AZA 0948 KINEMATIC VISCOMETER BATH

Description

The AZA 0948 Kinematic Viscometer Bath from AZALAB is a crucial piece of precision laboratory equipment designed to provide a highly stable and accurately controlled temperature environment for the determination of kinematic viscosity of liquids. Kinematic viscosity is a fundamental physical property that quantifies a fluid’s resistance to flow under the influence of gravity. It is expressed in units of centistokes (cSt) or textmm2/texts. This parameter is vital for characterizing the performance, quality, and application suitability of a wide range of materials, including bitumen, asphalt, petroleum products, lubricants, and industrial fluids. In India’s booming infrastructure and energy sectors, precise viscosity measurement is indispensable for quality control, research, and adherence to material specifications.

The accurate determination of kinematic viscosity is highly dependent on precise temperature control, as viscosity changes significantly with temperature. The AZA 0948 Kinematic Viscometer Bath addresses this critical requirement by employing a robust double-walled construction, with an inner tank made of high-grade stainless steel (SS 304 or similar) for excellent corrosion resistance and an outer cabinet typically made of powder-coated mild steel for durability. The space between these walls is insulated to minimize heat loss and ensure temperature stability.

The bath features a sophisticated heating system, usually an immersion type electric heater, coupled with a microprocessor-based PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) digital temperature controller. This advanced control system allows for precise setting and maintenance of the desired test temperature within narrow tolerances, typically $\\pm 0.1^\\circ\\text{C}$ or better, as required by international standards. A motorized stirrer or circulating pump ensures uniform temperature distribution throughout the bath medium (usually water or silicone oil, depending on the temperature range), preventing thermal gradients that could affect measurement accuracy. For optimal observation of the capillary viscometers during testing, the bath is equipped with two sides of toughened glass windows and often an internal illumination system.

Applications and Compliance of the AZA 0948 Kinematic Viscometer Bath

The AZA 0948 Kinematic Viscometer Bath is a cornerstone instrument for laboratories involved in the testing of bituminous materials and petroleum products in India. Its design and performance are in strict accordance with major international and national standards, including:

• ASTM D445: “Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity).” This is a globally recognized standard for a broad range of liquids.
• IS 1206 (Part 3): “Methods for testing tar and bituminous materials – Determination of Viscosity – Part 3 Kinematic Viscosity.” This specific Indian Standard is crucial for determining the kinematic viscosity of paving grade and cut-back bitumens at specified temperatures, such as $135^\\circ\\text{C}$ for paving grades or $60^\\circ\\text{C}$ for absolute viscosity equivalent to penetration grades.
• IP 71, ISO 3104: Corresponding international standards.

The kinematic viscosity measurement is performed by placing a calibrated glass capillary viscometer (e.g., Cannon-Fenske, Ubbelohde types) filled with the sample into the precisely temperature-controlled bath. Once thermal equilibrium is achieved, the time taken for the liquid to flow between two designated marks within the viscometer capillary under gravity is measured. The kinematic viscosity is then calculated by multiplying this efflux time by the viscometer’s calibration constant.

The applications of the Kinematic Viscometer Bath are diverse and critical across various sectors:

• Bitumen and Asphalt Industry: Essential for grading bitumen (e.g., Viscosity Grade (VG) Bitumen as per IS 73:2013, where kinematic viscosity at $135^\\circ\\text{C}$ is a key parameter) and characterizing cut-back bitumens and emulsions. This directly impacts the performance, workability, and durability of roads and pavements across India, adhering to the specifications laid out by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
• Petroleum and Lubricants: Crucial for quality control of engine oils, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, and fuels, ensuring they meet specifications for optimal lubrication, energy efficiency, and operational reliability.
• Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries: For process control, product development, and quality assurance of various liquid products where flow characteristics are important.
• Research and Development: For investigating the rheological behavior of new materials and formulations.

