Fuel and lubricating oils form a major cost element in the operation of almost all industrial machinery and engines. As a result, oil quality must be closely monitored to protect owners’ investment.

Viscosity is often regarded as the most important characteristic of hydraulic, gear, and lubricating oils. The correct viscosity level provides flow resistance, optimum film strength in system clearances, and minimum friction losses and leakage.

Viscosity can increase or decrease as a result of problems such as contamination, fuel dilution, and shear thinning. Periodic measurement of viscosity is extremely important for determining oil suitability and protecting critical engine components. Testing viscosity can also be used for verifying that the correct grade of fuel is being used, calculating combustion performance, and for adjusting of fuel handling and injection systems.

The Parker Kittiwake Heated Viscometer is an innovative condition-monitoring tool that provides the capability to measure oil viscosity, allowing users to make informed operational and maintenance decisions about critical machinery and equipment. The viscometer is suitable for testing viscosity of both residual fuel and lube oil from a wide variety of applications including diesel engines, gas and aviation turbines, gearboxes, hydraulics, and marine fuels.

Supplied in a compact case and designed for ease of use, the viscometer is highly portable and ideal for harsh field applications. It provides the ability to test on-site, at the point of use, which enables engineers and facilities managers to conduct oil analysis quickly and easily. Detecting out-of-spec fuels or lubricants can identify potential problems before equipment damage occurs.

The Parker Kittiwake Heated Viscometer measures the viscosity of the oil sample using a 'tilt' motion, moving from side to side in both directions. While in motion, an internal rolling ball travels through the sample, using gravity to calculate the viscosity. This measurement is taken at ambient temperature and then again with the heater in the viscometer turned on, providing the user with two points of reference for greater certainty and identification of oil condition trends.

For additional information, consult the Parker Kittiwake Heated Viscometer documentation in the “Related Documentation” section.

Benefits

• Provides field service personnel with the capability to quickly and easily determine the viscosity (and condition) of their oil, providing early warning of impending engine component failure

• Allows users to verify correct fuel grade or blend has been delivered and is acceptable for storage, as well as estimate the combustion performance (CCAI) of fuel oil

• Removes the need for costly and often time consuming laboratory analysis of mineral and synthetic oils used in engines, gearboxes, and bearing lubrication systems

• Compact, portable design provides ease of use in the field

• Heavy-duty, robust design allows for long-term use in harsh field applications