Designation: D7945 − 15

Standard Test Method for

Determination of Dynamic Viscosity and Derived Kinematic
Viscosity of Liquids by Constant Pressure Viscometer1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7945; 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.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of dynamic 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
viscosity and density for the purpose of derivation of kinematic D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
viscosity of petroleum liquids, both transparent and opaque. and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
The kinematic viscosity, ν, in this test method is derived by ity)
dividing the dynamic viscosity, η, by the density, ρ, obtained at D2162 Practice for Basic Calibration of Master Viscometers
the same test temperature. and Viscosity Oil Standards
D6300 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias
1.2 The result obtained from this test method is dependent
Data for Use in Test Methods for Petroleum Products and
upon the behavior of the sample and is intended for application
Lubricants
to liquids for which primarily the shear stress and shear rate are
D6708 Practice for Statistical Assessment and Improvement
proportional (Newtonian flow behavior).
of Expected Agreement Between Two Test Methods that
1.3 The range of kinematic viscosity covered by this test Purport to Measure the Same Property of a Material
method is from 0.5 mm2/s to 1000 mm2/s in the temperature 2.2 ISO Standards:3
range between –40 °C to 120 °C; however the precision has ISO 5725 Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of Measure-
been determined only for fuels and oils in the range of 2.06 ment Methods and Results
mm2/s to 476 mm2/s at 40 °C and 1.09 to 107 mm2/s at 100 °C ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence
(as stated in Section 12 on Precision and Bias). The precision of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
has only been determined for those materials, viscosity ranges,
and temperatures as indicated in Section 12 on Precision and 3. Terminology
Bias. The test method can be applied to a wider range of
materials, viscosity, and temperature. For materials not listed in 3.1 Definitions:
Section 12 on Precision and Bias, the precision and bias may 3.1.1 density (ρ), n—mass per unit volume.
not be applicable. 3.1.2 dynamic viscosity (η), n—the ratio between the applied
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as shear stress and rate of shear of a liquid.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 3.1.2.1 Discussion—It is sometimes called the coefficient of
standard. dynamic viscosity or, simply, viscosity. Thus, dynamic viscos-
ity is a measure of the resistance to flow or to deformation of
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the a liquid under external shear forces.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.2.2 Discussion—The term dynamic viscosity can also be
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- used in a different context to denote a frequency-dependent
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- quantity in which shear stress and shear rate have a sinusoidal
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. time dependence.

1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Subcommittee D02.07 on Flow Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 1, 2015. Published July 2015. Originally published the ASTM website.
3
in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D7945 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
D7945-15. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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

