This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D88/D88M − 07 (Reapproved 2019)´1 American Association State

Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No: T72
Method 304—Federal Test
Method Standard No. 791b
Replaces Method 4285 of Federal Test
Method Standard No. 141A

Standard Test Method for

Saybolt Viscosity1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D88/D88M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

ε1 NOTE—Units information was editorially corrected in May 2019.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the empirical procedures for 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
determining the Saybolt Universal or Saybolt Furol viscosities D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens
of petroleum products at specified temperatures between 21 Closed Cup Tester
and 99°C [70 and 210°F]. A special procedure for waxy D117 Guide for Sampling, Test Methods, and Specifications
products is indicated. for Electrical Insulating Liquids
NOTE 1—Test Methods D445 and D2170/D2170M are preferred for the
D140/D140M Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
determination of kinematic viscosity. They require smaller samples and D244 Test Methods and Practices for Emulsified Asphalts
less time, and provide greater accuracy. Kinematic viscosities may be D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
converted to Saybolt viscosities by use of the tables in Practice D2161. It and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
is recommended that viscosity indexes be calculated from kinematic rather ity)
than Saybolt viscosities.
D2161 Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in D2170/D2170M Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to Asphalts
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
used independently of the other, and values from the two Petroleum Products
systems shall not be combined. D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Petroleum Products
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- Sieves
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. E102/E102M Test Method for Saybolt Furol Viscosity of
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- Bituminous Materials at High Temperatures
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3. Terminology
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.1 Definitions:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 3.1.1 Furol—an acronym of “Fuel and road oils.”
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3.1.2 Saybolt Furol viscosity—the corrected efflux time in
seconds of 60 mL of sample flowing through a calibrated Furol
1
orifice under specified conditions. The viscosity value is
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing
and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.05 on
Solvent-Bearing Bituminous Compounds for Roofing and Waterproofing.
2
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
approved in 1921. In 1923, combined with former Methods D47. Last previous contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
edition approved in 2013 as D88 – 07 (2013). DOI: 10.1520/D0088_D0088M- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
07R19E01. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D88/D88M − 07 (2019)´1
reported in Saybolt Furol seconds, abbreviated SFS, at a 5.3 The Saybolt Furol viscosity is approximately one tenth
specified temperature. the Saybolt Universal viscosity, and is recommended for
3.1.3 Saybolt Universal viscosity—the corrected efflux time characterization of petroleum products such as fuel oils and
in seconds of 60 mL of sample flowing through a calibrated other residual materials having Saybolt Universal viscosities
Universal orifice under specified conditions. The viscosity greater than 1000 s.
value is reported in Saybolt Universal seconds, abbreviated 5.4 Determination of the Saybolt Furol viscosity of bitumi-
SUS, at a specified temperature. nous materials at higher temperatures is covered by Test
Method E102/E102M.
4. Summary of Test Method
6. Apparatus
4.1 The efflux time in seconds of 60 mL of sample, flowing
6.1 Saybolt Viscometer and Bath, as shown in Fig. 1 and
through a calibrated orifice, is measured under carefully
described in Annex A1.
controlled conditions. This time is corrected by an orifice
factor and reported as the viscosity of the sample at that 6.2 Withdrawal Tube, as shown in Fig. 2.
temperature. 6.3 Thermometer Support, as shown in Fig. 3.
6.4 Saybolt Viscosity Thermometers , as listed in Table 1, for
5. Significance and Use reading the temperature of the sample. Each thermometer shall
5.1 This test method is useful in characterizing certain conform to the requirements listed in Specification E1 for that
petroleum products, as one element in establishing uniformity ASTM Thermometer Number.
of shipments and sources of supply. 6.5 Bath Thermometers—Saybolt Viscosity thermometers,
5.2 See Guide D117 for applicability to mineral oils used as or any other temperature-indicating means of equivalent accu-
electrical insulating oils. racy.

NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres (inches).

