PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab.

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The Viscosity of Crude Oil

The Viscosity of Crude Oil

Viscosity, by definition, is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. It is one of the most critical physical
properties of the crude oil and petroleum products. There are two related measures of fluid viscosity -
known as dynamic (or absolute) and kinematic viscosity.

DYNAMIC (or ABSOLUTE) VISCOSITY, 𝝁, is the tangential force per unit area required to move one
horizontal plane with respect to the other at unit velocity when maintained a unit distance apart by the
fluid.

Laminar flow of a fluid between two parallel and closely spaced plates is shown in Figure 1. Assuming
that the plates are very large, with area A, such that edge effects may be ignored, and that the lower
plate is fixed, let a force F be applied to the upper plate to keep it moving at constant velocity, v, in the
x-direction. The applied force which starts the movement over the area of A causes a shear stress, τ.
Shear stress is defined as follows:

𝝉 = 𝑭/𝑨

By fluid viscosity, the force is transmitted through the fluid to the lower plate in such a way that the x-
component of the fluid velocity linearly depends on the distance from the lower plate. Therefore, a
velocity gradient, 𝒅𝒗/𝒅𝒚, occurs between the plates spaced at a distance of y. The velocity gradient is
called as shear rate and given as follows:

𝜸 = 𝒅𝒗/𝒅𝒚

Upper plate
(moves with velocity of v) A F
vx = v y

Fluid Graident, dv/dy

y x

Lower Plate z
vx = 0 (stationary)

Figure 1: The Laminar flow of a fluid between two parallel plates.

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The Viscosity of Crude Oil

The dynamic (or absolute) viscosity is expressed in the relationship between shear stress and shear rate
as follows:

𝝁 = 𝝉/𝜸

where; 𝝁 : dynamic (or absolute) viscosity, Poise

𝝉 : shear stress, dyne/cm2
𝜸 : shear rate, 1/s

In the SI system the dynamic viscosity units are N s/m2, Pa-s or kg/m s where

• 1 Pa-s = 1 N s/m2 = 1 kg/m s

The dynamic viscosity is also often expressed in the metric CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system as
g/cm.s, dyne.s/cm2 or poise (p) where

• 1 poise = dyne s/cm2 = g/cm s = 1/10 Pa-s

For practical use the Poise is to large and it's usual divided by 100 into the smaller unit called the
centiPoise (cP) where

• 1 p = 100 cP
• 1 cP = 0.01 poise = 0.01 gram per cm second = 0.001 Pascal second

KINEMATIC VISCOSITY 𝜼, , is the ratio of absolute or dynamic viscosity to the density of the fluid at the
same temperature.

𝜼 = 𝝁/𝝆

where; 𝝁 : dynamic (or absolute) viscosity, P

𝜼 : kinematic viscosity, St
𝝆 : density, g/cm3

In the SI-system the theoretical unit is m2/s or commonly used Stoke (St) where

• 1 St = 10-4 m2/s

Since the Stoke is an unpractical large unit, it is usually divided by 100 to give the unit called Centistokes
(cSt) where

• 1 St = 100 cSt
• 1 cSt = 10-6 m2/s
PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 3|20
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

In summary, the shear stress is the force per unit area required to sustain fluid flow. Shear rate is the
rate at which the fluid velocity changes with respect to the distance from the wall. Viscosity is the ratio
of the shear stress to shear rate. Viscosity is not a constant value for most fluids. It varies with shear
rate.

RHEOLOGY is a science that studies the shear stress/shear rate relationships of fluid. The mathematical
relationship between shear rate and shear stress is the rheological model of the fluid. Fluids can be
classified as Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluids by their rheological behavior. Fluids whose viscosity
remains constant with changing shear rate are known as Newtonian fluids. Non-Newtonian fluids are
those fluids whose viscosity varies with changing shear rate. There are mainly three types of Non-
Newtonian fluids that are most widely used. Figure 2 illustrates a graphical overview of basic
relationships between shear stress and shear rate for Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluids.