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 D7945 − 15
3.1.3 kinematic viscosity (ν), n—the ratio of the dynamic 6. Apparatus
viscosity (η) to the density (ρ) of a liquid. 6.1 Constant Pressure Viscometer:4,5
3.1.3.1 Discussion—For gravity flow under a given hydro- 6.1.1 Viscosity Measurement—The Constant Pressure vis-
static head, the pressure head of a liquid is proportional to its cometer uses the Hagen-Poiseuille principle of capillary flow
density (ρ). Therefore the kinematic viscosity (ν) is a measure to determine the viscosity. A length of capillary tube is
of the resistance to flow of a liquid under gravity. enclosed horizontally in a thermal block maintained at a
constant temperature by thermoelectric coolers/heaters. The
4. Summary of Test Method test specimen is driven to flow along the tube by a constant and
4.1 A test specimen is introduced into the measuring cells, regulated pressure of compressed air. The transit time of the
which are controlled at a specified and known temperature. The test sample as it flows past an array of optical detectors is
measuring cells consist of a horizontal capillary tube with measured. (See Fig. 1.) The dynamic viscosity is proportional
optical sensors and an oscillating U-tube densitometer. The to the measured transit time.
dynamic viscosity is determined from the flow time of the test 6.1.1.1 Pressure Control—A pressure generating and regu-
specimen along the capillary under a constant pressure of lating device able to maintain an air pressure between 6.89 kPa
compressed air in conjunction with calculations. The density is to 68.9 kPa (1 psi to 10 psi) used to drive a test specimen to
determined by the oscillation frequency of the U-tube in flow along a capillary tube.
conjunction with calculations. The kinematic viscosity is 6.1.2 Density Measurement—Density is measured by a suit-
calculated by dividing the dynamic viscosity by the density. able method so to achieve the precision in kinematic viscosity
as stated in the tables in Section 12. A U-shaped oscillating
5. Significance and Use sample tube with a system for electronic excitation and
frequency counting as described in the manufacturer’s instruc-
5.1 Many petroleum products are used as lubricants and the tions is suitable. However, for this test method, the purpose of
correct operation of the equipment depends upon the appropri- the density result is for the calculation from dynamic to
ate viscosity of the liquid being used. In addition, the viscosity kinematic viscosity.
of many petroleum fuels is important for the estimation of
optimum storage, handling, and operational conditions. Thus, 4
The Constant Pressure viscometer is covered by a patent. Interested parties are
the accurate determination of viscosity is essential to many invited to submit information regarding the identification of an alternative to this
product specifications. patented item to the ASTM International headquarters. Your comments will receive
careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which
5.2 Density is a fundamental physical property that can be you may attend.
5
used in conjunction with other properties to characterize both The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is PhasePSL, 11168 Hammersmith Gate, Richmond, BC Canada. If you are aware
the light and heavy fractions of petroleum and petroleum
of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
products and in this test method is used for the calculation from headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
dynamic to kinematic viscosity. responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.

