ASTM D2161-17
Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity

Standard No.

ASTM D2161-17

Release Date

2017

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D2161-19

Latest

ASTM D2161-20

Scope

4.1 At one time the petroleum industry relied on measuring kinematic viscosity by means of the Saybolt viscometer, and expressing kinematic viscosity in units of Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) and Saybolt Furol Seconds (SFS). This practice is now obsolete in the petroleum industry.

4.2 This practice establishes the official equations relating SUS and SFS to the SI kinematic viscosity units, mm²/s.

4.3 This practice allows for the conversion between SUS and SFS units and SI units of kinematic viscosity.

1.1 This practice2 covers the conversion tables and equations for converting kinematic viscosity in mm²/s at any temperature to Saybolt Universal viscosity in Saybolt Universal seconds (SUS) at the same temperature and for converting kinematic viscosity in mm²/s at 1228201;°F and 2108201;°F (508201;°C and 98.98201;°C) to Saybolt Furol viscosity in Saybolt Furol seconds (SFS) at the same temperatures. Kinematic viscosity values are based on water being 1.00348201;mm²/s (cSt) at 688201;°F (208201;°C).

Note 1: A fundamental and preferred method for measuring kinematic viscosity is by use of kinematic viscometers as outlined in Test Method D445. Kinematic viscosity results from Test Method D7042 may be used provided they are bias-corrected by the application of the correction described in Test Method D7042 for the specific sample type. In case of dispute, Test Method D445 shall be the referee method. It is recommended that kinematic viscosity be reported in millimetres squared per second, instead of Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) or Saybolt Furol Seconds (SFS). This method is being retained for the purpose of calculation of kinematic viscosities from SUS and SFS data that appear in past literature. One millimetre squared per second (mm²/s) equals one centistoke (cSt), which is another unit commonly found in older literature.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for reference information purposes only. The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is mm²/s.

1.2.1 Exception—Fahrenheit temperature units are used in this practice because they are accepted by industry for the type of legacy conversions described in this practice.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization establishe......

ASTM D2161-17 Referenced Document

• ASTM D2270 Standard Practice for Calculating Viscosity Index From Kinematic Viscosity at 40 and 100176C
• ASTM D445 Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• ASTM D7042 Standard Test Method for Dynamic Viscosity and Density of Liquids by Stabinger Viscometer (and the Calculation of Kinematic Viscosity)

ASTM D2161-17 history

• 2020 ASTM D2161-20 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 2019 ASTM D2161-19 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 2017 ASTM D2161-17 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 2016 ASTM D2161-10(2016) Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 2010 ASTM D2161-10e1 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 2010 ASTM D2161-10 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 2005 ASTM D2161-05e1 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 2005 ASTM D2161-05 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 2004 ASTM D2161-04 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 1993 ASTM D2161-93(1999)e2 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 1982 ASTM D2161-82 Standard Method for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
• 1966 ASTM D2161-66 Standard Method Of Test For Conversion Of Kinematic Viscosity To Saybolt Universal Viscosity Or To Saybolt Furol Viscosity