API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK

9th Edition

CHAPTER 11

VISCOSITY
Revised Chapter 11 to First Edition (1966),
Second Edition (1970), Third Edition (1977),
Fifth Edition (1992), Seventh Edition (2005),
Eighth Edition (2006) and Ninth Edition (2013)

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Table of Contents
Chapter 11 - Viscosity
Page

11-0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 11-1

Figure 11-0-1 Hydrocarbon Viscosity Calculation Procedure ....................................... 11-3

11A Viscosity of Liquid Systems .............................................................................................................. 11-6

11A1 Viscosity Scales and Conversion Tables..................................................................................... 11-6
Procedure 11A1.1 Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity ....... 11-6
Table 11A1.2 Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to an Uncorrected
Saybolt Universal Viscosity .................................................................... 11-8
Table 11A1.3 Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity ..... 11-10
Procedure 11A1.4 Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Furol Viscosity ....... 11-11
Table 11A1.5 Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to an Uncorrected Saybolt Furol
Viscosity ................................................................................................ 11-13
Procedure 11A1.6 Viscosity Conversion ............................................................................... 11-15
11A2 Liquid Viscosity of Pure Hydrocarbons ................................................................................... 11-18
Procedure 11A2.1 Correlation for the Liquid Viscosity of Pure Compounds at
Low Pressure ......................................................................................... 11-18
Table 11A2.2 Coefficients for Procedure 11A2.1 ........................................................ 11-20
Procedure 11A2.3 Liquid Viscosity of Pure Hydrocarbons at Low Pressure ..................... 11-26
Table 11A2.4 Group Contributions for Calculation of Liquid Viscosity of Pure
Hydrocarbons ........................................................................................ 11-28
11A3 Liquid Viscosity of Defined Hydrocarbons Mixtures ............................................................. 11-29
Procedure 11A3.1 Liquid Viscosity of Defined Mixtures at Low Pressures .................. 11-29
11A4 Liquid Viscosity of Hydrocarbon Mixtures of Undefined Composition .................................. 11-32
Procedure 11A4.1 Correlation for the Liquid Viscosity of Petroleum Fractions at
Low Pressure ........................................................................................ 11-32
Procedure 11A4.2 Liquid Viscosity of Undefined Mixtures as a Function of
Temperature at Low Pressure ................................................................ 11-34
Figure 11A4.3 Range of Applicability of Procedure 11A4.2 for Undefined Liquid
Mixtures at Low Pressure ..................................................................... 11-39
Procedure 11A4.4 Temperature Variation of Liquid Viscosity........................................... 11-40
Procedure 11A4.5 Liquid Viscosity Blending of Hydrocarbon Mixtures ................................. 11-43
Procedure 11A4.6 Liquid Viscosity Blending of Multicomponent Mixtures of Defined
and Undefined Compounds ................................................................... 11-46
11A5 Effect of Pressure on the Viscosity of Liquid Hydrocarbons .................................................. 11-48
Procedure 11A5.1 Liquid Viscosity of Low Molecular Weight Hydrocarbons at
High Pressure ........................................................................................ 11-48
Table 11A5.2 Reduced Liquid Viscosity, Simple Fluid Term, r(0) ............................. 11-52
Table 11A5.3 Reduced Liquid Viscosity, Correction Term, r(1)................................. 11-53
Table 11A5.4 Critical Viscosity Data .......................................................................... 11-54
Procedure 11A5.5 Liquid Viscosity of High Molecular Weight Pure and Mixed
Hydrocarbons at High Pressure ............................................................. 11-55
11A6 Viscosity Index .......................................................................................................................... 11-57
Procedure 11A6.1 Viscosity Index from Kinematic Viscosity ........................................... 11-57
Table 11A6.2 Reference Values for Viscosity Index ................................................... 11-60
11A7 Liquid Viscosity of Hydrocarbons Containing Dissolved Gases ............................................ 11-62
Procedure 11A7.1 Liquid Viscosity of Pure and Mixed Hydrocarbons Containing
Dissolved Gases .................................................................................... 11-62

11B Viscosity of Gaseous Hydrocarbons .............................................................................................. 11-65

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 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
11B1 Viscosity of Pure hydrocarbon and Nonhydrocarbon Gases................................................... 11-65
Procedure 11B1.1 Correlation for the Vapor Viscosity of Pure Compounds at
Low Pressure ......................................................................................... 11-65
Table 11B1.2 Coefficients for Procedure 11B1.1 ........................................................ 11-67
Procedure 11B1.3 Viscosity of Pure Gases at Low Pressure .............................................. 11-73
11B2 Viscosity of Defined Gaseous Hydrocarbon Mixtures ............................................................ 11-76
Procedure 11B2.1 Viscosity of Gaseous Mixtures at Low Pressure ................................... 11-76
11B3 Viscosities of Undefined Hydrocarbon Mixtures .................................................................... 11-79
Procedure 11B3.1 Viscosity of Gaseous Undefined Mixtures at Low Pressure ................. 11-79
11B4 Effect of Pressure on the Viscosity of Gaseous Hydrocarbons ............................................... 11-81
Procedure 11B4.1 Viscosity of Pure Hydrocarbon Gases and Their Gaseous Mixtures
at High Pressure ................................................................................... 11-81

11C Viscosity of Nonhydrocarbons........................................................................................................ 11-85

11C1 Viscosity of Gaseous Nonhydrocarbons ................................................................................... 11-85
Figure 11C1.1 Absolute Viscosity of Hydrogen ........................................................... 11-85
Procedure 11C1.2 Viscosity of Gaseous Nonhydrocarbons at High Pressure .................... 11-87

Bibliography ........................................................................................................................................ 11-90

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 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Preface
Chapter 11 – Viscosity
(2006)

This revised chapter is based on a much expanded experimental data base used both to evaluate prediction
methods and verify correlating equations. Many enhancements have been added to the chapter. Correlating
equations have been included to estimate both liquid and vapor viscosities of 300 compounds. Improved prediction
and correlation methods are provided for liquid petroleum fractions and petroleum blends. An improved prediction
method also is included for pure component vapor viscosity. Detailed results of the evaluations that serve as a basis
for the selection of material in this chapter are available in Documentation Report 11-96 available from Global
Engineering Documents.
The work on this chapter was primarily conducted by Dennis J. Fitzgerald and project director, Thomas E.
Daubert aided by Chad Chrostowski and other staff. The chapter coordinators for the Technical Data committee are
Sheldon J. Kramer of Bechtel National, Inc. and C. C. Williams, III of Shell Oil Products Co.
Chapter 11 was updated in 2006 based on the detailed review and comments of Costa Tsonopoulos, Consultant.