FIG. 1 Saybolt Viscometer with Universal and Furol Orifice

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 D88/D88M − 07 (2019)´1
TABLE 1 ASTM Saybolt Viscosity Thermometers
Standard Test ASTM Thermometer
Temperature Thermometer
°C [°F] No. Range °C [°F] Subdivisions, °C [°F]
21.1 [70] 17C [17F] 19 to 27 0.1 [0.2]
[66 to 80]
25.0 [77] 17C [17F] 19 to 27 0.1 [0.2]
[66 to 80]
37.8 [100] 18C [18F] 34 to 42 0.1 [0.2]
[94 to 108]
50.0 [122] 19C [19F] 49 to 57 0.1 [0.2]
[120 to 134]
54.4 [130] 19C [19F] 49 to 57 0.1 [0.2]
[120 to 134]
60.0 [140] 20C [20F] 57 to 65 0.1 [0.2]
[134 to 148]
82.2 [180] 21C [21F] 79 to 87 0.1 [0.2]
[174 to 188]
98.9 [210] 22C [22F] 95 to 103 0.1 [0.2]
[204 to 218]

6.6 Filter Funnel, as shown in Fig. 4, equipped with

interchangeable 150-µm [No. 100] and 75-µm [No. 200]
wire-cloth inserts meeting the requirements of Specification
E11 with respect to the wire cloth.
6.7 Receiving Flask, as shown in Fig. 5.
6.8 Timer, graduated in tenths of a second, and accurate to
within 0.1 % when tested over a 60-min interval. Electric
timers are acceptable if operated on a controlled frequency
circuit.

7. Sampling
7.1 Sample the material in accordance with Practices D140/
D140M, D4057, or D4177, as appropriate.

8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Use a Universal orifice or tip for lubricants and distil-
NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres (inches). lates with efflux times greater than 32 s to give the desired
FIG. 2 Withdrawal Tube for Use with Saybolt Viscometer accuracy. Liquids with efflux times greater than 1000 s are not
conveniently tested with this orifice.
8.2 Use a Furol orifice or tip for residual materials with
efflux times greater than 25 s to give the desired accuracy. See
also 5.3.
8.3 Clean the viscometer thoroughly with an appropriate
solvent of low toxicity; then remove all solvent from the
viscometer and its gallery. Clean the receiving flask in the same
manner.
NOTE 2—The plunger commonly supplied with the viscometer should
never be used for cleaning; its use might damage the overflow rim and
walls of the viscometer.
8.4 Set up the viscometer and bath in an area where they
will not be exposed to drafts or rapid changes in air
temperature, and dust or vapors that might contaminate a
sample.
8.5 Place the receiving flask (Fig. 5) beneath the viscometer
NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres (inches). so that the graduation mark on the flask is from 100 to 130 mm
FIG. 3 Thermometer Support [4 to 5 in.] below the bottom of the viscometer tube, and so that
the stream of oil will just strike the neck of the flask.

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 D88/D88M − 07 (2019)´1

NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres (inches).

FIG. 4 Filter Funnel for Use with Saybolt Viscometer

8.6 Fill the bath to at least 6 mm [1⁄4 in.] above the overflow actual temperature. However room temperatures up to 38°C
rim of the viscometer with an appropriate bath medium [100°F] will not introduce errors in excess of 1 %.
selected from Table 2.
8.7 Provide adequate stirring and thermal control for the 9. Calibration and Standardization
bath so that the temperature of a test sample in the viscometer 9.1 Calibrate the Saybolt Universal viscometer at periodic
will not vary more than 60.03°C [60.05°F] after reaching the intervals by measuring the efflux time at 37.8°C [100°F] of an
selected test temperature. appropriate viscosity oil standard, following the procedure
8.8 Do not make viscosity measurements at temperatures given in Section 10. See Annex A2 for viscosity oil standards
below the dew point of the room’s atmosphere. available.
8.9 For calibration and referee tests, keep the room tem- 9.2 The efflux time of the viscosity oil standard shall equal
perature between 20 and 30°C [68 and 86°F], and record the the certified Saybolt viscosity value. If the efflux time differs

