How to measure viscosity using Elcometer Dip Cups

There are a number of ways to measure the viscosity of a liquid, one of which is dip cups - also known as a viscosity cup.

This video will show you how to use a viscosity cup - specifically a viscosity dip cup.

Viscosity cups are available in a wide range of industry standard designs, and orifice diameters to suit different viscosities.

When measuring the viscosity of a fluid, what you are really measuring is the resistance a fluid has to flow.

To test using a viscosity cup, you will require a viscosity dip cup, a stopwatch, a thermometer with a liquid probe, and a container of your sample liquid - ensuring there is enough of a sample to be able to submerge the dip cup entirely.

If a preferred dip cup isn’t listed on the technical data sheet of the liquid you are testing, then typically you should select a cup that will give an estimated flow time of between 30 to 100 seconds.

However this is dependent on the range of the dip cup you are testing with, or the test method or standard you are working to.

The measured kinematic viscosity is expressed in seconds, which can be converted into Centistokes using a simple formula. The Elcometer 2400 Viscosity Disc provides a quick way to work out your kinematic viscosity in Centistokes.

Alternatively you could use ElcoCalc, Elcometer’s free app available from the Android or Apple App stores. Find out more here: elcometer.com/en/coating-inspection/elcomaster-…

It’s important to note, not all dip cups provide results that can be converted into Centistokes – so in these cases, you’d record the kinematic viscosity in seconds flow time.

For more information on Elcometer's range of viscosity dip cups, contact Elcometer at [email protected] or visit our website at elcometer.com/en/coatings-inspection/physical-t…

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Click here to download the video script in English: elcometer.com/pub/media/PDF/Video_Scripts/Measu…

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STANDARDS

Elcometer 2210 Zahn Viscosity Dip Cups:
ASTM D 1084-D, ASTM D 4212

Elcometer 2310 Shell Viscosity Dip Cups:
ASTM D 4212

Elcometer Frikmar Viscosity Dip Cups:

DIN VISCOSITY DIP CUPS:
DIN 53211 (Cup 4 only)

FORD/ASTM VISCOSITY DIP CUPS:
ASTM D 1200, ASTM D 5125

ISO VISCOSITY DIP CUPS:
AS/NZS 1580.214.6:1995, ISO 2431

AFNOR VISCOSITY DIP CUPS:
NF T30-014