Höppler falling ball viscometer

The falling ball viscometer is used for precise measurement of the viscosity of transparent "Newtonian" liquids and gases. It complies with the requirements set forth in DIN standard 530 15 and has been approved by the German Physical Technical Bureau for official calibration purposes.

Measurement principle
Rolling, sliding movement of a ball in an inclined, cylindrical tube filled with the fluid which is to be examined. The time is taken which the ball requires to travel a defined measurement distance. The test cylinder can be turned upside down for additional measurement of the return of the ball.
The measurement results are given as dynamic viscosity in the internationally standardised absolute unit of measure, millipascal seconds [mPa s].

Temperature control
Since viscosity is highly dependent on temperature, provision has been made for exact control of the sample temperature. This can be done, for example, with the recirculation thermostat (666 7701) or the recirculation cooler (666 766). The temperature is monitored using a thermometer which has been built into the viscometer (standard -1 °C to 26 °C, 0.1 K graduations).

Typical application examples
The falling ball viscometer is used primarily for low-viscosity substances, such as:

• Oils, liquid hydrocarbons (petroleum industry)
• Solvents, solutions of plastics and resins as well as inks (chemical industry)
• Glycerine, raw materials (pharmaceutical industry)
• Gelatines, sugar solutions (food industry)