Specific Gravity Test on Bitumen

INTRODUCTION

The specific gravity of bitumen binder is a fundamental property frequently used as an aid to
classify the binders for use in paving jobs. In most applications, the bitumen is weighed, but
finally in use with aggregate system, the bitumen content is converted on volume basis. Thus
accurate determination of specific gravity value is required for conversion of weight to volume.
The specific gravity is influenced by the chemical composition of binder. Increased quantity of
aromatic type compounds increases the specific gravity. The test procedure has been
standardised by the BIS.

The specific gravity is defined by BIS as the ratio of the mass of a given volume of the
bituminous material to the mass of an equal volume of water, the temperature of both being
specified as 27ºC ± 0.1ºC.

Apparatus

There are two methods (i) Pyknometer method (ii) Balance Method. For pyknometer method,
the apparatus are specific gravity bottle of 50 ml capacity, ordinary capillary type with 6 mm
diameter neck or wide mouthed capillary type bottle with 25 mm diameter neck can be used. For
balance method an analytical balance equipped with a pan straddle is used.

Procedure

Method – 1, Pyknometer method

The specific gravity bottle cleaned, dried and weighed along with the stopper. It is filled with
fresh distilled water, stopper placed and the same is kept in water container for at least half an
hour at temperature 27ºC ± 0.1ºC. The bottle is then removed and cleaned from outside. The
specific gravity bottle containing distilled water is now weighed.

The bituminous material is heated to a pouring temperature and is poured in the above empty
bottle taking all the precautions that it is clean and dry before filling sample materials. The
material is filled upto the half taking care to prevent entry of air bubbles. To permit an escape of
air bubbles, the sample bottle is allowed to stand for half an hour at suitable temperature cooled
to 27ºC and then weighed. The remaining space in the specific gravity bottle is filled with distilled
water at 27ºC, stopper placed and is placed in water container at 27ºC. The bottle containing
bituminous material and containing water is removed, cleaned from outside and is again weighed.

Method – 2, Balance method

In the balance method, the bitumen test specimen is cube shaped, about 12 mm on each
edge. It is prepared by pouring the liquefied bitumen sample in a brass mould to provide the
sample of required dimensions and later cooled. The sample is weighed in air and then in
distilled water maintained at 27ºC ± 0.1ºC to the nearest 0.1 mg.

1
Calculation

The specific gravity of the material is calculated as follows:

(i) Pyknometer method

Specific gravity = (weight of bituminous material) / (weight of equal volume of water) =

(c − a)
(b − a) − (d − c)

a = weight of specific gravity bottle, g

b = weight of the specific gravity bottle filled with distilled water, g
c = weight of the specific gravity bottle about half filled with bituminous material, g
d = weight of the specific gravity bottle about half filled with the material and the rest with
distilled water, g

(ii) Balance method

specific gravity = e
(e − f)

where,
e = weight of the dry specimen, g
f = weight of the specimen when immersed in distilled water, g

Discussion

It is necessary that all precautions are taken in making the specific gravity bottles thoroughly
cleaned and dried in the first weighing. The surface of the specific gravity bottle should be
cleaned dry after filling with water, before weighing. The test temperature should be firmly
adhered to. Inaccurate balance would never give reproducible results. At least three
measurements should be made for determining value of the specific gravity.

The specific gravity of all types of bituminous binders may be determined by the pyknometer
method. However the bitumen which is in semi-solid state at 27ºC can be tested by the balance
method only. If the bituminous material is in liquid form at 27ºC, the specific gravity may be found
by the pyknometer method by completely filling the specific gravity bottle with the liquid material.

Applications of Specific Gravity Test on Bituminous Materials

A knowledge of the correct specific gravity of bituminous materials have mainly two
applications. First, to convert the specified bitumen content by weight to volume basis when the
binder is measured by volume. Here it is necessary to know the coefficient of expansion or the
specific gravity values at different temperatures.

