable for
Hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon liquids
Single ASTM D341 referral curve. This is not used
very extensively as it is only suitable for when a single
liquid is being measured
Multi-curve ASTM D341. This is the most widely used
option as multiple products can be measured.
ASTM D341
The Kinematic viscosity-temperature charts
covered by this standard are a convenient means
to ascertain the Kinematic viscosity of a
petroleum oil or liquid hydrocarbon at any
temperature within a limited range, provided that
the Kinematic viscosities at two temperatures are
known
The charts have been simplified into an equation
(see next slide).
Ideal for use with our 7827 viscometers as we
can measure on-line Kinematic viscosity.
Temperature Vs. Kinematic Viscosity:
ASTM D341
400.00

350.00
Kinematic Viscosity cst

300.00

250.00 log.log (v + 0.7) = A-BlogT

200.00

150.00
v = kinematic viscosity; cst
100.00
T = temperature deg Kelvin
50.00

0.00
50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
Temperature deg C
Using ASTM D341
log.log (v + 0.7) = A-BlogT

Two process variables

kinematic viscosity (cst)
temperature (OK)
Two constants A & B
Therefore with two sets of calibration data.... A&B
can be found
Calculations

log.log (v + 0.7) = A-BlogT........(i)

let v = 128.58cst at 40 OC
log.log (129.28) = A-Blog(313).............(ii)
let v = 15.00 cst at 100 OC
log.log (15.70) = A-Blog(373)...............(iii)
(ii) - (iii) and solve for B: B=3.24
substitute B in (ii) and solve for A
log.log (15.70) = A-3.24log(373).............(iv)
Calculating Base Viscosity

Now substitute A and B in (i)

log.log (v + 0.7) = 8.41-3.24logT........(v)
and now:
enter the temperature of interest in T, e.g. 50
OC, the base temperature

find v
log.log (v + 0.7) = 8.41-3.24log(323)
v = 80.0cst at 50 OC
Multi-curve Method

For products where quality changes dramatically

For multiple products
Combines ASTM equation with ratio technique
Ideal for bunker monitoring and blending control
 Heavy Fuel Oils
1000

900

800
Calibration Curves
700

600 Product Curve

Viscosity

500

400

300

200

100

0
40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

Temperature
 Determining Base Viscosity
The viscosity at
1000
the base
temperature

Find the Ratio of calibration

a
Logarithmic scale

curve viscosities
Viscosity at theat
measured
b process
processtemperature
temperatureto the
measured value
Find the calibration curve
100 viscosities at the base
temperature and then apply
the ratios to find the a
viscosity for the process
b
curve

10
40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140
Multi-curve Method

To assist with checking the ASTM D341 calculations, a

spreadsheet is available
The multi-curve method is only currently available in the
7950/7951 version 2010 software.
A custom version of the 2010 software is available for dual
viscosity skids. The software version is 2021. Please contact the
Customer Support Team before offering this version
Viscosity referral is not available in the 7829 Visconic