Bingham Plastik

Pseudo Plastik
(Power -Law)
Shear Stress, dyne/cm2

Newtonian

Dilatant
(Power -Law)

Shear Rate, 1/s

Figure 2: Rheological Models.

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The Viscosity of Crude Oil

NEWTONIAN FLUIDS are fluids which shear stress is directly proportional to shear rate. Figure 3 shows
the relationship between shear stress and shear rate and the fluid's viscosity at a varying shear rate. As
it can be seen from Fig. 3, at a given temperature the viscosity of a Newtonian fluid remains constant
regardless of shear rate.

Shear stress
Viscosity

Shear rate Shear rate

Figure 3: Relationship between shear stress, shear rate and viscosity for Newtonian Fluids.

PSEUDOPLASTIC FLUIDS display a decreasing viscosity with an increasing shear rate (Fig. 4). This type of
behavior is called shear-thinning.

Shear stress
Viscosity

Shear rate Shear rate

Figure 4: Relationship between shear stress, shear rate and viscosity for Pseudo Plastic Fluids.
PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 5|20
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

DILATANT FLUIDS is characterized by an increasing viscosity with an increasing shear rate (Fig. 5). This
type of fluids is also referred to as shear-thickening liquids.

Shear stress
Viscosity

Shear rate Shear rate

Figure 5: Relationship between shear stress, shear rate and viscosity for Dilatant Fluids.

BINGHAM PLASTIC FLUIDS behave like solid under static conditions. A certain amount of force must be
applied to the fluid before any flow is induced. This force is called yield value. Once the yield value is
exceeded, flow begins.

Shear stress
Viscosity

Shear rate Shear rate

Figure 6: Relationship between shear stress, shear rate and viscosity for Bingham Plastic Fluids.
PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 6|20
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

Viscosity is measured by using a viscometer. Regarding the viscometer used, there two kinds of viscosity
definitions, Saybolt Universal Viscosity and Saybolt Furol Viscosity.

SAYBOLT UNIVERSAL VISCOSITY, (SSU), is the time in second required that 60 ml of oil take to flow
through a capillary tube in a Saybolt Universal viscometer at a specified pressure and temperature. It is
generally used to measure oils of low to medium viscosities.

SAYBOLT FUROL VISCOSITY, (SSF), is the time in second required that 60 ml of oil take to flow
through a capillary tube in a Saybolt Furol viscometer at a specified pressure and temperature. It is
generally used to measure oils of high viscosities.

The characteristic difference between Saybolt Universal and Saybolt Furol viscometer is the diameter of
the capillary tube in which oil flow takes place. The diameter of the capillary tube in Saybolt Furol
viscometer is larger than in Saybolt Universal viscometer. Therefore, the Saybolt Furol viscosity is one-
tenth of the Saybolt Universal viscosity.

Saybolt Furol Viscosity = Saybolt Universal Viscosity / 10

VISCOSITY - TEMPERATURE RELATION: As is well known, to increase the temperature of a fluid, energy
must be added. By this energy, internal energy of fluids increases in the sense that the motion of the
molecules making up the fluid increases. Increasing the mobility of the molecules causes the fluid flow
more easily. Therefore, the viscosity of fluids decreases as its temperature increases; the rate of changes
is different for each fluid.

APPARATUS used in the Experiment:

• Saybolt Viscometer
• Rheometer
• Ubbelohde viscometer
• Chronometer
• Thermometer
• Water bath
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The Viscosity of Crude Oil

METHODS used for the Experiment:

The instruments used to measure the viscosity of a liquid are known as viscometers. Several types of
viscometers are in use today. Here, we will determine the oil viscosity by using Saybolt Viscometer,
Rotational Viscometer (rheometer) and Ubbelohde Viscometer.

Section A: Determination of VISCOSITY by SAYBOLT VISCOMETER

The Saybolt Viscometer, shown in Figure 7, determines the viscosity of petroleum liquids at
temperatures from ambient to 464°F (240°C). Viscosity is determined by measuring the time required, in
seconds, for 60 milliliters of the tested fluid (at a given temperature) to pass through a standard orifice.
The time measured is used to express the fluid’s viscosity, in Saybolt Universal Seconds (SSU) or Saybolt
Furol Seconds (SSF).