11 - iv © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Introduction
Chapter 11 – Viscosity
(1997)
Viscosity is a measure of the ability of a fluid to viscosity is determined in the same manner as Saybolt
resist shear. When the shear stress on any differential Universal viscosity except that a larger orifice is used.
volume element of flowing fluid is proportional to the The orifice and tube geometry are specified in
velocity gradient in the direction perpendicular to the standards of the American Society for Testing and
direction of flow, the fluid is called a Newtonian Materials.
fluid.
The methods presented in this chapter are for Viscosity of Liquid Systems
Newtonian fluids and should not be expected to Conversions between the more common
maintain their accuracy for non-Newtonian fluids. engineering units of viscosity are given in the Pure
Almost all gases and most hydrocarbon liquids are Component Properties program. Conversions of
Newtonian fluids. Very heavy asphalts with low UOP kinematic viscosity data to Saybolt Universal seconds
K’s exhibit non-Newtonian behavior. Some other and to Saybolt Furol seconds are given in Procedures
common non-Newtonian fluids are polymers, pastes, 11A1.1 and 11A1.2, respectively. The relationships
slurries, waxy oils and some silicate esters. between other viscosity scales and kinematic
Viscosity is a function of temperature, pressure viscosity are shown in Procedure 11A1.6.
and molecular species. For non-Newtonian fluids, the The viscosity-temperature behavior for
viscosity is also a function of the local velocity approximately 300 pure liquid hydrocarbons can be
gradient. determined from the correlating equation given in
The absolute viscosity is defined as the shear Procedure 11A2.1. Using viscosity data at the two
stress at a point divided by the velocity gradient at temperatures, the viscosity-temperature behavior can
that point. The unit of absolute viscosity is the poise, be estimated using Procedure 11A4.4. Viscosity data
which is equal to 1 gram per (centimeter) (second). at 100 °F and 210 °F are given in the Pure
The kinematic viscosity is defined as the ratio of Component Properties program for a number of
the absolute viscosity to the density, both at the same hydrocarbons and the more common
temperature and pressure. The unit of kinematic nonhydrocarbons. The viscosities of compounds for
viscosity corresponding to the poise is the stoke which no experimental data exist can be estimated by
which is equal to 1 square centimeter per second. The a group contribution method given in Procedure
conversion from absolute to kinematic viscosity is 11A2.3. Liquid viscosities of defined mixtures can be
given by the following equation: predicted with Procedure 11A3.1.
Several methods are presented to determine the
 (11-0.1)
viscosity-temperature relationship for petroleum
v fractions. Procedure 11A4.1 can be used to calculate

viscosity if a measured viscosity at 100 °F is known.
Procedure 11A4.2 can be used to predict liquid
Wherein:
viscosity if no experimental measurements are
ν = kinematic viscosity in stokes (St)
available. Procedure 11A4.2 predicts the viscosity at
μ = absolute viscosity in poises (P)
two temperatures, 100 °F and 210 °F. The viscosity at
ρ = density, in vacuo, in grams per cubic
any other temperature can then be determined by
centimeter
using Procedure 11A4.4. Procedure 11A4.5 is used to
mathematically estimate the viscosity of liquid blends
The units centipoise (0.01 poise) and centistoke
of petroleum fractions. Procedure 11A4.6 is used to
(0.01 stoke) are used most frequently.
determine the viscosity of multi-component blends of
Saybolt Universal viscosity is the efflux time in
pure hydrocarbons with petroleum fractions or multi-
seconds for a 60-milliliter sample to flow through a
component blends of petroleum fractions.
standard orifice in the bottom of a tube. Saybolt Furol

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 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Introduction
Chapter 11 – Viscosity
(1997)
There is no general method for predicting the at reduced pressures below 4.6 are estimated by
effect of pressure on the liquid viscosity of all types Procedure 11B1.3.
of hydrocarbons. For low-molecular-weight The viscosities of mixtures of known
hydrocarbons, Procedure 11A5.1 may be used to composition at reduced pressures below 0.6 are
predict viscosity at elevated pressures provided the estimated by Procedure 11B2.1 in conjunction with
critical pressure, critical temperature and acentric Procedure 11B1.1 or Procedure 11B1.3. A more
factor are known, and provided either a value of the rapid but less precise approximation is given by
viscosity at the critical point or a liquid viscosity Procedure 11B3.1. Procedure 11B3.1 is not
value at another temperature and pressure is known. recommended except as a rough approximation for
Procedure 11A5.5 is given to estimate the effect of gaseous hydrocarbon mixtures of undefined
pressure on the viscosity of high molecular-weight composition.
pure and mixed hydrocarbons. Procedure 11A5.5 For reduced pressures above 0.6, the effect of
should be used for the effect of pressure on the pressure on viscosity can be estimated using
viscosity of petroleum fractions. Procedure 11B4.1
The viscosity index of an oil is an empirical .
number indicating the effect of a change in Viscosity of Nonhydrocarbons
temperature on viscosity. It can be calculated using The viscosity of liquid and gaseous hydrogen is
Procedure 11A6.1. The liquid viscosity of pure and plotted in Figure 11C1.1. Procedure 11C1.2
mixed hydrocarbons containing dissolved gases is correlates the effect of pressure on the viscosity of
given by Procedure 11A7.1 nonhydrocarbon gases. Procedures 11B2.1 and
11B4.1 are also applicable for calculating the
Viscosity of Gaseous Systems viscosities of gaseous mixtures containing
In contrast with the viscosities of liquids, nonhydrocarbons at low and high pressure,
viscosities of gases increase with increasing respectively.
temperature and with increasing pressure.
The viscosities predicted by the methods of this Summary of Viscosity Calculation Methods
chapter should not be used at pressures below Figure 11-0.1 gives a schematic diagram
approximately 0.2 pound per square inch absolute. showing which procedure(s) should be used for
The viscosity-temperature behavior for calculating hydrocarbon viscosities for any particular
approximately 300 pure gaseous hydrocarbons can be case.
determined from the correlating equation given in
Procedure 11B1.1. The viscosities of other pure gases

