COVENANT UNIVERSITY

CANAANLAND, OTA

PET527- PETROLEUM ENGINEERING LABORATORY II

EXPERIMENT 2- VISCOSITY

BY

AJALA OLADIMEJI DUROTOLUWA

MATRIC NO. 19CN026123

PRACTCAL DATE: 10th, APRIL 2024

SUBMITTED ON: 17th, APRIL 2024

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 ABSTRACT

This experiment aimed to determine the viscosity of four different fluid samples (diesel,

engine oil, crude oil, and condensate) using the Ostwald viscometer method. Viscosity, a

measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, plays a crucial role in various industrial applications,

including oil and gas production, automotive engineering, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

By employing the Ostwald viscometer, we measured the time taken for each fluid sample to

flow through a capillary tube under specific conditions. The experiment provided valuable

insights into the viscosity variations among different fluid samples and their practical

implications

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 CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE........................................................................................................................ 5

INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 5

1 Viscosity...............................................................................................................................5

1.1 Aim....................................................................................................................................6

1.2 Objective...........................................................................................................................6

CHAPTER TWO.......................................................................................................................7

2 Apparatus and Materials..................................................................................................... 7

................................................................................................................................................. 7

2.1 Ostwald viscometer:........................................................................................................ 7

2.2 Stopwatch:........................................................................................................................7

2.3 Crude Oil:.........................................................................................................................8

2.4 Engine Oil:........................................................................................................................8

2.5 Condensate:......................................................................................................................9

2.6 Distilled Water:................................................................................................................9

2.7 Acetone:.......................................................................................................................... 10

2.8 Diesel:..............................................................................................................................10

CHAPTER THREE.................................................................................................................11

3 PROCEDURES.................................................................................................................11

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 ............................................................................................................................................... 11

3.1 EXPERIMENT.............................................................................................................. 11

CHAPTER FOUR................................................................................................................... 13

4 DISCUSSION AND MAINTENANCE............................................................................ 13

4.1 DISCUSSION...................................................................................................................13

4.2 MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................13

CHAPTER FIVE..................................................................................................................... 14

5 RESULT AND OBSERVATION...................................................................................... 14

5.1 RESULT.......................................................................................................................... 14

5.2 TABLE 1.1...................................................................................................................14

5.3 OBSERVATION............................................................................................................15

CHAPTER SIX........................................................................................................................ 16

CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................ 16

REFERENCE...........................................................................................................................17

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1 Viscosity

Viscosity is a fundamental property of fluids that quantifies their resistance to flow. It

influences fluid behavior, such as pumping requirements, mixing characteristics, and

lubrication efficiency. In this experiment, we utilized the Ostwald viscometer, a widely used

instrument for viscosity measurement, to determine the viscosity of four distinct fluid samples:

distilled water, engine oil, crude oil, and condensate.

Distilled water serves as a reference fluid due to its low viscosity and well-defined properties.

Engine oil, crude oil, and condensate represent common fluids encountered in various

industrial processes, including automotive lubrication, petroleum refining, and natural gas

production.

The Ostwald viscometer operates based on the principle of measuring the time taken for a

fluid to flow through a capillary tube under the influence of gravity. By comparing the flow

times of different fluids under identical experimental conditions, we can derive their

respective viscosities.

Kinematic viscosity is the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density, whereas dynamic viscosity (µ)

is the ratio of applied shear stress to shear rate. The formula for kinetic viscosity is υ= µ/ρ.

A given fluid's inherent resistance to flow is known as its viscosity. The deformation equation

is as follows:

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where = shear stress

怀 = shear rate

= viscosity

density of the liquid.

Dynamic viscosity ( ) is the ratio between the applied shear stress and the rate of shear and is

called coefficient of dynamic viscosity . This coefficient is thus a measure of the resistance to

flow of the liquid; it is commonly called the viscosity of the liquid.

Two factors that affect fluid viscosity are temperature and pressure. Most fluids' viscosity is

sensitive to heat but not to pressure until very high pressures are reached. Liquids' viscosity

rises with pressure at fixed temperatures.

1.1 Aim

This experiment aims to demonstrate the practical application of the Ostwald viscometer

method in determining fluid viscosity and to provide insights into the viscosity variations

among different fluid samples.

1.2 Objective

The objective of this experiment is to determine the density of various fluid samples (diesel,

crude oil, condensate, and engine oil) using the pycnometer method.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2 Apparatus and Materials

2.1 Ostwald viscometer:

The Ostwald viscometer is a type of viscometer used for measuring the viscosity of fluids. It

typically consists of a glass tube with a bulb at one end and a narrow capillary tube at the

other.

Fig 2.1 (Figure of a Ostwald viscometer)

2.2 Stopwatch:

A laboratory stopwatch is a precision timing device used in scientific experiments and

research settings to measure elapsed time with high accuracy.

Fig 2.2 (Figure of a Stopwatch)

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2.3 Crude Oil:

Crude oil is a naturally occurring, unrefined petroleum product composed of hydrocarbon

deposits and other organic materials

Fig 2.3 (Figure of Crude Oil Sample)

2.4 Engine Oil:

Engine oil, also known as motor oil, is a lubricant used in internal combustion engines to

reduce friction and wear between moving parts, as well as to help dissipate heat and maintain

engine cleanliness.

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 Fig 2.4 (Figure of Engine Oil Sample)

2.5 Condensate:

Condensate refers to a mixture of hydrocarbon liquids that forms when natural gas is cooled

or depressurized.