Second, the specific gravity is useful to identify the source of a bituminous binder. Pure
bitumen has a specific gravity in the range 0.97 to 1.02. (Higher penetration grade bitumen and
cut back bitumen have lower range of specific gravity values). In case the bitumen contains
mineral impurity, the specific gravity will be higher. Thus it is possible for a qualitative estimation
of mineral impurity in bitumen. The specific gravity of tar depends on the type of carbonisation
process used for their production. Vertical-retort tars have a specific gravity range 1.10 to 1.15
whereas horizontal-retort and coke-oven tars have values in the range 1.18 to 1.25.

2
SELECTED REFERENCES

1. Bureau of Indian Standards, Methods for Testing Tar and Bituminous Materials :
Determination of Specific Gravity, ( First Revision), IS: 1202-1978
2. Road Research Laboratory, Bituminous Materials in Road Construction, H.M.S.O., London
3. Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standards Specification for Paving Bitumen IS: 73 –
2006

QUESTIONS

1. What are the two methods of finding specific gravity of bituminous materials ?
2. Mention the principle of pyknometer method
3. Indicate the principle of balance method of determining specific gravity
2. What precautions should be taken while finding the specific gravity ?
3. What are the applications of specific gravity and results ?

3
 OBSERVATION SHEET

Table 1, Results of Specific Gravity Test on Bitumen by Pyknometer Method

(i) Grade of bitumen = (ii) Test temperature =

Weight of bottle Weight of bottle + Weight of bottle + half

Weight of Specific
Sampl + distilled half filled filled material + distilled
bottle, g gravity
e No. water, g material, g water, g
a b c d
1
2
3
Average value

Specific gravity value =

Table 2, Results of Specific Gravity Test on Bitumen by Balance Method

(i) Grade of bitumen = (ii) Test temperature =

Weight of Weight of sample in

Sample Specific
dry Sample distilled water, g
No. gravity
e f
1
2
3
Average value

Specific gravity value =

Remarks

4
Viscosity Tests

INTRODUCTION

Consistency of Bituminous Binders

Paving grade bitumen which is obtained from the distillation process of petroleum crude is
extensively used for the preparation of bituminous mixes and in flexible pavement construction.
At normal range of atmospheric temperature, bitumen is in semisolid state and remains highly
viscous and sticky and therefore the consistency of bitumen at low temperatures is evaluated by
empirical tests like the penetration test and softening point test. Bitumen is temperature
susceptible and the consistency of bitumen varies depending on the temperature variations.
Bituminous binders are used in fluid consistency for being sprayed as a ‘Prime Coat’ or ‘Tack
Coat’ before taking up the construction of bituminous pavement layer. Bituminous binders are
used in fluid consistency for mixing with aggregates for the preparation of bituminous mixes
before laying as a pavement layer and also in pavement construction techniques such as
‘penetration Macadam’ and ‘built-up spray grout’.
‘.
When the paving grade bitumen is heated, it softens at a rapid rate and attains fluid
consistency and the viscosity of fluid bitumen decreases with further increase in temperature. For
the construction of bituminous pavements, the paving grade bitumen is heated to temperatures in
the range of 130 to 175 oC or even higher, depending upon the type and grade of bitumen
selected and the type of the construction work. Mixing of the bitumen with the aggregates is done
in a hot mix plant to obtain ‘hot bituminous mix’.

In order to achieve fluid consistency of the bitumen at relatively low temperatures without
heating, ‘Cut-back Bitumen’ and ‘Bitumen Emulsion’ have been developed. Cutback bitumen is
prepared by diluting a paving grade bitumen with a volatile solvent such as a light fuel oil or
kerosene. The consistency of the cut-back and the rate at which it hardens after application
depends on the grade of the bitumen selected and the proportion and characteristics of the oil /
diluent used. Bitumen Emulsion or Emulsified Bitumen is prepared by dispersing bitumen in the
form of fine globules suspended in water with the help of a suitable emulsifier. The properties of
bituminous emulsions vary depending upon the properties of the bitumen, its proportion with
respect to water and the properties of the emulsifier. Appropriate type and grade of bitumen
emulsion or cutback may be selected for being directly sprayed as prime coat or tack coat and for
being mixed with aggregates to form ‘cold bituminous mix’.