FIG. 1 Viscosity Block

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 D7945 − 15
6.1.3 Temperature Control—A thermal block surrounds the as defined by the lab QA procedures using certified reference
viscosity measuring cell so that both are at the same tempera- standards as described in 9.2. The recommended interval for
ture. A thermoelectric heating and cooling system (see Fig. 1) viscosity and density calibration is once a year as a minimum
ensures temperature stability of the block to be within or when lab QA procedures dictate. For the calibration
60.01 °C from the set temperature. procedure, follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the
6.2 Autosampler, for use in sample introduction process. apparatus.
The autosampler shall be designed to ensure the integrity of the 9.2 Certified Viscosity and Density Reference Standards—
test specimen prior to and during the analysis and be equipped These are for use as confirmatory checks on the procedure in
to transfer a representative volume of test specimen into the the laboratory. Certified viscosity and density reference stan-
measuring cells. The autosampler shall transfer the test speci- dards shall be certified by a laboratory, which has shown to
men from the sample vial to the measuring cells of the meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 or a corresponding
apparatus without interfering with the integrity of the test national standard by independent assessment. Viscosity stan-
specimen. The autosampler may have heating capability as a dards shall be traceable to master viscometer procedures
means to lower the viscosity of the sample for filling the described in Test Method D2162. Density standards shall have
measuring cells. a certified uncertainty of the density values of 0.0001 g/cm3.
6.3 Screen, with an aperture of 75 µm, to remove particles The uncertainty of the reference standards shall be stated for
from samples that may contain them (see 8.2). each certified value (k = 2; 95% confidence level). See ISO
5725.
7. Reagents and Materials 9.2.1 Use certified reference standards appropriate to the
7.1 Sample Solvent, completely miscible with the sample. desired measuring temperatures of viscosity and density mea-
7.1.1 For samples that are mutually soluble such as light surements for both calibration and verification.
middle distillate test specimen, the use of the same or similar
middle distillates as solvent is suitable. If the solvent dries up 10. Procedure
without residues in an applicable time frame, the use of a 10.1 Standard Procedure Using an Autosampler:
separate drying solvent is not required.
10.1.1 Set the internal temperature control to the desired
7.1.2 For more viscous test specimen, an aromatic solvent
measuring temperature.
such as toluene is suitable.
10.1.2 Set the determinability limits to the values stated in
7.2 Drying Solvent, a volatile solvent miscible with the Table 1 for the specific product and test temperature.
sample solvent (see 7.1). 10.1.2.1 For products not listed in the precision section, it is
7.2.1 n-Pentane is suitable. the responsibility of the user of this test method to establish
7.3 Dry Air, for blowing and drying of the measuring cells. reasonable determinability by a series of tests.
NOTE 1—If the measuring cell temperature is below or near the dew 10.1.3 Configure the cleaning and drying routines for the
point temperature of the ambient air, the use of an appropriate desiccator autosampler using sample solvent (see 7.1), drying solvent (see
is recommended.
7.2) and drying air (see 7.3) for sufficient cleaning efficiency of
8. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units the product being tested.
8.1 Sampling is defined as all the steps required to obtain an NOTE 2—For specific information on proper configuration, follow the
aliquot, and to place the sample into the laboratory test manufacturer’s instructions.
container. The laboratory test container shall be of sufficient 10.1.4 Transfer a minimum of 25 mL of the test specimen
volume to mix the sample and obtain a homogeneous sample into a sample vial. Cap or cover the vial as necessary.
for analysis.
10.1.5 Load sample vial(s) onto vial tray or holder and
8.2 Test Specimen—A volume of sample obtained from the analyze the test specimens.
laboratory sample and delivered to the measuring cells. The 10.1.6 Rerun samples which exceed the determinability
test specimen is obtained as follows: criteria established for the sample type being analyzed. (See
8.2.1 Mix the sample, if required, to homogenize at room Table 1.)
temperature into an open sample vial. If loss of volatile 10.1.6.1 If the two determined values of kinematic viscosity
material can occur in an open container, then mixing in closed calculated from the flow time measurements exceed the stated
containers, or at sub-ambient temperatures is recommended. determinability figure (see Table 1) for the product, repeat the
8.2.2 Deliver the test specimen from a properly mixed measurements of flow times until the calculated kinematic
laboratory sample to the measuring cells using an autosampler. viscosity determinations agree with the stated determinability.
For waxy or other samples with a high pour point, before
delivering the test specimen, heat the laboratory sample to the NOTE 3—When a sample is run or when the procedure is repeated, the
desired test temperature, which has to be high enough to dynamic viscosity and density are determined in calculating the kinematic
viscosity.
dissolve the wax crystals.
10.1.7 Press the “Run” or “Start” key. The apparatus mea-
9. Calibration and Verification sures the transit time of the test specimen through the capillary
9.1 Use only a calibrated apparatus as described in section tube as per 6.1.1 (and Fig. 1) and thereby calculates dynamic
6.1.1 and as shown in Fig. 1. The calibration shall be checked viscosity. The density of the test specimen is measured per

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 D7945 − 15
6.1.2, and the kinematic viscosity is calculated by dividing the TABLE 3 Reproducibility (R)
dynamic viscosity by the density. Kinematic viscosity
40 °C 0.0080X (0.80 %)
11. Report of Results 100 °C 0.0138X (1.38 %)

