भारतीय मानक IS 1206 (Part 2) : 2022

Indian Standard

टार और बिटुमन सामग्रियों के लिए परीक्षण

पद्धतियाँ — विस्कासिता ज्ञात करना
भाग 2 निरपेक्ष विस्कासिता
( दसू रा पनु रीक्षण )

Methods for Testing Tar and

Bituminous Materials —
Determination of Viscosity
Part 2 Absolute Viscosity

( Second Revision )

ICS 75.140

© BIS 2022

भारतीय मानक ब्रयू ो

B U R E A U O F I N D I A N S TA N D A R D S
मानक भवन, 9 बहादरु शाह ज़फर मार्ग, नई िदल्ली – 110002
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI-110002
         www.bis.gov.in  
www.standardsbis.in

January 2022  Price Group 4

Bitumen, Tar and Related Products Sectional Committee, PCD 06

FOREWORD
This Indian Standard (Second Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards after the draft finalized
by the Bitumen, Tar and Related Products Sectional Committee, had been approved by the Petroleum, Coal and
Related Product Division Council.
This standard was originally published in 1958 as ‘Methods for testing tar and bituminous materials —
Determination of viscosity: Part 2 Absolute viscosity’ and subsequently revised in 1978. ‘Methods for testing tar
and bituminous materials’ was originally published as series of 22 standards in the form of a booklet, as listed
below:
IS No. Title

1201 : 2004 Sampling

1202 : 1978 Determination of specific gravity
1203 : 1978 Determination of penetration
1204 : 1978 Determination of residue of specified penetration
1205 : 1978 Determination of softening point
1206 (Part 1) : 1978 Determination of viscosity: Part 1 Industrial viscosity
1206 (Part 2) : 1978 Determination of viscosity: Part 2 Absolute viscosity
1206 (Part 3) : 1978 Determination of viscosity: Part 3 Kinematic viscosity
1207 : 1978 Determination of equiviscous temperature (EVT)
1208 : 1978 Determination of ductility
1209 : 1978 Determination of flash point and fire point
1210 : 1978 Float test
1211 : 1978 Determination of water content dean and stark method
1212 : 1978 Determination of loss on heating
1213 : 1978 Distillation test
1214 : 1978 Determination of matter insoluble in benzene (WITHDRAWN due to toxic nature
of benzene)
1215 : 1978 Determination of matter insoluble in toluene
1216 : 1978 Determination of solubility in carbon disulphide trichloroethylene
1217 : 1978 Determination of mineral matter ash
1218 : 1978 Determination of phenols
1219 : 1978 Determination of naphthalene
1220 : 1978 Determination of volatile matter content

However, the Committee responsible for the formulation of standards in the field of bitumen, tar and related
products decided to publish these Indian Standards separately for each test so as to make it user friendly.

(Continued on third cover)

 IS 1206 (Part 2) : 2022

Indian Standard
METHODS FOR TESTING TAR AND BITUMINOUS
MATERIALS — DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY
PART 2 ABSOLUTE VISCOSITY
( Second Revision )

