[F250Truckin]

I have now processed about 120 gallons of oil through my system. I keep a data sheet on each batch. Here are the numbers from those batches. They help me decide if my processing is uniform and consistent. They also give me a starting place if I decide that something needs to be changed.

Date Viscosity in Zane seconds Specific Gravity Temp F

7/29/2011 - - - - - - 35 - - - - - - - - - - - 0.843 - - - 80
8/18/2011 - - - - - - 42 - - - - - - - - - - - 0.844 - - - 65
9/1/2011 - - - - - - 43 - - - - - - - - - - - 0.844 - - - 65
9/4/2011 - - - - - - 42 - - - - - - - - - - - 0.846 - - - -67

Batch 1 had several gallons of ATF in it so the viscosity was lighter indicating that a little less RUG might be needed. Batch 4 was obviosly a little heavier, perhaps a little gear oil in the mix indicating a little more RUG might be needed.

Viscosity was obviously affected by temperature. If I need to make changes as I observe how each batch burns, I have a starting place so I can maintain consistency and have a place to start trying to figure out problems. So far, I am pleased with the consistency I have observed.

Sorry for the mix in numbers, the system will not let me enter in columns.

 

[Jeffrey S Brooks]

Good to get the data Jerry, but last weekend I was using a Ford/Zahn #1 to test some blends and found the numbers did not change they way I would expect them to, so I did some more research. The Ford/Zahn #1 viscup is for 10 to 35 centistokes. Whereas the Ford/Zahn #0 viscup is for 2 to 14 centistokes. Since diesel fuel ranges from 2-4 centistokes, then the Ford/Zahn #0 viscup is the one blenders should be using to test their fuel. So, I ordered a VI-3320 Gardco #0 Mini Ford Dip Viscosity Cup for $185.00. Link below:
Gardco :: Standard Ford, Ford Dip, and Mini Ford Viscosity Cups

 

[F250Truckin]

I was able to straighten upthe numbers so they read a little better.

Thanks Jeff, I will consider that.

 

[theandyman]

yeah, nice to see some viscosity data (even if it is in phantom units). i think we should try to stick to centiStokes (cSt). i'm guessing kinematic viscosity is a bit better statistic since it takes density into account.

i'm planning lots of viscosity tests in the next few weeks. i'm planning on using some type of cylinder and dropping a uniform sphere through the mixture. hopefully i can quantify its viscosity using stoke's law.

viscosity is extremely sensitive to temperature. hence issues with cold weather performance. my freezer is at -18*C (0*F), and thats almost as cold as it gets here (-21*C (-6*F) a couple nights last winter). need a sample of winter blend ulsd as my control though for those tests.

 

[F250Truckin]

Please feed us data and pics of your setup. I'm always interested in improving my methods and quality of data.