4
 D88/D88M − 07 (2019)´1
10.3 If the selected test temperature is above room
temperature, the test may be expedited by preheating the
sample in its original container to not more than 1.7°C [3.0°F]
above the test temperature. Never preheat any sample to within
28°C [50°F] of its flash point (see Test Methods D93), because
volatility losses might alter its composition.
10.4 Stir the sample well; then strain it through the 150-µm
[No. 100] wire cloth in the filter funnel directly into the
viscometer until the level is above the overflow rim.
10.5 The viscosities of steam-refined cylinder oils, black
lubricating oils, residual fuel oils, and similar waxy products
can be affected by their thermal histories. Use the following
preheating procedure with such products to obtain uniform
results at temperatures below 93°C [200°F]:
10.5.1 Heat the sample in its original container to about
50°C [122°F], with stirring and shaking to dissolve and blend
waxy materials. Probe the bottom of the container with a
stirring rod to be certain that all waxy materials are in solution,
and mix well.
10.5.2 Pour about 100 mL into a 125-mL Erlenmeyer flask.
NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres. Stopper loosely with a cork or rubber stopper.
FIG. 5 Receiving Flask 10.5.3 Immerse the flask in a bath of boiling water for 30
min.
10.5.4 Mix well, remove the sample from the boiling water
bath, wipe the outside of the flask dry, and strain the sample
from the certified value by more than 0.2 %, calculate a through the 75-µm [No. 200] wire cloth in the filter funnel
correction factor, F, for the viscometer as follows: directly into the viscometer until the level is above the
F 5 V/t (1) overflow rim.
where: 10.6 Stir the sample in the viscometer with the appropriate
V = certified Saybolt viscosity of the standard, and viscosity thermometer equipped with the thermometer support
t = measured efflux time at 37.8°C [100°F], s. (Fig. 3). Use a circular motion at 30 to 50 rpm in a horizontal
NOTE 3—If the calibration is based on a viscosity oil standard having an plane. When the sample temperature remains constant within
efflux time between 200 and 600 s, the correction factor applies to all 0.03°C [0.05°F] of the test temperature during 1 min of
viscosity levels at all temperatures. continuous stirring, remove the thermometer.
9.3 Calibrate the Saybolt Furol viscometer at 50.0°C NOTE 4—Never attempt to adjust the temperature by immersing hot or
[122°F] in the same manner as above, using a viscosity oil cold bodies in the sample. Such thermal treatment might affect the sample
standard having a minimum efflux time of 90 s. and the precision of the test.
9.4 Viscometers or orifices requiring corrections greater 10.7 Immediately place the tip of the withdrawal tube (Fig.
than 1.0 % shall not be used in referee testing. 2) in the gallery at one point, and apply suction to remove oil
until its level in the gallery is below the overflow rim. Do not
10. Procedure touch the overflow rim with the withdrawal tube; the effective
10.1 Establish and control the bath temperature at the liquid head of the sample would be reduced.
selected test temperature. 10.8 Check to be sure that the receiving flask is in proper
10.1.1 Standard test temperatures for measuring Saybolt position; then snap the cork from the viscometer using the
Universal viscosities are 21.1, 37.8, 54.4, and 98.9°C [70, 100, attached cord, and start the timer at the same instant.
130, and 210°F].
10.9 Stop the timer the instant the bottom of the oil
10.1.2 Standard test temperatures for measuring Saybolt
meniscus reaches the graduation mark on the receiving flask.
Furol viscosities are 25.0, 37.8, 50.0, and 98.9°C [77, 100, 122,
Record the efflux time in seconds to the nearest 0.1 s.
and 210°F].
10.1.3 Other standard test temperatures in use include 60.0
11. Calculation and Report
and 82.2°C [140 and 180°F].
11.1 Multiply the efflux time by the correction factor for the
10.2 Insert a cork stopper, having a cord attached for its
viscometer determined in 9.2.
easy removal, into the air chamber at the bottom of the
viscometer. The cork shall fit tightly enough to prevent the 11.2 Report the corrected efflux time as the Saybolt Univer-
escape of air, as evidenced by the absence of oil on the cork sal or Saybolt Furol viscosity of the oil at the temperature at
when it is withdrawn later as described. which the test was made.

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 D88/D88M − 07 (2019)´1
TABLE 2 Recommended Bath Media
Standard Test Max Temp Bath Temperature Control
Temperature, Recommended Bath Medium Differential,A Functional Precision,
°C [°F] °C [°F] °C [°F]
21.1 [70] water ±0.05 [0.10] ±0.03 [0.05]
25.0 [77] water ±0.05 [0.10] ±0.03 [0.05]
37.8 [100] water, or oil of 50 to 70 SUS viscosity at 37.8°C [100°F] ±0.15 [0.25] ±0.03 [0.05]
50.0 [122] water, or oil of 120 to 150 SUS viscosity at 37.8°C [100°F] + 0.20 [0.35] ±0.03 [0.05]
54.4 [130] water, or oil of 120 to 150 SUS viscosity at 37.8°C [100°F] + 0.30 [0.50] ±0.03 [0.05]
60.0 [140] water, or oil of 120 to 150 SUS viscosity at 37.8°C [100°F] + 0.60 [1.0] ±0.06 [0.1]
82.2 [180] water or oil of 300 to 370 SUS viscosity at 37.8°C [100°F] + 0.80 [1.5] ±0.06 [0.1]
98.9 [210] oil of 330 to 370 SUS viscosity at 37.8°C [100°F] + 1.10 [2.0] ±0.06 [0.1]
A
Maximum permissible difference between bath and sample temperatures at the time of the test.

