DEVELOPMENT OF VISCOSITY MEASURING DEVICE USING VIBRATIONAL TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The project centers on the development of viscosity measuring device using vibrational techniques. The instrument consists of a variable power supply, solenoids, spindle with a pendulum bob attached, switching circuit, current – voltage sensors, microcontroller (arduino mega 2560), analog –to –digital converter and liquid crystal display (LCD ) unit. The developed system consists of a variable power supply used to increase the magnetic field strength in the solenoid that has a spindle attached to a pendulum bob. As the magnetic field strength increases, the pendulum is dragged inside the fluid when it overcomes the internal friction within. The pendulum bob is set in motion through the control circuit set to move to and fro. The pendulum bob movement was monitored by a microcontroller through a reflective optical sensor. Viscosity was measured through the calibration constant generated from a liquid of known viscosity, applied voltage, current generated from the solenoids and the dragging time. Water, gear oil, engine oil, palm oil, olive oil were the fluids investigated by the developed system for performance evaluation. Statistical analysis revealed a percentage error value of 2.87% and accuracy of 97.13% which shows a good agreement between the standard and literature values. The instrument performed well and it is therefore suitable for the measurement of liquids viscosities.