1. Take a sample of pure hydrocarbon that its properties are not known. Record the identity of this
sample as SAMPLE A in the raw data sheet.
2. Insert a cork stopper, having a cord attached for its easy removal, into the Universal/Furol
orifice at the bottom of the viscometer.
3. Stir the sample well then pour it into the viscometer until the level is above the overflow rim.
4. By using a thermometer, measure the temperature of the sample. When the sample
temperature remains constant within 0.03°C (0.05°F) of the test temperature during 1 min of
continuous stirring, remove the thermometer from the container of the viscometer.
5. Place the receiving flask under the universal/Furol orifice properly.
6. Then snap the cork from the viscometer using the attached cord, and start the chronometer at
the same instant.
7. Stop the chronometer instantly when the bottom of the oil meniscus reaches the graduation
mark on the receiving flask.
8. Record the efflux time in seconds in the raw data sheet as Saybolt Universal Viscosity, (SSU) or
Saybolt Furol Viscosity, (SSF), regarding which viscometer is used.
9. Repeat the experiment [1-8] for two different temperatures.
10. Clean and dry the viscometer and make it ready to use for another user.
PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 8|20
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

Figure 7: Schematic diagram of the Saybolt Viscometer.

Section B: Determination of VISCOSITY by RHEOMETER (Rotational Viscometer)

Rheometers (rotational viscometers) determine the fluid viscosity regarding their rheological behavior.
They use the idea that the torque (shear stress) required to turn an object in a fluid is a function of the
viscosity of that fluid. They measure the torque (shear stress) required to rotate a disk or bob in a fluid
at a known speed (shear rate).

Rheometers consist of two concentric cylinders, with the annulus containing the fluid whose viscosity is
to be measured (Figure 8). The outer cylinder (rotor) is rotated at a constant speed, and rotational
deflection of the inner cylinder (bob) becomes a measure of the fluid’s viscosity.

1. Take a sample of pure hydrocarbon that its properties are not known. Record the identity of this
sample as SAMPLE A in the raw data sheet.
2. Fill the sample chamber with oil are being measured. Do not overfill the sample chamber, but
ensure that the measuring portion of the apparatus geometry will be completely immersed.
3. Allow the instrument electronics to warm up for at least 20 seconds before conducting any
analysis.
4. Start the motor of the viscometer at a speed that will develop a resisting torque. Measure the
torque from the gauge for the speeds of 1-15. For each reading, maintain the speed constant.
Therefore, wait about 20-30 seconds before reading.
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The Viscosity of Crude Oil

5. Record your readings in the raw data sheet.

6. Pour the used hydrocarbon sample into waste hydrocarbon container.
7. Clean and dry the rheometer and make it ready to use for another user.

Figure 8: Schematic diagram of the Rheometer (Rotational Viscometer).

Section C: Determination of VISCOSITY by UBBELOHDE VISCOMETER

The Ubbelohde Viscometer, shown in Figure 9, determines the viscosity of liquids by measuring the time
required, in seconds, for a given volume of tested liquid to flow under gravity through a capillary tube
under specified conditions. The capillary tube diameter must be selected to fit the viscosity of the
sample to be measured.

1. Charge the Ubbelohde viscometer by tilting the instrument about 30° from the vertical and
pouring sufficient calibration sample through the G tube so that when the viscometer is
returned to the vertical the meniscus is between fill marks J and K.
2. Mount the viscometer keeping the tube G vertical.
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The Viscosity of Crude Oil

3. Apply vacuum to tube A, closing tube B by a finger or rubber stopper, draw sufficient sample
slowly into bulb C (middle of the bulb C).
4. Release vacuum from tube A and immediately place a finger from tube B to tube A, holding the
meniscus above timing mark D until the lower meniscus has dropped below the end of capillary
H in bulb I.
5. Release finger and allow the sample to flow by gravity.
6. Measure, to the nearest 0.1 s, the time required for the leading edge of the meniscus to pass
from timing mark D to timing mark F.
7. Record your time measurement in the raw data sheet.
8. Repeat 4-8 three times with the same sample. If all your measurements are similar to each
other, take the average of the measurements.
9. Repeat 1-8 for the hydrocarbon sample.
10. Clean and dry the Ubbelohde viscometer and make it ready to use for another user.