1 SCOPE the coefficient of viscosity of the liquid. If this ratio is

not constant then the liquid is non-Newtonian.
This standard (Part 2) covers the method for the
determination of absolute viscosity of bitumen and cut- 4 APPARATUS
backs by vacuum capillary viscometers at any specified
temperature. It is applicable to materials having a 4.1 Viscometers — Capillary type made of borosilicate
viscosity range of 42 to 200 000 Poises. glass, annealed suitable for this test are given in 4.1.1
NOTE — The standard covers three types of viscometers and to 4.1.3.
anyone of them can be used for determination of absolute
viscosity. 4.1.1 Cannon-Manning Vacuums Viscometer
(Fig. 1) — The size numbers/approximate bulb factors K.
2 REFERENCES and viscosity ranges for the series of Cannon-Manning
The following standards contain provisions, which Vacuum Capillary Viscometer are as follows:
through reference in this text, constitute provisions Viscometer Approximate Calibration Viscosity
of this draft standard. At the time of publication, the Size No. Factor 30 cm Hg Range
editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject Vacuum Poises per s Poises
to revision, and parties to agreements based on this
Bulb B Bulb C
standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility
of applying the most recent editions of the standards 10 2.0 0.6 36 to 800
indicated below: 11 6.0 2.0 120 to
2 400
IS No. Title
12 20.0 6.0 360 to
8 000
334 : 2002 Glossary of terms relating to bitumen
13 60.0 20.0 1 200 to
and tar (third revision)
24 000
3 TERMINOLOGY 14 200.0 60.0 3 600 to
80000
For the purpose of this standard, the following
definitions and those given in IS 334 shall apply. For all viscometer sizes the volume of measuring
bulb C is approximately three times that of bulb B.
3.1 Absolute or Dynamic Viscosity of a Newtonian The viscosity ranges correspond to a filling time of
Liquid — The ratio between the applied shear stress 60 and 400 s for both measuring bulbs.
and rate of shear is called the coefficient of viscosity.
Sizes 10 through 14 are best suited to viscosity
This coefficient is thus a measure of the resistance to
measurements of bituminous binders at 60 °C.
flow of the liquid. It is commonly called the viscosity of
the liquid. The SI unit of viscosity is 1 Pa · s (1 N·s/m2) NOTE — The calibration factors have to be determined
either by calibration through viscosity standards or through
and is called a Pascal-second. The cgs unit of viscosity
calibration by competent agency.
is 1 g/cm·s (1 dyne·s/cm2) and is called a poise (P).
1 Pa·s is equivalent to 10 P. 4.1.2 Asphalt Institute Vacuum Viscometer (Fig. 2) —
The size numbers. Approximate radii. approximate
3.2 Newtonian Liquid — A liquid in which the shear
bulb factors K. and viscosity ranges for the series of
stress is directly proportional to the rate of shear. The
Asphalt Institute Vacuum Capillary Viscometer are as
constant ratio of shear stress to the rate of shear is called
follows:

1
IS 1206 (Part 2) : 2022

Viscometer Size Capillary Approximate Calibration Factor 30 cm Hg. Viscosity Range

No Radius K. cm Vacuum: Poises per s Poises
Bulb B Bulb C Bulb D
25 0.0125 2 1 0.7 42 to 800
50 0.025 8 4 3 180 to 3 200
100 0.050 32 16 10 600 to 12800
200 0.100 128 64 40 2400 to 52000
400 0.200 500 250 160 9600 to 200 000

All dimensions in millimetres

All dimensions in millimetres
Fig. 2 Asphalt Institute Vacuum Capillary
Fig. 1 Cannon-Manning Vacuum Capillary Viscometer
Viscometer

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 IS 1206 (Part 2) : 2022

This viscometer has measuring bulbs B. C and D Sizes 50 through 200 are best suited to viscosity
located on the viscometer arm M which is a precision measurements of bituminous binders at 60 °C.
bore glass capillary. The measuring bulbs are 2 cm long NOTE — The calibration factors have to be determined
capillary segments separated by timing marks F. G. H either by calibration through viscosity standards or through
and L. calibration by competent agency.

