BS EN ISO 3104:2020

What is ISO 3104 about? 

ISO 3104 specifies Procedure A, using manual glass viscometers, and Procedure B, using glass capillary viscometers in an automated assembly, for the determination of the kinematic viscosity, ν, of liquid petroleum products, both transparent and opaque, by measuring the time for a volume of liquid to flow under gravity through a calibrated glass capillary viscometer.  

The dynamic viscosity, η, is obtained by multiplying the measured kinematic viscosity by the density, ρ, of the liquid. The range of kinematic viscosities covered in this test method is from 0,2 mm2/s to 300 000 mm2/s over the temperature range –20 °C to +150 °C. 

NOTE: The result obtained from this document is dependent upon the behaviour of the sample and is intended for application to liquids for which primarily the shear stress and shear rates are proportional (Newtonian flow behaviour). 

Who is ISO 3104 for?  

ISO 3104 on transparent and opaque liquids is relevant to: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of viscometer 
• Physiochemical engineers 

Why should you use ISO 3104? 

Many petroleum products, and some non-petroleum materials, are used as lubricants, the correct operation of equipment depends upon the appropriate viscosity of the liquid being used. In this regard, calculating the kinematic and dynamic viscosity is essential. 

ISO 3104 helps you calculate and assess the kinematic viscosity which is important for the estimation of optimum storage, handling and operational conditions.  

Estimation of the viscosity levels is vital as low viscosity may lead to leakage while extremely high viscosity can disrupt the fuel flow rate.  

Overall, compliance to test methods and evaluation under ISO 3104 will help you ensure optimal lubrication of engine oils with improved flow performance that avoids incidence of friction and enhances the operational efficiency of the end-application. If the lubricant is too thin, you will not be able to avoid friction and thus overall product damage.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN ISO 3104:2020 supersedes BS EN ISO 3104:1996, which is withdrawn. 

BS EN ISO 3104:2020 replaces the second edition (ISO 3104:1994), which has been technically revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows: 

• Precision data have been updated to all actual fuels on the market 
• Biodiesel (FAME) blends and paraffinic diesel have been included in the scope 
• The procedure description and allowance of automated techniques have been included