Figure 9: Schematic diagram of the Ubbelohde Viscometer.

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The Viscosity of Crude Oil

CALCULATIONS and RESULTS:

Section A: Determination of VISCOSITY by SAYBOLT VISCOMETER

1. For each data point, convert the Saybolt viscosity to the kinematic viscosity by using Eqs. 1 and 2
or Eq. 1 and Table 1.
2. For each test temperature, convert the kinematic viscosity to the dynamic viscosity. (Use the
density of the sample as obtained in the previous experiment (Exp # 1 – Specific Gravity and API
Gravity of Crude Oil).
3. Plot the dynamic viscosity versus temperature on a linear and semi-log paper (Figure 10). Make
a comment for the results obtained from the plots.
4. Develop a correlation between viscosity and temperature.

𝑡𝑠 = 𝑡𝑜 [1 + 0.000064(𝑇𝑡 − 𝑇𝑠 )] [1]

where, 𝑡𝑠 : efflux time at standard temperature, s

𝑡𝑜 : measured efflux time, ssu
𝑇𝑡 : test temperature, °F
𝑇𝑠 : standard temperature, °F
(𝑇𝑠 is selected temperature given in Table 1 as the nearest temperature to the test
temperature)

𝜂 = 0.220 𝑡𝑠 − 180/𝑡𝑠 [2]

where, 𝜂 : kinematic viscosity, cSt

Example Calculation: The density of oil is 0.8275 g/cm3 at 60°F and the oil viscosity is measured as
41.1 SSU by Saybolt Universal Viscometer. Determine kinematic and dynamic (absolute)
viscosity of the oil sample.

a) For the measured parameters of 𝑡𝑜 = 41.1 𝑠𝑠𝑢, 𝑇𝑡 = 60°𝐹, the efflux time at standard
temperature is obtained by using Eq. 1 as follows:

(Note: 𝑇𝑠 is selected as 100°F from Table 1 since it is the nearest temperature to the test
temperature)

𝑡𝑠 = 𝑡𝑜 [1 + 0.000064(𝑇𝑡 − 𝑇𝑠 )] = (41.1)[1 + 0.000064(60 − 100)] = 𝟒𝟏. 𝟎𝟗 𝒔

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The Viscosity of Crude Oil

b) The efflux time at standard temperature, 𝑡𝑠 , is converted to the kinematic viscosity, 𝜂,

by using Eq. 2 or by using Table 1.

▪ Using Eq. 2 :

180 180
𝜂 = 0.220 𝑡𝑠 − = 0.220(41.09) − = 𝟒. 𝟔𝟓𝟗 𝒄𝑺𝒕
𝑡𝑠 41.09

▪ Using Table 1 :

Saybolt Universal
Viscosity, s
Kinematic
Viscosity,
@100F

@130F

@160F
cSt

4.5 40.7 40.8 41.0

𝜼 =4.625 41.1
5.0 42.3 42.4 42.6

c) Dynamic (absolute) viscosity, 𝜇, is obtained by the definition of kinematic viscosity as

follows:
𝜇
𝜂=𝜌 ⟹ 𝜇 = 𝜂 𝜌 = (4.659)(0.8275) = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟖𝟓 𝒄𝑷

Section B: Determination of VISCOSITY by RHEOMETER (Rotational Viscometer)