Sizes 50 through 200 are best suited to viscosity This viscometer consists of a separate filling tube A, and
measurements of bituminous binders at 60 °C. a precision bore glass capillary vacuum tube M. These
two parts are joined by borosilicate ground glass joint
Note: The calibration factors have to be determined N, having a 24/40 standard taper. The measuring bulbs
either by calibration through viscosity standards or B, C, and D on the glass capillary are 2 cm capillary
through calibration by competent agency. segments separated by timing marks F, G, H and L.
A viscometer holder can be made by drilling a 28 mm
hole through the center of a No. 11 rubber stopper
and setting the stopper between the hole and the edge.
When placed in a 5 cm diameter hole in the bath cover,
it holds the viscometer in place.
4.2 Thermometer — The thermometer shall be
calibrated from a competent agency with least count of
0.1 °C
4.3 Bath — A suitable bath for immersion of the
viscometer so that the liquid reservoir or top of the
capillary, whichever is uppermost is at least 20 mm
below the upper bath level, and with a provision for
the visibility of the viscometer and the thermometer.
Firm support for the viscometer shall be provided. The
efficiency of the stirring and the balance between heat
losses and heat input must be such that the temperature
of the bath medium does not vary by more than
± 0.1 °C.
4.4 Vacuum System — A vacuum system capable
of maintaining a vacuum to within ± 0.05 cm of the
desired level up to and including 30 cm of mercury.
One such system is shown in Fig. 4. The glass tubing of
6.35 mm diameter and all glass joints should be
All dimensions in millimetres completely airtight and no loss of vacuum should
be permitted till the experiment is on. A vacuum or
Fig. 3 Modified Koppers Vacuum Capillary aspirator pump is suitable for the vacuum source.
Viscometer
NOTE — The vacuum measuring system for this test method
4.1.3 Modified Koppers Vacuum Viscometer must be standardized at least once a year.
(Fig. 3) — The size numbers approximate radii. 4.5 Timing Device — A Stop watch or other timing
approximate bulb factors K, and viscosity ranges device graduated in divisions of 0.2 s or less, and
for the series of modified Koppers vacuum capillary accurate to within 0.1 percent when tested over a
viscometer are as follows: 60 min period.

Viscometer Size Capillary Radius Approximate Calibration Factor K.30 cm Hg. Viscosity Range
No. cm Vacuum: Poises per s Poises
Bulb B Bulb C Bulb D
25 0.0125 2 1 0.7 42 to 800
50 0.025 8 4 3 180 to 3200
100 0.050 32 16 10 600 to 12800
200 0.100 128 64 40 2 400 to 52 000
400 0.200 500 250 160 9 600 to 200 000

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IS 1206 (Part 2) : 2022

NOTE — All tubing is of glass with 6.35 mm OD

Fig. 4 Suggested Vacuum System for Vacuum Capillary Viscometers

5 CALIBRATION OF VISCOMETER where

K = viscometer bulb calibration factor poises/s at
5.1 Reference Material — Viscosity standard
30.0 cm Hg;
(certified viscosity reference standard) may be used for
calibration purposes. V = absolute viscosity of reference material at
calibration temperature in poises; and
5.2 Calibration — Charge a clean-dry viscometer by t = flow time, in seconds.
pouring the reference material to within ± 2 mm of fill
Repeat the calibration procedure using the same
line E (Fig. 1, 2 and 3). Place the charged viscometer
viscosity standard or another reference material.
in the viscometer bath maintained within ± 0.1 °C at
Record the average calibration constant K.
the calibration temperature. Establish a 30 ± 0 .05 cm
vacuum in the vacuum system and connect it to the 5.2.1 The duplicate determination of calibration
viscometer with valve closed in the line leading to the constant K for each bulb shall be within 2 percent of
viscometer. After the viscometer has been in the bath for the mean value. The value of viscometer constants shall
30 ± 5 min, start the flow of liquid in the viscometer by be expressed to the nearest 0.1 percent.
opening the stop cock in the line leading to the vacuum
system. Measure to within 0.5 s the time required 6 PROCEDURE
for the leading edge of the meniscus to pass between
timing marks F and G. Also measure to within 0.5 s 6.1 Preparation of the Sample
the time required for the leading edge of the meniscus Heat the sample to a temperature not more than 60 °C
to pass between timing marks G and H. Calculate the for the tars and pitches and not more than 90 °C for
calibration bitumen above their respective approximate softening
factor K for each bulb as follows: point temperature respectively until it has become
K = V/t sufficiently fluid to pour. Transfer about 20 ml into

