Capillary Viscometers


Glass capillary viscometer for petrochemical and pharma industry labs.


When precision and reliability matter most, glass capillary viscometers are the industry standard for measuring fluid viscosity. Whether you're in the petroleum, chemical, or pharmaceutical industry, this tool is indispensable for ensuring your products meet the highest quality standards.

Why choose a glass capillary viscometer?

 Exceptional accuracy

 Chemical resistance

 Clear visibility

Why get yours from SECO?

 No-nonsense, curated collection

 Fast, reliable, local shipping in the Northeast

 Responsive support

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How do glass capillary viscometers help you do your job well?

Like so many things in the lab, high quality glass makes your job possible.


Chemical resistance

  • Glass is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals and solvents, making it an ideal material for viscometers used in testing various fluids.
  • This chemical resistance means that glass viscometers are less likely to suffer from degradation or contamination, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring more consistent results.

Transparency

  • The transparency of glass allows clear visibility of the fluid and the meniscus, making it easier to take accurate measurements.
  • This reduces the likelihood of manual reading errors and improves the overall accuracy of your viscosity measurements.

Durability *with proper handling

  • While glass can be fragile, the high-quality borosilicate glass used in our curated collection is more durable than standard glass. Proper handling and storage can significantly extend the lifespan of glass viscometers.
  • If handled with care, the durability of glass can mitigate the issue of frequent breakage, reducing downtime and costs associated with replacements.

Cleaning is easy

  • The smooth surface of glass viscometers makes them easier to clean, as there are no pores or rough surfaces where residues can accumulate.
  • This makes cleaning simple and ensures the viscometer is free from contaminants between tests.

Stable temperature behavior

  • Borosilicate has a stable thermal expansion coefficient, meaning it doesn't expand or contract significantly with temperature changes.
  • This stability helps measurement consistency, even in varying temperatures, reducing errors related to temperature sensitivity.

Compatibility with automated systems

  • Many glass capillary viscometers are compatible with automated systems that can control temperature and time measurements more precisely than manual methods.
  • This compatibility can reduce manual errors and improve the overall efficiency of the testing process, especially in high-throughput labs.


Find the right capillary viscometer for your job

Capillary viscometers are vital tools in many different types of labs where precise fluid analysis is critical. We work primarily with oil and gas, chemical manufacturers, and the pharmaceutical industry to place the right products in the right roles.


Petroleum industry

Capillary viscometers are widely used to measure the viscosity of lubricants, fuels, and oils. Accurate viscosity measurements ensure these products perform effectively under varying temperatures and pressures, directly impacting engine efficiency and longevity. Compliance with ASTM D445, the standard test method for kinematic viscosity, is crucial in this sector.

Chemical manufacturing

In the chemical industry, viscosity is a critical parameter for product quality. Whether it's paints, coatings, adhesives, or other chemical products, the viscosity affects everything from application ease to final product performance. Capillary viscometers help maintain consistency, ensuring products meet strict quality control standards.

Pharmaceutical industry

In pharmaceuticals, viscosity measurements are essential for liquid formulations, affecting everything from drug stability to dosing accuracy. Capillary viscometers provide the precision needed to ensure consistency and efficacy in these products.


Which ASTM method does your lab need its capillary viscometers for?

ASTM D2170 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts (Bitumens)

  • You use this ASTM method to measure the kinematic viscosity of asphalt (bitumen) at 135°C (275°F). This measurement is critical for ensuring that your asphalt has the proper flow characteristics during application, which directly impacts pavement performance and durability.

ASTM D2270 - Standard Practice for Calculating Viscosity Index from Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C and 100°C

  • You rely on this method to calculate the viscosity index of lubricating oils, which indicates how stable the oil's viscosity is across a range of temperatures. This process starts with measuring the kinematic viscosity at 40°C and 100°C using a capillary viscometer, providing you with essential data to assess the oil's performance under varying conditions.

ASTM D445 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids

  • You use this widely recognized method to determine the kinematic viscosity of various liquids, whether transparent or opaque. This measurement is essential for ensuring your products meet the required quality and performance standards in industries like petroleum and chemicals.

ASTM D5293 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Engine Oils and Base Stocks Between -10°C and -35°C Using Cold-Cranking Simulator

  • While this method primarily involves using a cold-cranking simulator, you first measure the kinematic viscosity of engine oils and base stocks at specific temperatures using a capillary viscometer. This preliminary data is crucial for accurately simulating how your oils will perform in cold-start conditions.

ASTM D446 - Standard Specifications and Operating Instructions for Glass Capillary Kinematic Viscometers

  • You refer to this standard to ensure you are using your glass capillary viscometer correctly and that it meets the necessary specifications. This is vital when performing tests like ASTM D445 or D2170, where accurate viscosity measurements are key to maintaining compliance with industry standards.


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