11.2.1 Report values below 200 SUS or SFS to the nearest 12.1.2 Reproducibility (different operators and apparatus)—
0.1 s. Report values of 200 s or higher to the nearest whole 2 %.
second. NOTE 5—For petroleum products, the precision and bias is based on
data from Test Method E102/E102M. For emulsion, use precision and bias
12. Precision and Bias statement in Test Method D244, Section 38.
12.1 Results should not differ from the mean by more than
the following (see Note 5): 13. Keywords
12.1.1 Repeatability (one operator and apparatus)—1 %. 13.1 bituminous materials; kinematic; saybolt; viscosity

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. SAYBOLT VISCOMETER AND ACCESSORIES

A1.1 Viscometer—The viscometer, illustrated in Fig. 1, A1.2 Bath—The bath serves both as a support to hold the
shall be constructed entirely of corrosion-resistant metal, viscometer in a vertical position as well as the container for the
conforming to dimensional requirements shown in Fig. 1. The bath medium. Equip the bath with effective insulation and with
orifice tip, Universal or Furol, may be constructed as a an efficient stirring device. Provide the bath with a coil for
replaceable unit in the viscometer. Provide a nut at the lower heating and cooling and with thermostatically controlled heat-
end of the viscometer for fastening it in the bath. Mount ers capable of maintaining the bath within the functional
vertically in the bath and test the alignment with a spirit level precision given in Table 2. The heaters and coil should be
on the plane of the gallery rim. Provide a cork or other suitable located at least 30 mm from the viscometer. Provide a means
means to prevent the flow of sample until the start of the test; for maintaining the bath medium at least 6 mm [0.25 in.] above
a small chain or cord may be attached to the cork to facilitate the overflow rim. The bath media are given in Table 2.
rapid removal.

A2. VISCOSITY STANDARDS

A2.1 Saybolt Viscosity Standards—Viscosity oil standards A2.1. Other reference liquids, suitable for routine calibrations,
conforming to ASTM requirements have certified Saybolt may be established by selecting stable oils covering the desired
viscosity values established by cooperative determinations of range and determining their viscosities in a viscometer cali-
kinematic viscosity values. The kinematic values are converted brated with a standard conforming to ASTM requirements.
to Saybolt Universal and Saybolt Furol viscosity values by
means of conversion tables given in Practice D2161. The A2.3 Routine Calibrations—The viscosity standards may
approximate Saybolt viscosities are shown in Table A2.1. also be used for routine calibrations at other temperatures as
shown in Table A2.1.
A2.2 Standards Conforming to ASTM Saybolt Viscosity
Standards—The viscosity standards may also be used for
routine calibrations at other temperatures as shown in Table

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 D88/D88M − 07 (2019)´1
TABLE A2.1 Saybolt Viscosity Oil StandardsA
NOTE 1—All values are nominal and will vary with lot.
At 37.8°C At 98.9°C At 50°C
Viscosity Oil [100°F] [210°F] [122°F]
Standard
SUS mm2/s SUS mm2/s SUS mm2/s
S3 36 3.0 ... ... ... ...
S6 46 6.0 ... ... ... ...
S20 100 20 ... ... ... ...
N26 130 27 ... ... ... ...
N35 170 35 ... ... ... ...
N44 220 48 ... ... ... ...
S60 280 60 ... ... ... ...
N75 380 82 ... ... ... ...
N100 500 110 ... ... ... ...
N140 720 160 ... ... ... ...
S200 925 200 105 20 ... ...
N250 1300 280 140 29 ... ...
N350 1570 340 160 32 ... ...
N415 2180 470 200 41 ... ...
S600 ... ... 240 50 120 310
S2000 ... ... 360 72 ... ...
A
These viscosity oil standards are available in 0.5-L containers from the Cannon
Instrument Co., 2139 High Tech Rd., State College, PA 16803.

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