The degree of fluidity of a bituminous binder at the application temperature influences the
ability of the binder to spread, penetrate into the voids and also to coat the aggregates and hence
affects the characteristics of the resulting paving mixes. For each type and grade of bituminous
binder, there is a suitable range of temperature at which the fluidity or viscosity is appropriate to
effect good mixing. Similarly there is an appropriate temperature range within which the viscosity
is most appropriate for effective compaction of the bituminous mix. At very low viscosity, the
bitumen binder simply ‘lubricates’ the aggregate particles instead of providing an uniform film
thickness for good binding action. At high viscosity, the bituminous binder will not be able to coat
the entire surface of aggregates and it offers higher resistance to compaction resulting in lower
density and stability of the bituminous mix. Therefore the bituminous binders used in road
pavement works should fulfil the following requirements :

(a) to be capable of being made sufficiently fluid either by heating or by adding volatile
solvent or by emulsifying to enable it to coat the mineral aggregates or being pumped
and sprayed at desired temperature range

5
 (b) to become sufficiently viscous on cooling or on evaporation of the volatile solvent or the
suspension that the compacted bituminous pavement layer can gain stability and resist
deformation under traffic loads
(c) to retain the desired stability at the highest pavement temperatures during service life of
the road and
(d) to be sufficiently flexible and not become brittle at low temperatures of the pavement
layer so that the pavement layer can resist cracking or fracture under moving traffic
loads.

Viscosity of Bituminous Binders

Viscosity of a liquid is the property that retards its flow due to internal friction and it is a
measure of resistance to flow of the liquid. The flow of a liquid under an applied force will depend
on its viscosity; higher the viscosity, slower will be its movement or rate of flow. As bituminous
binders are mixed with aggregates or applied in road works in the liquid form at different
temperatures, it is important that the viscosity properties of the binder are determined at the
desired temperatures before use. The range of viscosity of different types of bituminous binders
(such as hot bitumen, cutback bitumen or bitumen emulsion) used in road construction vary
considerably depending on the type and grade of the binder and the temperature of application.
Therefore different test methods are necessary for the determination of the viscosity of the
bituminous binders in liquid state and the method chosen will depend upon the viscosity of the
binder to be tested and the purpose for which the measurement is required. A number of test
methods and apparatus have been developed for testing of bituminous binders, some of these
are empirical methods which give an indirect measure of viscosity, making use of orifice type
viscometers and others are for the direct measurement of absolute viscosity. `

Absolute Viscosity

The ratio between the applied shear stress and the rate of shear is called the Coefficient of
Viscosity or the Absolute Viscosity of the liquid. Absolute or dynamic viscosity (of a Newtonian
liquid, in which the shear stress is directly proportional to the rate of shear strain) is the internal
friction such that a tangential force of one dyne (or 0.00001 N) acting on planes of unit area
separated by unit distance of liquid produces unit tangential velocity. In CGS units the viscosity is
measured as gram per cm-second (g / cm-s) or dyne-s / cm2 and is termed, Poise (P). The SI
unit of viscosity is Pascal-second (Pa-s) or Newton – second per square metre (N-s / m2) and is
equal to 10 P.

Kinematic Viscosity

Kinematic Viscosity (of a Newtonian liquid) is the ratio of the absolute viscosity to the density
of the liquid, both at the same temperature. It is a measure of resistance to flow of a liquid under
gravity. The CGS unit used for the measurement of kinematic viscosity is cm2/second and is
called a Stoke (St). In SI units, kinematic viscosity is expressed in units of mm2/second or in
centi-stoke, cSt which is one hundredth of a stoke, ie., 1 mm2/second = 1 cSt

If kinematic viscosity (in stokes) is multiplied by the specific gravity of bitumen, the absolute
viscosity (in poise) can be obtained.