Fig 2.5 (Figure of Condensate)

2.6 Distilled Water:

Distilled water is water that has undergone a process of distillation to remove

impurities, minerals, and other contaminants.

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 Fig 2.6 (Figure of Deionized Water)

2.7 Acetone:

Acetone is used in laboratories as a solvent for chemical reactions, as a cleaning agent for

glassware, and as a general-purpose solvent for various applications.

Fig 2.7 (Figure of Acetone)

2.8 Diesel:

Diesel is a type of fuel commonly used in diesel engines, which are widely used in

transportation, industrial equipment, and power generation. It is derived from crude oil

through a refining process called fractional distillation.

Fig 2.8 (Figure of Diesel)

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 CHAPTER THREE

3 PROCEDURES

3.1 EXPERIMENT

1) Preparation of Fluid Samples:

Before starting the experiment, I ensure that all fluid samples (distilled water, engine oil,

crude oil, and condensate) are at room temperature.

2) Calibration of Ostwald Viscometer:

I check the cleanliness of the Ostwald viscometer and make sure it is free from any

contaminants. Then, I verify the calibration of the viscometer according to the manufacturer's

instructions.

3) Viscosity Measurement:

I fill the bulb of the Ostwald viscometer with the first fluid sample up to the calibration mark.

Placing the viscometer in a vertical position, I allow the fluid to flow through the capillary

tube. Using a stopwatch, I measure the time taken for the meniscus to pass between two

calibration marks on the capillary tube.

I repeat this measurement three times for each fluid sample to ensure accuracy and calculate

the average flow time.

4) Calculation of Viscosity:

With the average flow time and the calibration constant of the viscometer, I calculate the

viscosity of each fluid sample using the Ostwald equation:

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η =K x t

where:

η = viscosity of the fluid (in centipoise, cP)

K = calibration constant of the viscometer

t = average flow time of the fluid sample (in seconds)

5) Recording and Analysis:

I record the viscosity values obtained for each fluid sample in a tabular format.

Comparing the viscosity values of the different fluid samples, I analyze any observed trends or

differences.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

4 DISCUSSION AND MAINTENANCE

4.1 DISCUSSION

Reservoir fluid density is a critical parameter that significantly influences reservoir behavior,

production strategies, and reservoir management decisions. Understanding the factors

influencing fluid density and its implications for reservoir engineering is essential for

optimizing hydrocarbon recovery and maximizing the economic value of petroleum

reservoirs..

4.2 MAINTENANCE

 I ensured that all fluid samples are at room temperature before testing to minimize

temperature-related variations in viscosity.

 Before starting the experiment, I carefully checked the cleanliness and calibration of the

Ostwald viscometer to ensure accurate measurements.

 I handled the fluid samples with care to prevent contamination and spills.

 When filling the viscometer bulb and allowing the fluid to flow through the capillary tube,

I handled the apparatus gently to avoid damaging the delicate components.

 When measuring the flow time of the fluid samples, I used a stopwatch with precision to

minimize errors in time recording.

 I repeated the viscosity measurements three times for each fluid sample to ensure

consistency and reliability of the results.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

5 RESULT AND OBSERVATION

5.1 RESULT

FLUID SAMPLES:

SAMPLE A- Crude Oil

SAMPLE B- Diesel

SAMPLE C- Engine Oil

SAMPLE D- Oil Condensate

5.2 TABLE 1.1

Sample Constant Time Hagenbach Kinematic Density, Dynamic

C, (cSt/s) (s) factor, ϑ Viscosity, ρavr Viscosity,

ʋ (g/cm3) µ (cp)

Crude Oil 0.5 7.05 0.25 3.4 0.84 2.856

Diesel 0.5 17.85 0.7 8.575 0.86 7.375

Engine Oil 0.5 335 0.75 167.125 0.88 147.07

Oil 0.5 6.89 0.5 3.195 0.80 2.556

condensate

µavr = 39.896

The volume of the viscometer = 350ml

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To get Kinematic Viscosity; ʋ C(t - ϑ )

 For crude oil; 0.5(7.05 – 0.25) = 3.4

 For Diesel; 0.5(17.85 – 0.7) = 8.575

 For engine oil; 0.5(335 – 0.75) = 167.125

 For oil condensate; 0.5(6.89 – 0.5) = 3.195

To get Dynamic Viscosity; µ ρavr ʋ

 For crude oil; 0.84 × 3.4 = 2.856

 For Diesel; 0.86 × 8.575 = 7.375

 For engine oil; 0.88 × 167.125 = 147.07

 For oil condensate; 0.80 × 3.195 = 2.556

5.3 OBSERVATION

 I observed the viscosity gradient as the fluids flow through the capillary tube, noting any

differences in flow behavior and resistance among the samples.

 I noted the time taken for each fluid sample to fall in the capillary tube completely,

indicating differences in viscosity and flowability, engine oil being the outright most

viscous.

 I conducted multiple trials for each fluid sample to assess the repeatability of viscosity

measurements and saw consistency in results.

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 CHAPTER SIX

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, The experiment successfully determined the viscosity of four different fluid samples

(crude oil, engine oil, diesel, and oil condensate) using the Ostwald viscometer method. The obtained

viscosity values provide valuable insights into the flow characteristics and practical applications of

each fluid sample. By employing the Ostwald viscometer, we demonstrated a simple yet effective

technique for viscosity measurement, applicable in various industrial and scientific contexts.

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 REFERENCE

 Lab Manual

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