skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Calculator program predicts liquid viscosities

Journal Article · · Oil Gas J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7179562

In the absence of experimental data, the prediction of liquid viscosities for petroleum fractions can be a very difficult problem. In light of the complex nature of petroleum fractions and the difficulty of even identifying the components present in such a mixture, the standard methods generally used for estimating liquid viscosities from pure component data are not applicable. Yet some prediction method is necessary since fluid flow and heat transfer calculations depend on accurate viscosity estimates. Watson, et al., provided the pioneering work to fill this need by developing correlations capable of predicting viscosities at two or more temperatures solely from common petroleum fraction characterizing parameters. The API Data Book presents a convenient nomograph for determining the kinematic viscosity of petroleum fractions at 100/sup 0/ F. and 210/sup 0/ F. when only the Watson characterization factor and API of the cut are known. This nomograph is essentially a replotting of Watson's graphs in a more usable format.

Research Organization:
Badger Engineers Inc. Tampa, FL
OSTI ID:
7179562
Journal Information:
Oil Gas J.; (United States), Vol. 82:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English