Indirect or Empirical Methods of Measuring Viscosity

Indirect measurement of viscosity of thinner fluids such as cutback bitumen and bituminous
emulsions (which can flow under normal room temperatures) are made using orifice
viscometers, such as Tar Viscometer or Saybolt Furol Viscometer. In these empirical test
methods, the viscosity is measured in terms of time taken in seconds for a specified quantity
of the fluid to flow through an orifice of desired size at the specified test temperature.

6
Measurement of Viscosity of Bituminous Binders

Some of the important methods of measuring absolute viscosity of bitumen are :

(i) simple shear of a thin film placed between two parallel flat plates, such as the sliding
plate viscometer
(ii) shear between rotating coaxial cylinders or cone and cylinder, such coni-cylindrical
viscometer or Brookfield viscometer and
(iii) flow through capillary tube, such as vacuum capillary viscometer

Equipment like sliding plate micro viscometer and Brookfield viscometer are in use for
measurement of viscosity of bitumen of all grades irrespective of testing temperature. The
viscosity of bitumen can also be measured by a capillary tube viscometer.

In this chapter, the following methods of determination of viscosity of bituminous binders have
been briefly presented :
(i) Absolute Viscosity of paving grade bitumen using vacuum capillary tube viscometer
(ii) Kinematic Viscosity of bitumen and cutback bitumen using capillary type viscometer
(iii) Indirect measurement of viscosity of bituminous emulsion and tar by using orifice
viscometers

DETERMINATION OF ABSOLUTE VISCOSITY BY VACUUM CAPILLARY VISCOMETER

General

A vacuum capillary tube viscometer is generally used to measure the absolute viscosity of
bitumen at 60 °C. The viscometer is mounted in a thermostatically controlled water bath or oil
bath at uniform test temperature of 60 °C. At this temperature the paving grade bitumen is
highly viscous and cannot flow freely through the capillary tube and therefore there is a need
to apply vacuum pressure. The time taken (in seconds) for the liquid bitumen to flow through a
known distance through the capillary tube is measured and expressed as the viscosity.
Depending on the type of fluid, different diameter tubes are to be used and hence the
calibration factors supplied by the manufacturer are necessary. Bureau of Indian Standards
has standardised three types of ‘Vacuum Capillary Viscometers’ for the determination of
absolute viscosity of bitumen, namely ‘Cannon-Manning’, ‘Asphalt Institute’ and ‘Modified
Coppers’ Vacuum Capillary Viscometer’. Cannon-Manning viscometer method of test has
been briefly given in this chapter

Apparatus

Viscometer : ‘Cannon-Manning Vacuum Capillary Viscometer’ is shown in Fig. 19.1. This

viscometer consists of five units of capillary tubes with bulbs of different sizes and calibration
factors for the measurement of different ranges of viscosity of fluids, (a) 36 to 800 (b) 120 to
2400 (c) 360 to 8000 (d) 1200 to 24000 and (e) 3600 to 80000 Poises
Thermometers : suitable to measure test temperature of 60 oC
Bath : Thermostatically controlled bath maintained to an accuracy of ± 0.1 oC and placed at
suitable position for immersion of the viscometer such that the upper surface of the bath liquid is
at least 20 mm below the surface to enable visibility of the viscometer and the thermometer.
Oven : Thermostatically controlled oven with a range up to 135 oC, in which the viscometer can
be placed
Vacuum System : The vacuum system with a vacuum pump capable of maintaining vacuum to
of the desired level up to and including 40 kPa or 300 mm Hg, within an accuracy of ± 0.5 mm Hg
Stop Watch or Timer Unit : to measure timings accurate to 0.1 second

7
 Fig. 1, Cannon – Manning Vacuum Capillary Viscometer

Procedure

The bitumen sample is heated to pouring temperature not exceeding 90 °C above the
approximate softening point. About 20 ml of the bitumen sample is transferred to a container and
is placed in oven maintained at 135 ± 5.5 oC and is occasionally stirred to allow the entrapped air
to escape. From the set of viscometers, a viscometer tube is selected that will give a flow time
more than 60 seconds for the material to be tested and pre-heated to 60 °C. The manufacturers
of the viscometer pre-calibrate the viscosity tubes with standard oils of known viscosity values
and furnish calibration factors for each tube and the calibration factor of the selected capillary
viscometer is noted. In case the calibration factor supplied by the manufacturer is not available,
the viscometer should be first calibrated using a reference material of known viscosity at the test
temperature.

