Evaluation of SpectroVisc Q3000 for Viscosity Determination

Abstract : The Navy routinely measures the viscosity of lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids. Viscosity measurements typically are conducted in a land based laboratory however the use of a handheld viscometer like the SpectroVisc Q3000 would allow for measurements onboard a Navy vessel. This would reduce the amount of time needed to obtain viscosity measurements and make the process more efficient. Spectro Inc. furnished NAVAIR (AIR-4.4.6.1) with a SpectroVisc Q3000 handheld viscometer for the purpose of evaluating the accuracy and repeatability of the instrument using Cannon reference standards. Testing was accomplished at the NAVAIR Pensacola FL test facility in accordance with the operating procedures provided by Spectro Inc. The accuracy and repeatability of the SpectroVisc Q3000 was evaluated using five Cannon reference standards [N10 (10 cSt), N44 (44 cSt), N100 (100 cSt), N250 (250 cSt), and N350 (310 cSt)]. These five reference standards span the reported measuring range of the SpectroVisc Q3000. The viscosity at 40 deg C of the five standards was determined by measuring each standard 20 times. According to Spectro Inc., the accuracy and repeatability should be -3%. In addition, the measured viscosities of the Cannon reference standards were compared to the results obtained using an Anton Paar viscometer. The measured viscosities for both instruments should be within 3% of each other. NAVAIR confirmed the accuracy and repeatability statements made by Spectro Inc. concerning the capabilities of the SpectroVisc Q3000. Both the accuracy and repeatability of the SpectroVisc Q3000 were determined to be less than 3%.