retrieval system or otherwise) or translated into any language, in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without the prior written permission of
Elcometer Limited.
A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via www.elcometer.com.
Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer Viscosity Dip Cup. Welcome to Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of inspection equipment for coatings
and concrete. Our products cover all aspects of coating inspection, from development through application
to post application inspection.
This Elcometer Viscosity Dip Cup is a world beating product. With the purchase of this Viscosity Dip Cup
you now have access to the worldwide service and support network of Elcometer. For more information visit
our website at www.elcometer.com
1 ABOUT YOUR VISCOSITY DIP CUP
Elcometer Viscosity Dip Cups are easy-to-use gauges for rapid measurement of viscosity of liquids.
The cup is held by its handle and is dipped into the liquid to be measured. The cup is removed from the
liquid and the time taken for the liquid to drain through an orifice in the bottom of the cup is measured.
The measured kinematic viscosity is generally expressed in seconds (s) flow time, which can be converted
to Centistokes (cSt). A wide range of cups with different orifices is available for measurements between
2 cSt and 1840 cSt.
1.1 THESE INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions describe the operation of the following Elcometer Viscosity Dip Cups:
Elcometer 2210: Zahn
Elcometer 2215: Lory LCH
Elcometer 2310: Shell
Elcometer 2434/5/6/7: Frikmar
2
1.2 STANDARDS
The Elcometer Viscosity Dip Cups can be used in accordance with a wide range of National and
International Standards.
For full details of which standards are appropriate see “Elcometer viscosity dip cups” on page 10.
1.3 WHAT THE BOX CONTAINS
•Elcometer Viscosity Dip Cup with handle
•Operating instructions
•Storage case
The Elcometer Viscosity Dip Cup is packed in a cardboard and foam package. Please ensure that this
packaging is disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local Environmental
Authority for further guidance.
1.4 CAUTION
Take care to avoid damaging your viscosity dip cup. Damage to the orifice, scratches on the internal
surface or deformation of the cup will affect the readings and the gauge may have to be replaced.
2 TAKING A READING
2.1 BEFORE YOU START
•Select a cup which gives a flow time of between 30 seconds and 100 seconds.
•Ensure the handle, the cup and the orifice are clean and free of debris, etc.
•The liquid being tested must be homogeneous and must not contain any bubbles.
•Measure and record the temperature of the liquid.
R
3
R
2.2 PROCEDURE
1. Immerse the cup completely into the liquid and twist several times to
dislodge any bubbles which may be clinging to the internal surface of
the cup (Figure 1, A).
2. Stir the liquid gently to ensure uniform temperature and density.
3. Leave the cup in the liquid for 1 to 5 minutes: For a Zahn cup (which
has a low mass) 1 minute will be sufficient; for cups with higher mass,
5 minutes will be better.
4. Lift the cup vertically out of the liquid (Figure 1, B) and start the
stopwatch the moment the top of the cup breaks the surface of the
liquid.
5. Watch the flow of liquid from the orifice and stop the stopwatch the
moment the flow breaks.
AB
Figure 1. Using the
Viscosity Dip Cup
When using a Lory LCH Viscosity Dip Cup (Elcometer 2215),
observe the surface of the liquid and stop the stopwatch the moment the top of the
spindle appears.
4
Lory LCH
Cup
2.3 AFTER THE TEST
Clean the gauge and all equipment.
Do not use wire brushes, metal scrapers,
metal files or other metallic tools for
Clean the gauge and all equipment using a
suitable solvent only.
cleaning.
After cleaning, ensure that all materials are removed and that the instrument is dry.
3 CONVERTING TO VISCOSITY
The measured kinematic viscosity is expressed generally in seconds (s) flow time, which can be converted
to Centistokes (cSt).
To convert from flow time (s) to kinematic viscosity (cSt), use the Elcometer 2400 Viscosity
Disc - see “Related equipment” on page 12.
Alternatively, use the following formula:
V = K(t - c)
where
V = kinematic viscosity in cSt (mm²/s)
t = flow time in seconds
Viscosity
Disc
R
5
R
K and c are constants given in the following table:
CupKcCupKc
Zahn Cup 1
Zahn Cup 2
Zahn Cup 3
Zahn Cup 4
Zahn Cup 5
a
a
a
a
a
1.129Shell Cup 10.22613
3.514Shell Cup 20.5765
11.77.5Shell Cup 2½0.9253
14.85Shell Cup 31.512
230Shell Cup 3½2.171.5
Shell Cup 43.451
Shell Cup 56.51
Shell Cup 616.20.5
a. The constants are given in Patton, T. C., Paint Flow and Pigment Dispersion, second edition, John Wiley & Sons,
New York, 1979, page 82.
Please note:
•The formula treats the cups as linear, which they are not.
a
•The formula is effective for flow times between 20 seconds and 80 seconds
a. Zahn Cup 1 - formula is effective between 35 seconds and 80 seconds.
.
6
4 STORAGE
Always store the gauge in its case when it is not being used.
5 MAINTENANCE
Elcometer Viscosity Dip Cups are designed to give many years reliable service under normal operating and
storage conditions.
Regular calibration checks over the life of the gauge are a requirement of quality management procedures
e.g. ISO 9000 and other standards.
To check for wear, use Elcometer 2410 Viscosity Standard Oils
detected, contact Elcometer or your local Elcometer supplier.
Details of Elcometer offices around the world are given on the outside cover of these Operating Instructions.
Alternatively visit the Elcometer website, www.elcometer.com
b. See “Elcometer 2434/5/6/7 Frikmar: Anodised Aluminium” on page8 for ordering information.
b
and measure the drain time. If wear is
R
7
R
6 ACCESSORIES
Calibration certificate
c
Elcometer Viscosity Dip Cups are supplied with a Batch Calibration Certificate
Calibration Certificates are available
c
but must be requested at the time of order as they can not be issued