ARO Scientific launches expanded Viscosity Reference Standards range

New General Purpose and Flow Cup Viscosity Certified Reference Materials support accurate viscosity measurement, instrument verification and quality control.

ARO Scientific is pleased to announce the expansion of its viscosity reference standards portfolio with two comprehensive product ranges: General Purpose Viscosity Reference Standards and Flow Cup Viscosity Standards.

Designed for calibration laboratories, testing laboratories, testing facilities and manufacturers, these new Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) support instrument calibration and verification, method validation and routine quality control.

The standards feature kinematic viscosity values characterised in accordance with ASTM D2162 and density values determined in accordance with ASTM D1480, using equipment calibrated by ARO Scientific's UKAS accredited ISO/IEC 17025 calibration laboratory.

Produced under ARO Scientific's ISO 17034 accreditation, the new ranges provide certified viscosity and density reference values, multiple measurement temperatures and supplementary information for a broad range of laboratory and industrial applications.

General Purpose Viscosity Reference Standards

Viscosity is a fundamental property affecting the flow behaviour and performance of liquids. Accurate viscosity measurement is essential across numerous industries, including petroleum, lubricants, chemical manufacturing and industrial fluid testing.

ARO Scientific's General Purpose Viscosity Reference Standards are characterised using long-capillary master viscometers in accordance with ASTM D2162 — Standard Practice for Basic Calibration of Master Viscometers and Viscosity Oil Standards.

Depending on the selected grade, the accompanying Certificate of Analysis provides values for:

• Kinematic viscosity (mm²/s or cSt) — characterised in accordance with ASTM D2162.

• Dynamic viscosity (mPa·s or cP) — reported alongside kinematic viscosity and density.

• Density (g/mL) — characterised in accordance with ASTM D1480 using Bingham pycnometers.

• Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) — calculated in accordance with ASTM D2161 where applicable.

• Saybolt Furol Seconds (SFS) — calculated in accordance with ASTM D2161 where applicable.

Reliable Measurements supported by documented uncertainty

The Certificates of Analysis provide expanded measurement uncertainties for viscosity and density, together with information on metrological traceability, homogeneity and stability.

This enables laboratories to select appropriate reference materials and evaluate their measurement performance against established reference values.

General Purpose Viscosity Reference Standards support:

• Verification of glass capillary viscometers.

• Performance checks of automated viscosity analysers.

• Assessment of measurement bias and repeatability.

• Method validation and verification.

• Intermediate instrument checks.

• Routine laboratory quality control.

The range is available in 100 mL and 500 mL bottles, providing options for different laboratory requirements.

Explore General Purpose Viscosity Reference Standards

Introducing Flow Cup Viscosity Standards

Flow cups are widely used in paints, coatings, inks, varnishes and industrial manufacturing, where consistent liquid flow properties are essential for product quality and process control.

These instruments determine the time required for a liquid to flow through a defined orifice under specified conditions.

However, flow cup measurements are influenced by temperature, cup geometry, instrument condition and operating technique. Regular verification is therefore important for maintaining consistent results.

Certified Viscosity Values with Calculated Flow Cup Reference Times

ARO Scientific's new Flow Cup Viscosity Standards combine characterised viscosity and density reference values with calculated flow cup efflux times for commonly used industrial flow cup designs.

The viscosity values are determined in accordance with ASTM D2162, while the corresponding efflux times are calculated from kinematic viscosity using the equations specified in the relevant flow cup test methods.

The calculated flow times are supplied on a supplementary page accompanying the Certificate of Analysis, providing convenient reference information for verification applications.

The range supports:

Calculated flow times are provided at 20 °C and 25 °C, where the results fall within the applicable recommended flow time range.

Supporting Flow Cup Verification and Quality Control

Using a viscosity CRM with method-specific calculated efflux times allows laboratories to compare measured flow times against established calculation-based reference information.

This supports:

• Routine verification of flow cup measurement performance.

• Monitoring measurement consistency.

• Identifying potential cup wear, contamination or damage.

• Evaluating operator technique and measurement procedures.

• Maintaining quality control across multiple instruments and manufacturing locations.

For example, a laboratory using a Ford or DIN flow cup can select an appropriate viscosity CRM, measure its efflux time under the specified test conditions and compare the result against the calculated reference time provided in the supplementary certificate information.

Any differences can then be evaluated using the laboratory's established acceptance criteria.

Viscosity Grades for Different Applications

The Flow Cup Viscosity Standards range comprises nine viscosity grades, C6 to C600, supplied in 500 mL bottles.

Each flow cup design has a defined operating range, and not every viscosity standard is suitable for every cup.

The supplementary certificate information identifies applicable flow times and recommended measurement ranges, helping laboratories select suitable materials for their equipment.

Explore Flow Cup Viscosity Standards

Supporting ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Quality Requirements

Laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025 must implement appropriate procedures for monitoring the validity of their measurement results.

Certified Reference Materials provide an important tool for evaluating measurement performance, monitoring bias and supporting routine quality control.

ARO Scientific's viscosity and density CRMs are produced in accordance with ISO 17034 and ISO 33401, with certified values established using measurement systems calibrated under its ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

The accompanying certificates provide certified reference values, expanded measurement uncertainty information and metrological traceability statements.

For flow cup applications, supplementary calculated efflux times provide additional practical information for verification against the relevant test method equations.

Discover ARO Scientific's Expanded Viscosity Reference Standards Portfolio

ARO Scientific continues to expand its range of Certified Reference Materials to support laboratories and industrial testing facilities worldwide.

The launch of General Purpose and Flow Cup Viscosity Standards provides customers with a wider selection of reference materials for viscosity measurement, equipment verification and quality control.

Explore the new ranges:

• General Purpose Viscosity Reference Standards

• Flow Cup Viscosity Standards

Contact ARO Scientific for assistance selecting suitable viscosity reference standards for your laboratory or testing requirements.