The prepared sample is poured into the filling tube (large side) of the viscometer until the
level of the bitumen reaches within 2 mm of the fill line E shown in Fig. 19.1. The charged
viscometer is placed in the oven maintained at 135 ± 5.5 oC for 10 minutes to allow air bubbles to
escape. The viscometer is now transferred to the oil bath maintained at the test temperature of
60 ± 0.1 oC and is fixed in the bath in vertical position with the help of the holder such that the
upper most timing mark is at least 20 mm below the surface of the bath liquid. The vacuum unit
with its suction pressure maintained at a vacuum pressure of 40 ± 0.07 kPa or 300 ± 0.5 mm of
mercury is connected to the vacuum tube of the viscometer with the valve closed. After being in
the water bath for a period of 30 to 35 minutes, the valve is opened and the liquid bitumen is
allowed to flow into the capillary viscometer under the vacuum suction pressure. The time taken
for the leading edge of the meniscus to pass between successive pairs of timing marks is
recorded in seconds.

8
Results

The measured time in seconds is multiplied by the calibration factor (supplied with each
viscosity tube) to obtain the value of the viscosity in Poise. The calibration factor is selected
that corresponds to the pair of timing marks used for the determination of viscosity. The
viscosity is computed suing the relation :

Viscosity, P = (CF) t
where, CF = calibration factor, P / second
t = flow time, seconds

While reporting the viscosity, the test temperature and the vacuum pressure should be
mentioned and the value reported to three significant decimal places. For example, the
viscosity at 60 °C at 300 mm Hg. As per BIS, the repeatability and reproducibility of absolute
viscosity test results should not differ by more than 7 and 10 percent of their mean,
respectively.

DETERMINATION OF KINEMATIC VISCOSITY BY CAPILLARY VISCOMETER

General

This test method makes use of a capillary type viscometer to measure the kinematic viscosity of
bitumen and of cutback bitumen. Bureau of Indian Standards has standardised two types of
Capillary Viscometers for the determination of kinematic viscosity of bitumen and cutback, namely
‘Cannon-Fenske Viscometer’ and ‘BS/IP/RF U-Tube Reverse Flow Viscometer’. The viscometer
is mounted in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at desired test temperature. The specified
temperature to conduct kinematic viscosity test on paving grade bitumen is 135 oC and that on
cutback is 60 oC. The diameter of the capillary tubes of this viscometer is higher than Cannon –
Manning viscometer used for determination of absolute viscosity. As kinematic viscosity test is
conducted at the high temperature of 135 oC, the viscosity of bitumen will be lower and therefore
generally there is no need to apply capillary suction pressure to the capillary tubes. The time
taken for a specified volume of binder in liquid state to flow through the calibrated capillary tube
under specified head and controlled temperature is measured in seconds.

Depending on the type of fluid to be tested, appropriate size of the tube is to be selected from
the set of eight capillary tubes and the corresponding calibration factor supplied by the
manufacturer is to be noted. The kinematic viscosity is obtained by multiplying the efflux time in
seconds by the calibration factor of the viscometer.

Apparatus
Viscometer : Fig. 19.2 shows Cannon – Fenske Opaque Viscometer. This capillary type
viscometer made of borosilicate glass has eight units of capillary tubes of different inside
diameters ranging from 0.78 to 4.0 mm for measuring kinematic viscosities ranging from 2.1 to
20,000 centi-stokes
Oil Bath : A thermostatically controlled oil bath maintained at ± 0.1oC of the test temperature
(of 135o C for bitumen and 60o C for cutback) and placed at suitable position for the immersion
of the viscometer 20 mm below the surface of the bath
Thermometers : Thermometers to read up to 82 and 150 oC, accurate to 0.1 oC
Timer unit : A timer unit or stop watch to read to an accuracy of 0.5 second

Procedure
Appropriate size of the capillary tube is selected from the set of eight tubes depending on the
type of bitumen binder to be tested and the expected range of kinematic viscosity of the binder.