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 Yes
11A.2 Yes
11A.2 11A3.1 11A7.1
1 atm
Pressure? 11A5.1
Yes Yes Dissolved
Gases?
Start No BP Yes
Yes 1 atm 11A5.1
11A.2 Less than
pressure?
650? No Completed
Pure BP
Component? 11A.2 Less than
No
No 650 F?
Yes 11A3.1
11A5.5
No 11A5.3
No
Repeat for Each
Defined Yes
Components? 11A7.1
Yes
Yes
Liquid?
1 atm
Yes 11A5.1
Yes pressure Dissolved
Petroleum Completed
Gases?
Fraction Single BP less then No
11A4.1 Fraction? 650 F?
No Yes No
11A4.2
No 11A5.5
No
All Components Binary Yes
11A4.5
Blends? Yes
undefined 11A7.1
(1997)

No
mixtures?
No No Dissolved
11A4.6
Gases?
Yes Yes Yes
11A7.1
11B.1
Completed
No
Dissolved 1atm
Gas? pressure?

Pure Yes
Completed
Component? No
Yes
11A5.1
No
11B2.1
1 atm
API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Yes pressure? BP less than

11B4.1
650 F?

No Defined Pressure less

Undefined than 0.6 Pr?
Figure 11-0-1 – Hydrocarbon Viscosity Calculation Procedure

Yes 11A5.1 11A5.5

No No
Completed
BP less than

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
No
11B3.1
650 F?

11A4.5
No
11A5.3
Repeat for Each
Figure 11-0.1 Hydrocarbon Viscosity Calculation Procedure

11 - 3
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Introduction
Chapter 11 – Viscosity
(1997)
Alternative Computer Method for Viscosity of critical pressure, critical volume, acentric factor, and
Liquid and Vapor Hydrocarbon Systems molecular weight. Optional input includes vapor
pressure data and saturated liquid density data of
Ely and Hanley (33) proposed an extended each component of interest. Large errors near the
corresponding states method applicable to all bubble point of the fluid may be obtained because the
hydrocarbon fluid phases as pure compounds or method will sometimes converge to a solution in the
defined mixtures. This method is available as a wrong phase. However, the method can be modified
generalized computer method called SUPERTRAPP to predict viscosity in a specified phase. The average
(NIST 4), distributed by the National Institute of errors for the SUPERTRAPP program were
Standards and Technology. (A copy of the program comparable to the Technical Data Book procedure for
can be obtained from the U.S. Department of any of the categories evaluated. The main advantage
Commerce, National Institute of Standards and of the program is the ability to handle phase changes
Technology, Standard Reference Data Program, or large pressure variations with one method. Our
Gaithersburg, MD 20899). Required input parameters analysis of the program is shown in the table below.
for the method include the critical temperature,

Evaluation of SUPERTRAPP

Avg. Absolute Bias Comparable API

System Error,% (Exp-Calc), % Procedure
Pure Component Liquids 8.8 –2.8 11A2.1, 11A2.3
Defined Liquid Mixtures 6.8 6.1 11A3.1
Liquids at High Pressure 4.3 –0.6 11A5.1
Pure Components Gases 3.1 1.0 11B1.1, 11B1.3
Defined Gas Mixtures 4.8 3.8 11B2.1
Gases at High Pressures 5.5 1.4 11B4.1

Because this is proprietary software, the The SUPERTRAPP program also contains a
equations and computer algorithms are not included corresponding-states based method for calculating the
in the API Technology Data Book. However, it is a viscosity of undefined mixtures. The method
viable alternative computer method for viscosity requires the input of the boiling point and the API
calculations. The method is quite complex for gravity.
desktop calculations.

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 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Computer Methods
Chapter 11 – Viscosity
(2005)

Program Procedure Description

Conversion 11A1.1 Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt
Calculator Universal Viscosity

Conversion 11A1.4 Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt

Calculator Furol Viscosity
Conversion 11A1.6 Viscosity Conversion
Calculator
Petro Fraction 11A1.6 Viscosity Conversion
Properties
Pure Component 11A2.1 Correlation for the Liquid Viscosity of Pure
Properties Compounds at Low Pressure
In Development 11A2.3 Group Contribution Prediction Method for the
Viscosity of Pure Compounds at Low Pressure
Flash/Mixture 11A3.1 Liquid Viscosity of Defined Mixtures at Low Pressure
Properties
Petro Fraction 11A4.1 Correlation for the Viscosity of Petroleum
Properties Fractions at Low Pressure
Petro Fraction 11A4.2 Liquid Viscosity of Undefined Mixtures as a Function
Properties of Temperature at Low Pressure
Petro Fraction 11A4.4 Temperature Variation of Liquid Viscosity
Properties
In Development 11A4.5 Liquid Viscosity Blending of Hydrocarbon Mixtures
Flash/Mixture 11A4.6 Liquid Viscosity Blending of Multicomponent
Calculations Mixtures of Defined and Undefined Compounds
In Development 11A5.1 Liquid Viscosity of Low-Molecular-Weight
Hydrocarbons at High Pressure
Pure Component 11A5.5 Liquid Viscosity of High-Molecular-Weight Pure and
Properties Mixed Hydrocarbons at High Pressure
Flash/Mixture 11A5.5 Liquid Viscosity of High-Molecular-Weight Pure and
Calculations Mixed Hydrocarbons at High Pressure
Petro Fraction 11A6.1 Viscosity Index from Kinematic Viscosity
Properties
In Development 11A7.1 Viscosity of Liquids Containing Dissolved
Gases
Pure Component 11B1.1 Correlation for Vapor Viscosity of Pure
Properties Compounds at Low Pressure
In Development 11B1.3 Viscosity of Pure Gases at Low Pressure
Flash/Mixture 11B2.1 Viscosity of Gaseous Mixtures at Low Pressure
Calculations
Flash/Mixture 11B3.1 Viscosity of Gaseous Undefined Mixtures at Low
Calculations Pressure
Petro Fraction 11B3.1 Viscosity of Gaseous Undefined Mixtures at Low
Properties Pressure
Pure Component 11B4.1 Viscosity of Pure and Mixed Hydrocarbons
Properties Gases at High Pressure
Flash/Mixture 11B4.1 Viscosity of Pure and Mixed Hydrocarbons
Calculations Gases at High Pressure