1. Plot your rheometer measurements as a function of rheometer speed on a specific plot paper
given in Figure 11.
2. Develop a relationship between the rheometer speed and measurement, by fitting an
appropriate curve to your plot in Figure 11. (Please note that all straight lines are actually a
curve.)
3. By using Table 2, determine the𝜸𝒔𝒊𝒎 values for each rheometer speeds and sample chamber
used.
4. By using Table 2, determine 𝝉𝒔𝒊𝒎 and 𝜿𝒔𝒊𝒎 values for the sample chamber used.
5. Determine the shear stress (𝝉) and shear rate (𝜸) by the following equations (Eq. 3 and 4).
𝑠 𝜏𝑠𝑖𝑚
𝜏= 𝜅𝑠𝑖𝑚
[3]
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The Viscosity of Crude Oil
𝛾𝑠𝑖𝑚
𝛾= 𝜅𝑠𝑖𝑚
[4]

where 𝑠 is not rheometer gauge measurement. 𝑠 is the reading corresponding to the randomly
chosen speeds from the curve fit obtained in Figure 11.

Note: Since it is expected that this kind of viscometers gives the most accurate result for the largest
speeds, it is recommended that the measurements corresponding to the largest speeds should be
used in calculations.

6. Plot the shear stress (𝝉) versus shear rate (𝜸) as given in Figure 2, and then determine the
rheology of the oil sample. If it is possible to determine the viscosity of oil sample from the plot
of shear stress versus shear rate.
7. Compare the oil viscosity obtained in Section 6 with the result obtained in Section A.

Section C: Determination of VISCOSITY by UBBELOHDE VISCOMETER

1. Calculate the viscometer constant, C, by using the following equation (Eq. 5).

𝜂 = 𝐶𝑢 𝑡 [5]

where, 𝜂 : kinematic viscosity of the calibration sample, cSt

𝑡 : measured flow time of the calibration sample, s
𝐶 : viscometer constant, cSt/s

2. Determine the dynamic (absolute) viscosity, 𝜇, of the oil sample by the definition of kinematic
viscosity.
3. Compare the results obtained in Section C with Sections A and B.

LABORATORY REPORT:
1. Before leaving the laboratory, please convert all the raw data to processed data and plot the graph
required.
2. Laboratory Report must contain all your observations during the experiment, calculations,
comparisons, comments regarding the results obtained.
3. Please follow all the instructions given in the “Laboratory Report Format”.
4. Make all the calculations required in Section of “Calculations and Results”.
PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 14 | 2 0
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

Table 1: Conversion between Kinematic Viscosity and Saybolt Universal Viscosity.

Saybolt Universal Saybolt Universal Viscosity,

Viscosity, s s
Kinematic Kinematic
Viscosity, Viscosity,

@100F

@130F

@160F

@100F

@130F

@160F
cSt cSt

2.0 32.6 32.7 32.8 31 145.3 145.6 146.3

2.5 34.4 34.5 34.6 32 149.7 150.0 150.7
3.0 36.0 36.1 36.3 33 154.2 154.5 155.3
3.5 37.6 37.7 37.9 34 158.7 159.0 159.8
4.0 39.1 39.2 39.4 35 163.2 163.5 164.3
4.5 40.7 40.8 41.0
5.0 42.3 42.4 42.6
6.0 45.5 45.6 45.8 36 167.7 168.0 168.9
7.0 48.7 48.8 49.0 37 172.2 172.5 173.4
8.0 52.0 52.1 52.4 38 176.7 177.0 177.9
9.0 55.4 55.5 55.8 39 181.2 181.5 182.5
10.0 58.3 58.9 59.2 40 185.7 186.1 187.0
11.0 62.3 62.4 62.7 41 190.2 190.6 191.5
12.0 65.9 66.0 66.4 42 . 194.7 195.1 196.1
13.0 69.6 69.7 70.1 43 199.2 199.6 200.6
14.0 73.4 73.5 73.9 44 203.8 204.2 205.2
15.0 77.2 77.3 77.7 45 208.4 208.8 209.9
16.0 81.1 81.3 81.7 46 213.0 213.4 214.5
17.0 85.1 85.3 85.7 47 217.6 218.0 219.1
18.0 89.2 89.4 89.3 48 222.2 222.6 223.8
19.0 93.3 93.5 94.0 49 225.8 227.2 228.4
20.0 97.5 97.7 98.2 50 231.4 231.8 233.0
21.0 101.7 101.9 102.4 55 254.4 254.9 256.2
22.0 106.0 100.2 106.7 60 277.4 277.9 279.3
23.0 110.3 110.5 111.1 65 300.4 301.0 302.5
24.0 114.6 114.8 115.4 70 323.4 324.0 325.7
25.0 118.9 119.1 119.7
26.0 123.3 123.5 124.2
27.0 127.7 127.9 123.6 Saybolt Saybolt Saybolt
28.0 132.1 132.4 133.0 >70 s=cS x s=cS s=cS
29.0 136.5 136.8 137.5 4.620 x4.629 x4.652

