Falling Sphere Viscometer

The Falling Sphere Viscometer is a Höppler-type viscometer, for simple yet accurate measurement of dynamic viscosity of transparent Newtonian fluids. The sphere rolls and slides inside an inclined cylindrical tube filled with whichever fluid you are testing. The viscosity is measured in mPa s and is discovered by simply timing how long it takes for the sphere to fall a specified distance through the fluid.

The tube can be turned upside down so that the time the sphere takes to fall back can also be measured. The role of temperature can be investigated, as the tube is situated inside a water bath, which can be filled with water at a specific temperature.

Uses of the Falling Sphere Viscometer

The Falling Sphere Viscometer is suitable for viscosity measurements using a range of substances, including:

• Light oils, machine oils, petroleum, petroleum ether, diesel (mineral oils and fuels)
• Plastic solutions, resin solutions, adhesive solutions, latex dispersions (polymer chemicals)
• Printers’ ink, varnish, water-based paints, inks (inks and paints)
• Emulsions, suspensions, solutions, extracts (cosmetics/pharmaceuticals)
• Emulsions, dispersions (paper industry)
• Liquid detergents, washing-up liquid, surfactant solutions (detergents)
• Honey, fruit juice, beer, milk (food industry)
• Gases and mixtures of gases

Specifications of the Viscometer

• Measuring range: 0.5mPa s to 7*10⁴ mPa s (as per DIN 53015) >7*10⁴ mPa s (for sphere fall times > 300s)
• Measurement precision: 0.5 to 2% (depending on spheres used)
• Spheres:
  #1, #2: Borosilicate glass
  #3, #4: Ni-iron
  #5, #6: Steel
• Diameter of spheres: 11.00 to 15.81mm
• Diameter of measuring tube: 15.95mm
• Fall times for spheres: 30 to 450s
• Length of measured distance: 100mm in both directions
• Operating angle: 10° to vertical
• Additional working angles: 70°, 60°, 50° to horizontal
• Volume when full: 40ml
• Permissible temperature range: -60°C to +150°C
• Dimensions: 180 x 220 x 330mm
• Weight: 3.1kg

Compatible Equipment

• Digital Stopwatch
• Silicone Tube
• Glycerine
• Immersion/Circulation Thermostat

Delivery Information

The Falling Sphere Viscometer is usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days of ordering via UPS courier.

If you would like up to the minute delivery and tracking information for your order, please contact the Lab World Customer Care Team by telephone on 020 7501 1105 or by email using the form below. We look forward to helping you with your enquiry.