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 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11A Viscosity of Liquid Systems

11A1 Viscosity Scales and Conversion Tables

Procedure 11A1.1 – Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity

(1997)

Discussion
The following equations are to be used to convert kinematic viscosity data in centistokes at any temperature to
Saybolt Universal viscosity in Saybolt Universal seconds (SUS) at the same temperature.
For kinematic viscosities less than 75 centistokes at 100 °F, Table 11A1.2 applies.
For kinematic viscosities less than 75 centistokes at temperature t, Table 11A1.2 gives an equivalent Saybolt
Universal viscosity, which must be corrected by factor A obtained from Table 11A1.3. Equation (11A1.1-2) applies.

SUSt = (SUSeq)(A) (11A1.1-1)

Where:
SUSt = Saybolt University viscosity at t, in seconds.
SUSeq = equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity at t, in seconds (from Table 11A1.2). At 100°F
the equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity is equal to the actual Saybolt Universal
viscosity.
t = temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit.
A = multiplier used in Equation (11A1.1-1) when the kinematic viscosity at t is less than
75 centistokes (from Table 11A1.3)
For kinematic viscosities greater than 75 centistokes, Equation (11A1.1-2) applies.

SUSt = νtB (11A1.1-2)

Where:
νt = kinematic viscosity at t, in centistokes.
B = multiplier used in Equation (11A1.1-2) when the kinematic viscosity at t is less than 75
centistokes (from Table 11A1.3).

For computer use, the Saybolt Universal viscosities at 100 °F may be calculated by Equation (11A1.1-3), and
those at a temperature t by Equation (11A1.1-4). These equations are valid both above and below 75 centistokes.

SUSeq  4.6324 t 
1.0  0.03264 t  (11A1.1-3)
 3930.2  262.7 t  23.97 t2  1.646 t3  105 
 
SUSt  1  0.000061(t  100)SUSeq (11A.1-4)

Procedure
Step 1: Find the equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity from the kinematic viscosity in centistokes at t,
from Table 11A1.2 or from Equation (11A1.1-3). If the equation is used, go to step 3.
Step 2: If the kinematic viscosity at t is less than 75.0 centistokes, use Equation (11A1.1-1) to convert to
Saybolt Universal viscosity. Factor A is determined from Table 11A1.3. If the kinematic
viscosity is greater than 75.0 centistokes, use Equation (11A1.1-2) to convert to Saybolt Universal
viscosity. Factor B is obtained from Table 11A1.3.
Step 3: Use Equation (11A1.1-4) to convert the equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity to the actual
Saybolt Universal Viscosity at temperature t.

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 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A1.1
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is given for converting kinematic viscosity in centistokes to Saybolt Universal viscosity in
seconds. Tables 11A1.2 and 11A1.3 are part of this procedure.

Reliability
In the range of 70 °F to 300 °F, the average deviation between calculated and experimental Saybolt Universal
viscosities is 0.17 percent and the maximum deviation is 0.5 percent.

Special Comment
Expanded versions of the table are available as ASTM D 2161-82 (see Literature Source).

Literature Source
The procedure and tables were adapted from ASTM D 2161-82, Standard Method for Conversion of Kinematic
Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity (9).

Examples
A. Estimate the Saybolt Universal viscosity in seconds at 200 °F for an oil having a kinematic viscosity of 53.00
centistokes at 200 °F.
From Table 11A1.2, SUSeq = 246 seconds. From Table l lA1.3, A =1.006.
From Equation (11A1.1-1), the Saybolt Universal viscosity at 200 °F = (246) (1.006) = 247 seconds.

B. Estimate the Saybolt Universal viscosity at 0 °F for an oil having a kinematic viscosity of 90.00 centistokes
at 0 °F.
Because the kinematic viscosity is greater than 75 centistokes, Equation (11A1.1-2) must be used.
From Table 11A1.3, B = 4.604.
From Equation (11A1.1-2), Saybolt Universal viscosity at 0 °F = (90.00) (4.604) = 414.4 seconds.

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 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A1.2 – Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to an Uncorrected Saybolt Universal Viscosity
(Part of Procedure 11A1.1)
(1997)

Equivalent Equivalent Equivalent Equivalent

Saybolt Saybolt Saybolt Saybolt
Kinematic Universal Kinematic Universal Kinematic Universal Kinematic Universal
Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity viscosity
(centistokes) (seconds) (centistokes) (seconds) (centistokes) (seconds) (centistokes) (seconds)