30.0 140.9 141.2 141.9

PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 15 | 2 0
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

Table 2: The values of 𝛾𝑠𝑖𝑚 , 𝜏𝑠𝑖𝑚 and𝜅𝑠𝑖𝑚 for rheometer sample chambers.

Sample
A B C D
chamber
𝝉𝒔𝒊𝒎 %[Pa] 0.1791 0.3248 1.9076 11.865
𝜿𝒔𝒊𝒎 0.948 0.812 0.731 0.625

Speeds 𝜸𝒔𝒊𝒎 , 1/s

1 10.58 2.52 1.594 0.977
2 14.20 3.39 2.14 1.311
3 18.69 4.46 2.82 1.725
4 24.9 5.95 3.76 2.30
5 32.9 7.87 4.96 3.04
6 47.4 11.32 7.14 4.38
7 63.7 15.19 9.59 5.88
8 83.8 19.99 12.62 7.73
9 111.7 26.7 16.84 10.32
10 147.4 35.2 22.2 13.61
11 214 51.1 32.2 19.76
12 287 68.6 43.3 26.5
13 378 90.2 57.0 34.9
14 504 120.4 76.0 46.6
15 665 158.8 100.3 61.4
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The Viscosity of Crude Oil

100.0
9
8
7

2
Akmazlik, mPas
Viscosity, mPa.s

10.0
9
8
7

1.0
10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0

Temperature, °C
Figure 10: Plot of Dynamic (Absolute) Viscosity vs Temperature.
PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 17 | 2 0
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

Speed #

Measurement
Figure 11: Evaluation of Rheometer Measurements.
PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 18 | 2 0
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

Name, Surname : .....................................................................

Faculty ID Number : .....................................................................
Group : .....................................................................
Date : .....................................................................

RAW DATA SHEET

Viscosity of Crude Oil

Ambient Temperature, °C (°F): Ambient Pressure, mmHg : ----------------------

Section A: Determination of VISCOSITY by SAYBOLT VISCOMETER

Sample Identity : ------------------------------------------------------

Type of Saybolt Viscometer :  Universal  Furol

Test Temperature, C

# Efflux Time at Test Temperature, s

4
PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 19 | 2 0
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

Section B: Determination of VISCOSITY by RHEOMETER (Rotational Viscometer)

Sample Identity : ------------------------------------------------------

Sample Temperature, °C (°F) : ------------------------------------------------------

Sample Chamber : ------------------------------------------------------

Speed Rheometer Reading Speed Rheometer Reading

1 9

2 10

3 11

4 12

5 13

6 14

7 15

8
PET 309E – Fluid and Rock Properties Lab. 20 | 2 0
The Viscosity of Crude Oil

Section C: Determination of VISCOSITY by UBBELOHDE VISCOMETER

Sample Identity : ------------------------------------------------------

Sample Temperature, °C : ------------------------------------------------------

# Flow Time at Test Temperature, s

Calibration Sample Hydrocarbon Sample

The Viscosity of Calibration Sample, cP

The Viscosity of Hydrocarbon Sample, cP

Lab. Coordinator Name, Surname :

Date :

Signature :