4
 IS 1206 (Part 2) : 2022

a suitable container and maintain it to a temperature 7 CALCULATION

of 135 ± 5.5 °C stirring occasionally to prevent local
overheating and allow the entrapped air to escape. 7.1 Calculate and report the absolute viscosity to by the
following equation:
6.1.1 Charge the viscometer by pouring the prepared
sample to within ± 2 mm of fill line E. Place the charged Viscosity (in Poises) = Kt
viscometer in an oven or bath maintained at 135 ± 5.5 °C where
for a period of 10 ± 2 min to allow large air bubbles to
K= selected calibration factor, in poise per second;
escape.
and
6.2 Testing t = flow time, in seconds.
Maintain the bath at the test temperature within NOTE — Measure the time required for the leading edge of
± 0.1 °C. Place the charged viscometer vertically the meniscus to pass between successive pairs of timing marks.
Report the first flow time which exceeds 60s between a pair of
in the water bath with the help of a holder so that
timing marks, noting the identification of the pair of timing
the uppermost timing mark is at least 2 cm below marks.
the surface of the bath liquid. Establish a vacuum of
30 ± 0.05 cm of mercury in the vacuum system and 7.2 Always report the test temperature and vacuum
connect it to the viscometer with the valve closed. After with the viscosity test results. For example, viscosity at
the viscometer has remained in the bath for 30 ± 5 min 60 °C, 30 cm Hg vacuum in poises.
open the valve and allow the asphalt to flow into the
viscometer. Measure to within ± 0.5 s the time required 8 PRECISION
for the leading edge of the meniscus to pass between
successive pairs of timing marks. Upon completion 8.1 The duplicate test results should not differ by more
of the test, remove the viscometer from the bath and than the following:
place it in an inverted position in an oven maintained at a) Repeatability: The duplicate test results by the
135 ± 5 °C until asphalt is drained off thoroughly same operator using the same viscometer should
from the viscometer. Clean the viscometer thoroughly not differ by more than 7 percent of their mean.
by rinsing several times with an appropriate solvent b) Reproducibility: Results obtained by two
completely. Dry the tube by passing a slow stream laboratories should not differ by more than 10
of filtered dry air through the capillary for 2 min. percent of their mean.
Periodically clean the instrument with chromic acid
Please also note that this precision is only for meant for
to remove organic deposits. Rinse thoroughly with
measurement made at 60 °C and hence should not be
distilled water and acetone and dry with clean air.
used for any other temperature measurements.

5
IS 1206 (Part 2) : 2022

ANNEX A
( Foreword )

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
Bitumen,Tar and Related Products Sectional Committee, PCD 06

Organization Representative(s)

CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi Prof Satish Chandra (Chairman)
Airports Authority of India, New Delhi Shri Suprio Gosh
Shri Vinod Kumar Sharma (Alternate)
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, R & D Ms Sonal Maheshwari
Centre,Noida
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mumbai Shri C. Shanmuganathan
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Kochi Shri Adalazhagan K.
Refinery
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Shri Sridhar Raju
CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee Ms Rajani Lakhani
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi Dr Ambica Behl
CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Dr Shashi D. Baruah
Jorhat Dr B. P. Baruah (Alternate)
Central Public Works Department, New Delhi Shri Divakar Agrawal
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, Chennai Shri H. Ramakrishnan
Dr V. Selvavathi (Alternate)
Dilip Buildcon Limited, Bhopal Shri B. B. Kameswara Rao
Shri Anush K. C. (Alternate)
Directorate General Border Roads, New Delhi Shri Umakant Kumar
Shri Ashok Kumar (Alternate)
Directorate General of Quality Assurance, Ministry of Shri Vivekanand
Defence, New Delhi Shri Anil Kumbhare (Alternate I)
Shri Sachin Vinayak Zope (Alternate II)
Engineer in Chief Branch, New Delhi Shri O. P. Srivatava
Shri R. Jayaprasad (Alternate)
G R Infra-Projects Limited, Gurugram Shri U. C. Gupta
GP Global Asphalt Private Limited, New Delhi Shri Rajesh Kumar Jain
Highways Research Station, Chennai Shri T. S. Sundar
Shri R. Geetha (Alternate)
Hindalco Industries Limited, Mumbai Shri Harshad Kumar Pandit
Hindustan Colas Private Limited, Mumbai Shri K. G. Ranganatha
Shri T. K. Subhaash (Alternate)
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited Shri B. Ravi
(HP Green R & D Center), Bengaluru Shri K. R. Krishna (Alternate )
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mumbai Shri Santosh Dhaku Bhogale
Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun Shri Manoj Srivastava
Dr Kamal Kumar (Alternate)
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai Dr Dharamveer Singh
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi Dr Aravind Swamy