1.82 32.0 5.80 44.9 14.40 75.1 23.00 110.6

1.84 32.1 6.00 45.6 14.60 75.8 23.20 111.5
1.86 32.1 6.20 46.2 14.80 76.6 23.40 112.4
1.88 32.3 6.40 46.9 15.00 77.4 23.60 113.2
1.90 32.3 6.60 47.5 15.20 78.2 23.80 114.1
1.92 32.3 6.80 48.1 15.40 79.0 24.00 115.0
1.94 32.4 7.00 48.8 15.60 79.8 24.20 115.9
1.96 32.5 7.20 49.4 15.80 80.6 24.40 116.7
1.98 32.5 7.40 50.1 16.00 81.4 24.60 117.6
2.00 32.6 7.60 50.7 16.20 82.2 24.80 118.5
2.10 32.9 7.80 51.4 16.40 83.0 25.00 119.4
2.20 33.3 8.00 52.1 16.60 83.8 25.50 121.6
2.30 33.6 8.20 52.7 16. 80 84.6 26.00 123.7
2.40 34.0 8.40 53.4 17.00 85.4 26.50 126.0
2.50 34.3 8.60 54.1 17.20 86.2 27.00 128.2
2.60 34.6 8.80 54.7 17.40 87.0 27.50 130.4
2.70 35.0 9.00 55.4 17.60 87.8 28.00 132.6
2.80 35.3 9.20 56.1 17.80 88.7 28.50 134.8
2.90 35.6 9.40 56.8 18.00 89.5 29.00 137.0
3.00 36.0 9.60 57.5 18.20 90.3 29.50 139.3
3.10 36.3 9.80 58.1 18.40 91.1 30.00 141.5
3.20 36.6 10.00 58.8 18.60 92.0 30.50 143.8
3.30 36.9 10.20 59.5 18.80 92.8 31.00 146.0
3.40 37.3 10:40 60.2 19.00 93.6 31.50 148.2
3.50 37.6 10.60 60.9 19.20 94.5 32.00 150.5
3.60 37.9 10.80 61.7 19.40 95.3 32.50 152.7
3.70 38.2 11.00 62.4 19.60 96.1 33.00 155.0
3.80 38.6 11.20 63.1 19.80 97.0 33.50 157.2
3.90 38.9 11.40 63.8 20.00 97.8 34.00 159.5
4.00 39.2 11.60 64.5 20.20 98.7 34.50 161.8
4.10 39.5 11.80 65.3 20.40 99.5 35.00 164.0
4.20 39.8 12.00 66.0 20.60 100.4 35.50 166.3
4.30 40.2 12.20 66.7 20.80 101.2 36.00 168.6
4.40 40.5 12.40 67.5 21.00 102.1 36.50 170.8
4.50 40.8 12.60 68.2 21.20 102.9 37.00 173.1
4.60 41.1 12.80 69.0 21.40 103.8 37.50 175.4
4.70 41.4 13.00 69.7 21.60 104.6 38.00 177.6
4.80 41.8 13.20 70.5 21.80 105.5 38.50 179.9
4.90 42.1 13.40 71.2 22.00 106.3 39.00 182.2
5.00 42.4 13.60 72.0 22.20 107.2 39.50 184.5
5.20 43.0 13.80 72.7 22.40 108.1 40.00 186.8
5.40 43.7 14.00 73.5 22.60 108.9 40.50 187.0
5.60 44.3 14.20 74.3 22.80 109.8 41.00 191.3

NOTE: The equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity is equal to the Saybolt Universal viscosity at 100 °F. At other
temperatures, the equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity must be corrected using equation (11A1.1-1).

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 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A1.2 Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to an Uncorrected Saybolt Universal Viscosity
(Continued)
(1997)

Equivalent Equivalent Equivalent Equivalent

Saybolt Saybolt Saybolt Saybolt
Kinematic Universal Kinematic Universal Kinematic Universal Kinematic Universal
Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity viscosity
(centistokes) (seconds) (centistokes) (seconds) (centistokes) (seconds) (centistokes) (seconds)

41.50 193.6 47.00 219 55.0 256 66.0 306

42.00 195.9 47.50 221 56.0 260 67.0 311
42.50 198.2 48.00 223 57.0 265 68.0 315
43.00 200 48.50 226 58.0 269 69.0 320
43.50 203 49.00 228 59.0 274 70.0 325
44.00 205 49.50 230 60.0 279 71.0 329
44.50 207 50.0 233 61.0 283 72.0 334
45.00 210 51.0 237 62.0 288 73.0 339
45.50 212 52.0 242 63.0 292 74.0 343
46.00 214 53.0 246 64.0 297 75.0 348
46.50 216 54.0 251 65.0 302

—―––——
NOTE: The equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity is equal to the Saybolt Universal viscosity at 100 °F. At other
temperatures, the equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity must be corrected using equation (11A1.1-1).

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 9
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A1.3 – Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity
(Part of Procedure 11A1.1)
(1997)

Temperature Conversion Factorsª Temperature Conversion Factorsª

(°F) A B (°F) A B

0 0.994 4.604 180 1.005 4.655

10 0.995 4.607 190 1.005 4.658
20 0.995 4.610 200 1.006 4.661
30 0.996 4.613 210 1.007 4.664
40 0.996 4.615 220 1.007 4.666
50 0.997 4.618 230 1.008 4.669

60 0.998 4.621 240 1.009 4.672

70 0.998 4.624 250 1.009 4.675
80 0.999 4.627 260 1.010 4.678
90 0.999 4.630 270 1.010 4.680
100 1.000 4.632 280 1.011 4.683
110 1.001 4.635 290 1.012 4.686

120 1.001 4.638 300 1.012 4.689

130 1.002 4.641 310 1.013 4.692
140 1.002 4.644 320 1.013 4.695
150 1.003 4.647 330 1.014 4.697
160 1.004 4.649 340 1.015 4.700
170 1.004 4.652 350 1.015 4.703

—―––——
ªFactor A applies when the kinematic viscosity is less than 75 centistokes; factor B applies when the
kinematic viscosity is greater than 75 centistokes.

11 - 10 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11A1.4 – Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
(1997)

Discussion
The following procedure is to be used to convert kinematic viscosity data at 122 °F and 210 °F in centistokes to
Saybolt Furol viscosity at 122 °F and 210 °F in Saybolt Furol seconds.
The conversion of kinematic viscosity to Saybolt Furol viscosity may be made using the following equations,
which are valid for all values of kinematic viscosity.

13,924
SFS  0.4717v122F  (11A1.4-1)
122 o F
v 
2

122  F
 72.59v 122F  6816

5610
SFS  0.4792v210°F  (11A1.4-2)
210 ο F
v 
2
210 F  2130

Procedure
Calculate the Saybolt Furol viscosity at 122 °F from Equation (11A1.4-1) or at 210 °F from Equation
(11A1.4-2) given the kinematic viscosity at 122 °F or 210 °F respectively.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 11
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A1.4
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is given for converting kinematic viscosity in centistokes at 122 °F and 210 °F to the equivalent
Saybolt Furol viscosity in Saybolt Furol seconds.

Reliability
Errors between calculated and experimental Saybolt Furol viscosities average 0.3 percent.