The AZA 0948 offers a durable desktop design with easy operations and portability. It accommodates multiple viscometers simultaneously, increasing laboratory throughput. Routine maintenance involves keeping the bath medium clean, periodically calibrating thermometers and viscometers, and ensuring the stirring mechanism functions optimally for consistent temperature uniformity.

Specifications

• Model Number: AZA 0948
• Test Method: Kinematic Viscosity by Capillary Viscometer (requires external viscometers)
• Temperature Range: Typically $5^\\circ\\text{C}$ above ambient to $100^\\circ\\text{C}$ or $120^\\circ\\text{C}$. Higher temperature versions (up to $150^\\circ\\text{C}$ or $200^\\circ\\text{C}$) are also available, often requiring oil as a bath medium.
• Temperature Accuracy/Stability: $\\pm 0.1^\\circ\\text{C}$ or better, as per ASTM D445 and IS 1206 (Part 3).
• Temperature Controller: Microprocessor-based PID Digital Temperature Controller with LED digital display.
• Resolution: $0.1^\\circ\\text{C}$.
• Stirring: Electric stirrer (motorized) for ensuring uniform temperature of the bath medium.
• Visibility: Two sides of toughened glass windows for clear viewing of viscometers. Often includes internal illumination.
• Inner Tank Material: Stainless Steel (SS 304 grade).
• Outer Cabinet Material: Powder Coated GI (Galvanized Iron) sheet.
• Insulation: High-density glass wool or PUF.
• Viscometer Capacity: Designed to accommodate multiple glass capillary viscometers (e.g., 2, 4, 6, or 8 viscometers simultaneously).
• Power Supply: 230 V AC, 50 Hz, Single Phase.
• Dimensions: Varies by capacity and design (e.g., for 4-viscometer capacity: approx. 12″ x 10″ x 12″ internal tank size).
• Included Accessories: Viscometer holders (universal type), suction bulb.
• Optional Accessories (typically purchased separately):
  • Glass Capillary Viscometers (various types like Cannon-Fenske, Ubbelohde, etc., with different constants).
  • Calibrated Thermometers (e.g., ASTM 17C, 18C, 19C for specific temperature ranges).
  • Digital Stopwatch.
  • Viscosity Standard Reference Oils for calibration.
  • Cooling coil for below ambient temperature operation (if applicable).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q1: What is the primary function of the AZA 0948 Kinematic Viscometer Bath? A1: The AZA 0948 Kinematic Viscometer Bath provides a highly stable and accurately controlled temperature environment for conducting kinematic viscosity measurements of liquids using glass capillary viscometers.

Q2: Why is temperature control so critical in kinematic viscosity testing? A2: Viscosity is extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Precise temperature control ensures that the test conditions are consistent and reproducible, leading to accurate and reliable viscosity results as per specified standards.

Q3: What Indian Standards does the AZA 0948 Kinematic Viscometer Bath comply with? A3: The AZA 0948 is designed to comply with IS 1206 (Part 3): Methods for testing tar and bituminous materials – Determination of Viscosity – Part 3 Kinematic Viscosity, which is crucial for testing bitumen in India. It also meets ASTM D445, a widely accepted international standard.

Q4: What types of materials can be tested with this bath? A4: This bath is suitable for measuring the kinematic viscosity of a wide range of liquids, including bitumen, asphalt, petroleum products (lubricants, fuels), and various industrial fluids.

Q5: Are the glass capillary viscometers included with the AZA 0948? A5: Typically, the glass capillary viscometers themselves (e.g., Cannon-Fenske, Ubbelohde) are purchased separately, as their type and constant depend on the specific viscosity range and material being tested. The bath comes with holders for these viscometers.

Q6: How does the AZA 0948 contribute to quality control in the Indian road construction sector? A6: By providing precise temperature control for kinematic viscosity tests, the Kinematic Viscometer Bath enables accurate grading and characterization of bitumen and asphalt binders. This ensures that the materials used in road construction meet specified quality standards (e.g., IS 73:2013 for VG Bitumen), leading to more durable and high-performing road infrastructure across India.