How to Use a Viscosity Cup for a Simple and Accurate Viscosity Test

Viscosity measurement is important when checking product quality and efficiency. The viscosity of a material is a measure of its flow. This process helps determine proper conformance and can verify product quality. Viscosity testing is used in various industries such as food to calculate the correct consistency, and in the coating industry to verify the correct operation of products in machinery.

Determine the Right Flow Cup

First check the product technical data sheet to see if a Flow Cup is listed. If not listed, choose a cup with an estimated flow time of 30-100 seconds. There are no preset criteria for validation, as some viscosity tests have unique flow time criteria.

cleaning measuring device

Clean the cup, handle and orifice with a suitable solvent to verify that there is no residue. Dirty equipment can affect the accuracy of the test. Using an abrasive cleaning material such as a wire brush can again damage the cup, causing precision issues.

put the cup

Place the Flow Cup into its holder and make sure it is level. To make sure everything is level, place the glass and bubble level on top of the mug. Then adjust the feet until the level measurement is achieved.

measure viscosity

Verify that the cup temperature and liquid temperature are uniform before testing. Then verify that there are no air bubbles in the substance (freshly filtered is recommended). After verification complete the following:

1. Cover the hole in the bottom of the Flow Cup with your finger.

2. Overfill the Flow Cup slightly with your material.

3. Slide the glass plate through the liquid, removing any channels as it fills. Try to avoid any air bubbles.

4. Take your finger off the cup and place a beaker underneath it. Grab your stopwatch.

5. Slowly remove the glass once you start the stopwatch. Stop watch when material flow is interrupted.

Calculated viscosity

To calculate viscosity as cST you need the following data:

• time (seconds)

• K and c constants (provided by cup)

ElcoCalc calculation

1. Download the ElcoCalc app on Android or Apple

2. Open the app and enter the cup used and the time

3. Application immediately provides cST

traditional computing

1. Write down the following formula: K(tc) = V

2. Find the cup constants in the table provided

3. Set "t" equal to flow time, set "K" and "c" equal to constant

4. Calculate "V" and you have your viscosity