Literature Source
The procedure was adapted from ASTM D 2161-82, Standard Method for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to
Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity (9).

Example
Estimate the Saybolt Furol viscosity in seconds at 122 °F and 210 °F for an oil having a kinematic viscosity of
300 centistokes at 122 °F and of 100 centistokes at 210 °F.

1. Determine SFS122 °F = using Equation (11A1.4- 1).

13,924
SFS   0.4717  300    141.5 seconds
122 o F 3002   72.59  300   6816

2. Determine SFS210F using Equation (11Al.4-2)

5610
SFS   0.4792 100    48.4 seconds
210 ο F 1002  2130

11 - 12 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A1.5 – Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to an Uncorrected Saybolt Furol Viscosity
(Part of Procedure 11A1.4)
(1997)

Kinematic Saybolt Furol Kinematic Saybolt Furol Kinematic Saybolt Furol

Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity viscosity
(centistokes) at 122 °F at 210 °F (centistokes) at 122 °F at 210 °F (centistokes) at 122 °F at 210 °F

48 25.1 — 125 60.0 60.2 350 165.2 167.8

49 25.6 — 130 62.3 62.6 355 167.6 170.2
50 26.0 25.2 135 64.6 65.0 360 169.9 172.6
51 26.5 25.6 140 66.9 67.3 365 172.3 174.9
52 27.0 26.1 145 69.2 69.7 370 174.6 177.3

53 27.4 26.5 150 71.5 72.1 375 177.0 179.7

54 27.9 27.0 155 73.8 74.5 380 179.4 182.1
55 28.3 27.4 160 76.1 76.9 385 181.7 184.5
56 28.8 27.9 165 78.5 79.3 390 184.1 186.9
57 29.2 28.4 170 80.8 81.6 395 186.4 189.3

58 29.7 28.8 175 83.1 84.0 400 188.8 191.7

59 30.1 29.3 180 85.4 86.4 405 191.1 194.1
60 30.6 29.7 185 87.8 88.8 410 193.5 196.5
61 31.1 30.2 190 90.1 91.2 415 195.8 198.9
62 31.5 30.6 195 92.4 93.6 420 198.2 201

63 32.0 31.1 200 94.8 96.0 425 201 204

64 32.4 31.6 205 97.1 98.4 430 203 206
65 32.9 32.0 210 99.4 100.8 435 205 208
66 33.3 32.5 215 101.8 103.1 440 208 211
67 33.8 33.0 220 104.1 105.5 445 210 213

68 34.2 33.4 225 106.5 107.9 450 212 216

69 34.7 33.9 230 108.8 110.3 455 215 218
70 35.1 34.3 235 111.2 112.7 460 217 220
71 35.6 34.8 240 113.5 115.1 465 219 223
72 36.0 35.3 245 115.9 117.5 470 222 225

73 36.5 35.7 250 118.2 119.9 475 224 228

74 36.9 36.2 255 120.5 122.3 480 226 230
75 37.4 36.7 260 122.9 124.7 485 229 232
76 37.8 37.1 265 125.2 127.1 490 231 235
78 38.7 38.1 270 127.6 129.5 495 234 237

80 39.6 39.0 275 129.9 131.9 500 236 240

82 40.5 39.9 280 132.3 134.2 505 238 242
84 41.4 40.9 285 134.6 136.6 510 241 244
86 42.3 41.8 290 137.0 139.0 515 243 247
88 43.2 42.7 295 139.3 141.4 520 245 249

90 44.1 43.7 300 141.7 143.8 525 248 252

92 45.0 44.6 305 144.0 146.2 530 250 254
94 45.9 45.6 310 146.4 148.6 535 252 256
96 46.8 46.5 315 148.8 151.0 540 255 259
98 47.7 47.4 320 151.1 153.4 545 257 261

100 48.6 48.4 325 153.5 155.8 550 259 264

105 50.9 50.7 330 155.8 158.2 555 262 266
110 53.2 53.1 335 158.2 160.6 560 264 268
115 55.4 55.5 340 160.5 163.0 565 267 271
120 57.7 57.8 345 162.9 165.4 570 269 273

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 13
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Table 11A1.5 – Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to an Uncorrected Saybolt Furol Viscosity

(Continued)
(1997)

Kinematic Saybolt Furol Kinematic Saybolt Furol Kinematic Saybolt Furol

Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity viscosity
(centistokes) at 122 °F at 210 °F (centistokes) at 122 °F at 210 °F (centistokes) at 122 °F at 210 °F

575 271 276 700 330 335 850 401 407

580 274 278 705 333 338 860 406 412
585 276 280 710 335 340 870 410 417
590 278 283 715 337 343 880 415 422
595 281 285 720 340 345 890 420 426

600 283 288 725 342 347 900 425 431

605 285 290 730 344 350 920 434 441
610 288 292 735 347 352 940 443 450
615 290 295 740 349 355 960 453 460
620 292 297 745 351 357 980 462 470

625 295 300 750 354 359 1000 472 479

630 297 302 755 356 362 1020 481 489
635 300 304 760 359 364 1040 491 498
640 302 307 765 361 367 1060 500 508
645 304 309 770 363 369 1080 509 518

650 307 311 775 366 371 1100 519 527

655 309 314 780 368 374 1120 528 537
660 311 316 785 370 376 1140 538 546
665 314 319 790 373 379 1160 547 556
670 316 321 795 375 381 1180 557 565

675 318 323 800 377 383 1200 566 575

680 321 326 810 382 388 1220 575 585
685 323 328 820 387 393 1240 585 594
690 326 331 830 392 398 1260 594 604
695 328 333 840 396 403 1280 604 613
1300 613 623

11 - 14 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11A1.6 – Viscosity Conversion
(1997)

Discussion
The following equation, (11A1.6-1), is to be used to convert Redwood No. 1 viscosity at 140 °F, Redwood No. 2
viscosity, Engler viscosity, Saybolt Furol viscosity at 122 °F, Saybolt Furol viscosity at 210 °F or Saybolt Universal
viscosity to kinematic viscosity, in centistokes.