11.1 Report the result, expressed as kinematic viscosity in where: X is the average of results being compared
mm2/s to four significant figures, stating the temperature of the
test.
12. Precision and Bias ties between 12.0 and 476.0 mm2/s at 40 °C, and between 2.90 and 32.0
mm2/s at 100 °C.
12.1 Determinability, (d)—Quantitative measure of the vari- Formulated Oils include automatic transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids,
ability associated with the same operator in a given laboratory, motor oils, gear oils, polymers in base oil and additives in base oil with
obtaining successive determined values using the same appa- viscosities between 28.0 and 472.0 mm2/s at 40 °C, and between 6.50 and
ratus for a series of operations leading to a single result. It is 107.0 mm2/s at 100 °C.
defined as that difference between two such single determined Six (6) laboratories participated in the interlaboratory studies at 40 °C,
and eight (8) laboratories participated at 100 °C.
values as would be exceeded in the long run, in only one case The interlaboratory studies were performed according to Practices
in 20, in the normal and correct operation of the test method. D6300. Supporting data has been filed at ASTM International Headquar-
(See Table 1.) ters and may be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1797.6
12.4 Bias—No information can be presented on the bias of
TABLE 1 Determinability the procedure in this test method, because no material having
Kinematic viscosity 40 °C 100 °C an accepted reference value has been tested.
Determinability (d) 0.0025y (0.25 %) 0.0025y (0.25 %)
12.5 Relative Bias—Degree of Agreement between results
where: y is the average of determined values being compared by Test Method D7945 and Test Method D445 results obtained
on the same materials have been assessed in accordance with
procedures outlined in Practice D6708. The findings are: No
NOTE 4—This test method covers the measurement of dynamic viscos- bias-correction considered in Practice D6708 can further im-
ity and density for the purpose of derivation of kinematic viscosity.
Therefore determinability, repeatability and reproducibility are only stated prove the agreement between results from Test Method D7945
for kinematic viscosity. and Test Method D445 for the material types and property
12.2 Repeatability (r)—The difference between successive ranges studied (reference Research Report RR:D02-1797).
results obtained by the same operator in the same laboratory Sample-specific bias, as defined in Practice D6708, was
with the same apparatus under constant operating conditions on observed for some samples.
identical test material would, in the long run, in the normal and 12.5.1 Between Methods Reproducibility (R XY )—
correct operation of this test method, exceed the values Differences between results from Test Method D7945 and Test
indicated only in one case in twenty. (See Table 2.) Method D445, for the sample types and property ranges
studied, are expected to exceed the following between methods
12.3 Reproducibility (R)—The difference between two reproducibility (RXY), as defined in Practice D6708, about 5 %
single and independent results obtained by different operators of the time.
working in different laboratories on nominally identical test Kinematic Viscosity at 40 °C: between methods (RXY) = (0.93 RX2 + 0.93
material would, in the long run, in the normal and correct RY2)0.5
operation of this test method, exceed the values indicated only Kinematic Viscosity at 100 °C: between methods (RXY) = (0.58 RX2 + 0.58
RY2)0.5
in one case in twenty. (See Table 3.)
NOTE 5—Repeatability and reproducibility were determined based on NOTE 6—As a consequence of sample-specific biases, RXY may exceed
ILS study comprised of the following samples: the reproducibility for Test Method D7945 (RX), or reproducibility for
Distillate samples included kerosene, Regular Sulphur Diesel (RSD), Test Method D445 (RY), or both. Users intending to use Test Method
Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD), Biodiesel B100 (soy derived), D7945 as a predictor of Test Method D445 are advised to assess the
Biodiesel B100 (tallow derived), Biodiesel B10 blend and Biodiesel B20 required degree of prediction agreement relative to the estimated RXY to
blend with viscosities between 2.06 and 4.50 mm2/s at 40 °C. determine the fitness-for-use of the prediction.
Distillate sample included Biodiesel B100 at 1.09 mm2/s at 100 °C.
Base Oils included synthetic and semi-synthetic base oils with viscosi- 13. Keywords
13.1 constant pressure viscometer; density; kinematic vis-
TABLE 2 Repeatability (r)
cosity; viscosity
Kinematic viscosity
40 °C 0.0050X (0.50 %)
100 °C 0.0075X (0.75 %)
6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
where: X is the average of results being compared be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1797. Contact ASTM Customer
Service at service@astm.org.

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 D7945 − 15
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D7945 – 14) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved July 1, 2015.)

(1) Added pressure control range to 6.1.1.1. (3) Added text on running the samples for additional clarity in
(2) Added text on calibration to 9.2.1. 10.1.7.

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