9
The calibration factor of the selected capillary tube (supplied by the manufacturer) is to be noted.
In case the calibration factors supplied by the manufacturer are not available, the viscometer
should be first calibrated using a reference fluid of known viscosity at the test temperature.

In order to determine the kinematic viscosity of bitumen, the bitumen sample is heated to
pouring temperature not exceeding 90 °C above the approximate softening point. The sample is
thoroughly stirred and about 20 ml of the fluid binder is transferred in a container. The Cannon –
Fenske viscometer is inverted and suction pressure is applied to the tube of the viscometer and
the tube is inserted in the liquid bitumen sample to be tested. The sample starts rising in this tube
and when bulb is filled up and it reaches the specified mark the viscometer is taken out, inverted
again so that it is in the normal position and the excess bitumen at the end of the tube is wiped
clean. Stoppers are placed to close the ends of both the tubes.

Fig. 2 Cannon – Fenske Opaque Viscometer

The viscometer is placed in the oil bath and is held in vertical position by a holder. The
temperature of the bath with the viscometer in position is maintained at 100 °C for about 25
minutes and at the test temperature of 135 °C for 30 minutes . The stoppers of the tubes are
removed and the sample of bitumen binder is allowed to flow from the bulb into the capillary tube
under gravity. The time required for the leading edge of the meniscus to pass from mark E to
mark F is measured accurately with the timer unit. If the time required is less than 60 seconds,
another viscometer of smaller capillary diameter is selected and the experiment is repeated.
After completing the test, the viscometer is immediately cleaned with suitable solvents

The kinematic viscosity of cutback is determined in a similar manner, but at test temperature
of 60 °C.

10
Results

The measured time, t in seconds is multiplied by the calibration factor of the viscometer in
centi-Stokes per second to obtain the value of kinematic viscosity in centi-Stokes.

Measured efflux time, s = t

Calibration factor, cSt / s = C
Kinematic viscosity (at test temperature of 135 oC / 60 oC), cSt = C.t

As per BIS, the repeatability and reproducibility of kinematic viscosity test results of bitumen
(at 135°C) should not differ by more than 1.8 percent and 8.8 percent of their mean,
respectively.

Applications of Absolute and Kinematic Viscosity Tests

In India until recently bitumen binder for use in pavement construction was classified into
various ‘penetration grades’ such as 80/100, 60/70, 30/40, etc. based on the penetration test
values determined at 25 oC. Now a more rational method of grading paving bitumen, known as
Viscosity Grading (VG) has been adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards for grading of
bitumen in India, based on the absolute viscosity values determined at 60 oC and kinematic
viscosity values determined at 135 oC. Generally pavement service temperature is considered to
be around 60 oC and the laying temperature of hot bituminous mixes to be about 135 oC.
Therefore viscosity grading system based on viscosity tests conducted on bitumen at these
temperatures are considered more reliable than the penetration grading method. However two
similar viscosity grades of bitumen from different sources may have different viscosity values after
exposing to Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) and hence may behave differently during and after
construction.

The four grades of bitumen currently adopted in India based on viscosity values and their
respective penetration values at 25 oC are given in Table 19.1.