GR (11A1.6-1)
v  FR  3
R H
Where:
v = kinematic viscosity in centistokes.
R = desired property to be converted, as talked about in the discussion, in degrees or seconds.
F,G,H = constants given in the following tabulation:

Redwood No.1 Redwood No.2 Engler Saybolt Furol Saybolt Furol Equiv Saybolt
at 140 °F Degrees at 122 °F at 210 °F Universal

F 0.244 2.44 7.60 2.12 2.09 0.22

G 8,000 3,410 18.0 1,000 2,088 7,336
H 12,500 9,550 1.7273 8,001 5,187 12,813

Range of R >35 >31 >1.000 >25 >25 >32

(seconds or
degrees)

In order to do calculations with Saybolt Universal viscosity at temperatures other than 100 °F, a conversion must
be made from Equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity to Saybolt Universal viscosity at temperature t. This conversion
can be done through the use of Equation (11A1.6-2)

SUSt
SUSeq  (11A1.6-2)
1.0  0.000061 t  100
Where:

SUS e q= equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity at t in seconds.

SUSt = Saybolt Universal viscosity at t in seconds.
t = temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

Procedure
S t ep 1 : Look up the appropriate constants for the desired property in the table above. If the desired property
is the Saybolt Universal viscosity, make the conversion to the equivalent Saybolt Universal
viscosity by using Equation (11Al.6-2).
Step2: Calculate the kinematic viscosity, in centistokes, using the correct constants in Equation (11A1.6-1).

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 15
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A1.6
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is given for converting Redwood, Engler, Saybolt Furol and Saybolt Universal viscosities in
seconds and degrees, to kinematic viscosity in centistokes.

Reliability
The estimated reliability of the equations is within 1 percent.

Special Comments
The conversion of kinematic viscosity data to Saybolt Universal and Saybolt Furol viscosities are given in
Procedures 11A1.1 and 11A1.2 respectively.
The conversion of kinematic viscosity to Redwood No. 1 viscosity at 140 °F, Redwood No. 2 viscosity or to
Engler viscosity can be made using Equation (11A1.6-3).
1 (11A1.6-3)
R  Av 
B  Cv  Dv 2  Ev3
Where:
R = flow time, in seconds or Engler degrees.
v = kinematic viscosity, in centistokes
A through E = constants given in the following tabulation:

Redwood No. 1 Redwood No.2 Engler

at 140 °F Degrees

A 4.0984 0.40984 0.13158

B 0.038014 0.38014 1.1326
C 0.001919 0.01919 0.0104
D 0.0000278 0.000278 0.00656
E 0.00000521 0.0000521 0.0

Range of v >4.0 >73 > 1.0

(centistokes)

Literature Sources
The conversion of kinematic viscosity to Redwood No. l at 140 °F was taken from IP Standards for Petroleum
and Its Products, Part 1, Sect.2-Appendix B (1969).
Equation (11A1.6-2) was adapted from Procedure 11A1.1
Equations (11A1.6-1) and (11A1.6-3) were adapted from O’Donnell, Mater. [Link]. 9 [5] 25 (1969).

11 - 16 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A1.6 (Continued)
(1997)
Examples
A. Find the kinematic viscosity of an oil having a Saybolt Universal viscosity of 300 seconds at 200 degrees
Fahrenheit.

1. Convert the Saybolt Universal viscosity to the equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity by using Equation
(11A1.6-2). For this particular problem, t = 200 °F and SUSt = 300 seconds.
300
SUSeq   298 seconds
1.0  0.000061 200  100  
2. Select the appropriate constants for equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity.

F = 0.22
G = 7,336
H = 12,813

3. Use these constants in Equation (11A1.6-1) to find the kinematic viscosity in centistokes.

298G
v  298F   65.48 centistokes
2983  H

B. Find the Redwood No. l viscosity at 140 °F of an oil having a kinematic viscosity of 70 centistokes.

1. Look up the appropriate constants for converting kinematic viscosity to Redwood No. 1 viscosity
at 140 °F.

A = 4.0984
B = 0.038014
C = 0.001919
D = 0.0000278
E = 0.00000521

2. Use these constants in Equation (11Al.6-3) to find the Redwood No. 1 viscosity at 140 °F, in seconds.

1
T  A(70)   287.4 seconds.
B  C (70)  D(702 )  E (703 )

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 17
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11A2 Liquid Viscosity of Pure Hydrocarbons

Procedure 11A2.1 – Correlation for the Liquid Viscosity of Pure Compounds at Low Pressure
(1997)

Discussion
The following equation is recommended for calculating the liquid viscosity of pure compounds over a specified
temperature range at low pressure.

μ = 1000 exp (A + B/T + C ln T + DT E) (11A2.1-1)

Where:
μ = absolute viscosity of liquid in centipoises
T = temperature in degrees Rankine.
A through E = correlation coefficient from table 11A2.2

Procedure
Step 1: Locate the coefficients for the desired compound in Table 11A2.2. Check to see if the temperature
is within the specified range of the correlation.
Step 2: Calculate the liquid viscosity from Equation (11A2.1-1).

11 - 18 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A2.1
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is used to calculate the liquid viscosity of pure compounds as a function of temperature at low
pressure. Table 11A2.2 lists coefficients for 300 pure compounds.

Limitations
This procedure is valid only over the temperature range listed in Table 11A2.2 for each compound. The average
error over the entire temperature range is less than 5 percent and generally better than 2 percent.
The correlations only are valid for low-pressure liquids. Procedures 11A5.1 or 11A5.7 can be used to correct the
viscosity for high pressure.

Literature Sources
Procedure 11A2.1 was developed by the project staff at The Pennsylvania State University.

Example
Determine the liquid viscosity of n-decane at 104 °F.

1. Obtain the necessary coefficients from Table 11A2.2.

A = –16.911
B = 2761.2
C = 0.7511
D= 0
E= 0

2. Convert the temperature from Fahrenheit to Rankine.

T = 104 + 459.67 = 563.67 °R

This value is within the correlation temperature range of 438 to 807 Rankine.