6
 IS 1206 (Part 2) : 2022

Organization Representative(s)

Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai Dr J. Murali Krishnan

Dr A. Veeraraghavan (Alternate)
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee Shri Sham Sundar Ravindranath
Indian Oil Corporation (R & D Centre), Faridabad Shri Dhanesh Kumar
Dr I. Devotta (Alternate)
Indian Oil Corporation Limited-Refineries and Shri S. B. Lahkar
Pipelines Division, New Delhi Shri K. Medhi (Alternate I)
Ms K. Geethashree (Alternate II)
Indian Oil Corporation Limited, New Delhi Shri N. S. Raman
Indian Road Congress, New Delhi Shri S. K. Nirmal
Shri R. V. Patil (Alternate)
Indian Oil Total Private Limited, Mumbai Shri Gaurav Gogne
Dr Pankaj Kumar Jain (Alternate)
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Varun Aggarwal
New Delhi Shri Sanjeev Kumar (Alternate)
National Rural Roads Development Agency, Shri B. C. Pradhan
New Delhi
National Test House, Kolkata Shri Vinay kumar
Nayara Energy Limited, Mumbai Shri Dhiraj Gondalia
Shri Mriganka Tarafdar (Alternate)
Om Infracon Private Limited, Guwahati Shri A. N. Das
Shri Manish Bajaj (Alternate I)
Shri Digambar Deka (Alternate II)
Ooms Polymer Modified Bitumen Private Limited, Shri B. R. Tyagi
Gurugram Shri Palash Kathal (Alternate)
Shell Bitumen India Private Limited, Gurugram Shri Nilanjan Sarker
Zydex Industries Limited Shri Vishal Saluja
Shri Himanshu Agarwal (Alternate I)
Shri Ajay Ranka (Alternate II)
In Personal Capacity Dr P. S. Kandhal
BIS Director General Shrimati Nagamani T., Scientist ‘E’ and Head (PCD)
[ Representing Director General ( Ex-officio ) ]

Member Secretary
Shrimati D. Uma
Scientist ‘D’ (PCD), BIS

7
(Continued from second cover)

Accordingly, second revision of the standard was taken up to formulate individual standard on determination of
Absolute Viscosity. The use of suitable thermometers has been permitted in the place of mercury in glass type
thermometer mentioned in the earlier version of the standard. The terms viscosity and coefficient of viscosity have
been redefined. Calibration of Viscometers with viscosity standards has been recommended. Recommendations
regarding the sizes of viscometers suitable for viscosity measurements of bituminous binders at 60 oC have been
made.
The Composition of the Committee responsible for formulation of this standard is given at Annex A.
In reporting the results of a test or analysis made in accordance with this standard, if the final value, observed or
calculated, is to be rounded off, it shall be done in accordance with IS 2 : 1960 ‘Rules for rounding off numerical
values ( revised ).
Bureau of Indian Standards

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development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and attending to
connected matters in the country.

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copyright be addressed to the Director (Publications), BIS.

Review of Indian Standards

Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also reviewed
periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes are
needed; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken up for revision. Users of Indian Standards
should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of
‘BIS Catalogue’ and ‘Standards: Monthly Additions’.
This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc No.: PCD 06 (16310).

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

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