Viscosity Tips & Conversion Guide for ToronVisc™ Users
Understanding viscosity units and the behavior of various fluids is critical for choosing the right viscometer. This guide offers a clear overview of common unit conversions, viscosity classifications, and typical fluid viscosities to help you select the most suitable ToronVisc™ Series Viscometer for your application.
Common Dynamic Viscosity Unit Conversion
| Unit System | Unit | Pa·s | mPa·s | P (Poise) | cP (centipoise) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SI | Pa·s | 1 | 1000 | 10 | 1000 |
| mPa·s | 0.001 | 1 | 0.01 | 1 | |
| CGS | P | 0.1 | 100 | 1 | 100 |
| cP | 0.001 | 1 | 0.01 | 1 |
Conversion Notes:
- 1 Pa·s = 1000 mPa·s = 1000 cP = 10 Poise
- 1 cP = 1 mPa·s
- 1 P = 100 cP
- 1 Pa·s = 10 P
- 1 MPa·s = 1,000,000 cP
Dynamic vs. Kinematic Viscosity
Dynamic viscosity (η) is related to kinematic viscosity (ν) and fluid density (ρ):
- η = ν × ρ
- ν = η / ρ
Use this relationship to convert between the two, particularly when measuring or comparing fluid flow under gravity.
Classification of Fluids
Fluids are broadly classified into:
- Newtonian Fluids: Maintain a constant viscosity regardless of shear rate (e.g., water, oils).
- Non-Newtonian Fluids: Viscosity changes with shear rate. These are divided into:
- Shear-rate dependent: e.g., paint, ketchup, glue
- Time-dependent: e.g., thixotropic materials
Selecting the right ToronVisc™ model depends on whether you're testing Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluids.
Common Fluid Viscosities
Viscosities are expressed in centipoise (cP), where 1 cP = 1 mPa·s:
| Fluid | Viscosity (cP) |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 cP |
| Milk | 3.2 cP |
| Cream | 16.5 cP |
| Vegetable Oil | 34.6 cP |
| Ketchup | 176 cP |
| Glycerin | 880 cP |
| Molasses | 1760 cP |
| Glue | 3000 cP |
| Syrup | 8640 cP |
| Sour Cream | 15,200 cP |
This table can help estimate which ToronVisc™ model (E-Series, T-Series, PDV-Series, etc.) is most appropriate for your material.
Need Help Choosing a Viscometer?
Our technical team is available to guide you in selecting the ideal ToronVisc™ viscometer based on your fluid type, viscosity range, and testing needs. Contact us for expert assistance or visit our product comparison page.