Table 1, Viscosity Grading of Bitumen and Consistency Properties

S.No. Viscosity Absolute viscosity Kinematic viscosity at Range of

grading at 60 oC , Poise 135 oC, cSt (min.) penetration value
(min.) at 25 oC
1 VG 10 800 250 80 – 100
2 VG 20 1600 300 60 - 80
3 VG 30 2400 350 50 – 70
4 VG 40 3200 400 40 - 60

The viscosity grading adopted in India for paving applications is as flows :

Viscosity Grade (VG) General Applications

VG-40 Use in high stressed areas like intersections, toll plazas, truck
terminals, truck lay-byes in lieu of 30/40 grade
VG-30 Paving applications for most part of India, in lieu of 60/70 grade of
bitumen
VG-20 Paving applications in cold climatic conditions of North India and in
high altitude regions
VG-10 Spraying applications; paving applications in cold regions in lieu of
80/100 grade
The selection criteria for viscosity graded paving bitumen based on climatic conditions.

11
Lowest Daily Mean Air Less than 20 °C 20 to 30 °C More than 30 °C
Temperature, °C
More than -10 °C VG-10 VG-20 VG-30
-10 °C or lower VG-10 VG-10 VG-20

Kinematic viscosity values have been specified by BIS for the classification of various
types and grades of cutback bitumen.

DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY USING ORIFICE VISCOMETERS

General

Viscosity of liquid bituminous binders like bitumen emulsion and tar are determined by
indirect method using orifice type viscometers. A specified quantity of the binder is allowed to
flow through specified orifice size of a cup at a given temperature and the time taken in seconds
is recorded as the viscosity value. The test concept is illustrated in Fig. 19.3. As per the
specifications of Bureau of Indian Standards, the viscosity values of bitumen emulsions are
determined using ‘Saybolt Furol’ orifice viscometer at test temperatures of 25 oC and 50 oC. The
viscosity values of tar are determined using orifice viscometer called ‘Tar Viscometer’ using either
10 mm or 4 mm size orifice.

Fig. 3 Concept of Test using Orifice Type Viscometer

Determination of Viscosity of Bitumen Emulsion by Saybolt Furol Viscometer

Apparatus
Saybolt Furol test apparatus consists of an oil tube with over flow rim at the top and outlet orifice
of internal diameter 3.15 mm and a stopper cork at the bottom ; a receiver with wide mouth and a
marking at the neck denoting 60 ml volume of the liquid. A thermostatically controlled water bath
with stirring device and support to hold the oil tube ; two thermometers to check the temperatures
of the bath and that of the sample in the tube ; a timing device to read up to an accuracy of 0.1
second.
Procedure

12
Certified calibration factor of the tube may be made use of, if available. Other wise, the oil tube
may be calibrated using oil of known furol viscosity in seconds. The specified test temperatures
for bitumen emulsions are 25 oC and 50 oC and therefore the temperature of the bath is set and
maintained at the desired test temperature with the stirrer on. The oil tube is cleaned with a
solvent like benzene. The sample to be tested is strained through 150 micron wire strainer and
then poured into the oil tube after closing the outlet with the cork. The tube with the emulsion
sample is fixed to the support in the bath such that the top of the over flow rim is 5 mm above the
surface of the water in the bath. The sample in the tube is stirred continuously with the second
thermometer. When the sample in the oil tube remains steady at ± 0.02 oC for more than a
minute, the receiving flask is placed in position under the outlet of the oil tube, the cork is
removed allowing the sample to flow into the receiver and simultaneously the timer is started.
The timer is stopped when the bottom of meniscus of the sample reaches the 60 ml mark on the
neck of the receiver flask and the time in seconds is noted correct to 0.1 second.

Results
The Saybolt Furol viscosity of the bitumen emulsion is recorded in seconds, correct to 0.1 second
for viscosity values less than 200 seconds and to the nearest whole number for values above
200 seconds.

Determination of Viscosity by Tar Viscometer

Apparatus
Tar viscometer consists of cylindrical cup with 10 mm orifice and a valve or stopper;
thermostatically controlled water bath, stirrer, receiver and thermometers

Procedure
The tar cup orifice is cleaned and the top of the tar cup is levelled. Water in the bath is heated up
to the temperature specified for the test and is maintained throughout the test, with continuous
stirring. The specified test temperatures are 35, 40, 45, 55 and 65 ºC. The test sample of tar is
heated up to 20ºC above the specified test temperature and is then allowed to cool, while being
continuously stirred. When tar sample reaches slightly above test temperature, the same is
poured in the tar cup, until the levelling peg on the valve rod is just immersed. 20 ml of mineral
oil or a solution of soft soap is poured in the graduated receiver and it is placed under the orifice.
A thermometer is placed in the cup to measure the temperature of the test sample. When the
sample reaches the specified testing temperature within 0.1 ºC and is maintained for 5 minutes,
the valve is opened. The stop watch is started, when cylinder records 25 ml. The time is
recorded in seconds for 50 ml of test sample to flow through the orifice ie., when the tar sample
touches the 75 ml mark.

Results
The test is repeated a few more times using samples of the same material. The result of repeat
test should be within ± 4 percent of the average value. The mean viscosity of tar sample is
reported in seconds.

Discussion

The results of the viscosity test will get affected if the test temperature of the sample is not
correctly maintained through out the test. Erratic results are obtained due to clogging of the
orifice and due to the presence of lumps in the sample of bituminous material.

Viscosity test by orifice viscometer gives an indirect measure of viscosity of tars in seconds.
Higher the duration, more viscous is the material.

13
SELECTED REFERENCES

1. Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standards Methods for Testing Tar and Bituminous
Materials : Determination of Viscosity, IS : 1206, Parts I,II and III : 1978
2. Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standard Paving Bitumen – Specifications (Third Revision,
IS:73:2006
3. Bureau of Indian Standards, Bitumen Emulsion for Roads (Cationic Type) – Specification,
(Second Revision) IS : 8887 : 2004
4. Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standard Specification for Bitumen Emulsion for Roads
(Anionic Type), IS : 3117 – 1965 (Reaffirmed 1998)
5. Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standard Specification for Cutback Bitumen (Second
Revision), IS : 217 – 1988 (Reaffirmed 1999)
6. Road Research Laboratory, Bituminous Materials in Road Construction, H.M.S.O., London.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the different methods in determining the consistency characteristics of bituminous
binders ?
2. Explain the term viscosity
3. What are the uses of viscosity test on bituminous binders ?
4. Define absolute viscosity and kinematic viscosity ; what is the relationship between the two ?
5. What is the absolute unit for viscosity ?
6. What are the different types of tests for the determination of absolute viscosity of bitumen ?
7. Mention the principle of determination of absolute viscosity by vacuum capillary viscometer
8. Mention the principle of determination of kinematic viscosity by capillary viscometer
9. What are the applications of viscosity test using orifice viscometers ? What are the precautions
to be taken ?
10. Mention the importance of viscosity grading of bitumen
11. What are the methods of determination of viscosity of : (a) bitumen emulsion (b) cutback
bitumen (c) tar

14
 OBSERVATION SHEET

Viscosity Tests
Table 1, Absolute Viscosity of Bitumen

Type of bitumen :
Specified test temperature, ºC :
Actual test temperature, ºC ;

S. No. Viscometer Calibration factor, Flow time, t Absolute

size no. CF Poise / second seconds viscosity, Poise =
(CF).t

Remarks :

Table 2, Kinematic Viscosity of Bituminous Binder

Type of bitumen binder : Bitumen / Cutback

Specified test temperature, ºC :
Actual test temperature, ºC ;

S. No. Viscometer Calibration Efflux time, t Kinematic

size no. constant, C seconds viscosity, cSt =
centistokes / C.t
second

Remarks :

15
 Table 3, Viscosity of Bitumen Emulsion by Saybolt Furol Viscometer

Type of bitumen emulsion :

Specified test temperature, ºC :
Actual test temperature, ºC
;

S. No. Time, t seconds for 60 ml Saybolt – Furol viscosity,

flow seconds

Remarks :

Table 4, Tar / Orifice viscometer

Type / Grade of Tar :

Size of orifice, mm :
Specified test temperature, ºC :
Actual test temperature, ºC ;

Test run
Mean value of
Test property
viscosity, s
1 2 3

Viscosity, seconds

Repeatability,
percent

Remarks :

16