3. Using Equation (11A2.1-1)

μ = 1000 exp [–16.911 + 2761.2/563.67 + 0.7511 ln (563.67)]

μ = 0.707 centipoise

The experimental value is 0.696 centipoise

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 19
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A2.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11A2.1
(1997)

11 - 20 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Table 11A2.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11A2.1

(1997)

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 21
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A2.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11A2.1
(1997)

11 - 22 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A2.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11A2.1
(1997)

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 23
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A2.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11A2.1
(1997)

11 - 24 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A2.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11A2.1
(1997)

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 25
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11A2.3 – Liquid Viscosity of Pure Hydrocarbons at Low Pressure
(1997)

Discussion
The following group contribution method is to be used to estimate the viscosity of pure liquid hydrocarbons at
low pressures:

1.8 1  (11A2.3-1)
log   B   
 T T 

Where:
μ = absolute viscosity of liquid in centipoises.
T = temperature in degrees Rankine.
B and To are obtained in the following manner:

N * =N   n i Ni (11A2.3-2)
i

Where:

N * = equivalent chain length.

N = actual number of carbon atoms in the molecule.
ΔNi = structural contributions of group i which can be found in Table 11A2.4.
ni = number of times a functional group appears in a molecule.

To  28.86  37.439N*  1.3547N2  0.02076N3 N  20 (11A2.3-3)

To  238.59  8.164N  
N  20 (11A2.3-4)

B  Ba   ni Bi (11A2.3-5)
i

Ba  24.79  66.885N*  1.3173N2  0.00377N3 N  20 (11A2.3-6)

Ba  530.59  13.740N N  20 (11A2.3-7)

∆ Bi represents the contributions of group i, which can be found in Table 11A2.4

NOTE: If the structural or functional group ΔNi appears ni times in the molecule, niΔNi corrections must be added,
while the ΔBi contribution is applied only a single time.

Procedure
Step 1: Compute ΔNi from Table 11A2.4.
Step 2: Calculate N* using ΔNi and Equation (11A2.3-2).
Step 3: Calculate To using Equation (11A2.3-3) for N*≤20 or Equation (11A2.3-4) for N*>20.
Step 4: Calculate Ba using Equation (11A2.3-6) for N*<20 or Equation (11A2.3-7) N*>20
Step 5: Compute ∆Bi using N* and Table 11A2.4.
Step 6: Calculate B using ∆Bi and Equation (11A2.3-5).
Step 7: Calculate the liquid viscosity using equation (11A2.3-1).

11 - 26 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A2.3
(1997)

Purpose
Procedure 11A2.3 is a general method for estimating the liquid viscosity of pure hydrocarbons when there are
no experimental viscosity data known for the substance.

Limitations
This method should not be used for reduced temperatures that exceed 0.7 (approximately the normal boiling
point).

Reliability
Equation (11A2.3-1) gave an average error of 12 percent for the 1700 data points evaluated. Large errors
usually result for the first member of a homologous series.

Literature Sources
The equations and contribution factors were taken from Van Velzen, Cardozo and Langenkamp, Ind. Eng.
Chem. Fundam., 11 20 (1972), and from Van Velzen, Cardozo and Langenkamp, "Liquid Viscosity and Chemical
Constitution of Organic Compounds: A New Correlation and a Compilation of Literature Data," Euratom 4735e,
Joint Nuclear Research Center, Ispra Establishment, Italy (1972).

Example
Determine the viscosity of cis- 1, 4-dimethylcyclohexane at 32 °F.

1. There are two functional groups in cis-1, 4-dimethylcyclohexane: cyclohexane and n- alkanes. N = 8.
2. From Table 11A2.4, ∆Ni is 1.48 for cyclohexane and 0 for n-alkanes.
3. N* can be found from Equation (11A2.3-3):
N* = 8 + 1.48 + 0 ‫ ٭‬2 = 9.48

4. To can then be calculated using Equation (11A2.3-3) because N*≤ 20:

T0 = 28.86 +37.439 (9.48) –1.35471 (9.48 ²) + 0.02076 (9.48³) = 279.72

5. Ba can found using Equation (11A2.3-6) because N* ≤20:

Ba = 24 .79 + 66 .885 (9.48 –1.3173 (9.48) ²) –0.00377 (9.48³) = 537.26

6. Using Table 11A2.4 and the value for N* calculated in Step 3, ΔB i can be determined:

ΔBi = –272 .85 +25 .041(9.48) = –35.46 for cyclohexane

ΔBi = 0 for n-alkanes
7. The value for B can be determined using Equation (11A2.3-5):
B = 537 .26 + (–35.46) = 501.80
8. The viscosity can finally be calculated using Equation (11A2.3-1):

 1.8 1 
log   501.80     0.043
 32  459.67 279.72 
  1.104 centipoises

The experimental value for the liquid viscosity at 32 °F is 1.224 centipoises.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 27
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A2.4 – Group Contributions for Calculation of Liquid Viscosity of Pure Hydrocarbons
(Part of Procedure 11A2.3)
(1997)

Structure or functional ΔNi ΔBi Remarks

group
n-Alkanes 0 0
Isoalkanes 1.389- 0.238N 15.51
Saturated hydrocarbons with two 2.319- 0.238N 15.51
methyl groups in iso position
n-Alkenes -0.152-0.042N -44.94+5.410N*
n-Alkadienes -0.304-0.084N -44.94+5.410N*
Isoalkenes 1.237-0.280N -36.01+5.410N*
Isoalkadienes 1.085-0.322N -36.01+5.410N*
Hydrocarbons with one 2.626-0.518N -36.01+5.410N* For any additional CH3 groups
double bond and two in iso position, increase ΔN by
methyl groups in iso position 1.389-0.238N.

Hydrocarbons with two 2.474-0.560N -36.01+5.410N* For any additional CH3 groups
double bond and two in iso position, increase ΔN by
methyl groups in iso position 1.389-0.238N.

Cyclopentanes 0.205+0.069N -45.96+2.224N* N<16; not recommended

for N= 5, 6.

Cyclohexanes 3.971-0.172N -339.67+23.135N* N≥16.

1.48 -272.85+25.041N* N<17; not recommended for
N= 6, 7.
Alkylbenzenes 6.517-0.311N -272.85+25.041N* N ≥17.
0.60 -140.04+13.869N* N <16; not recommended for
N = 6,7.a,b,c
Polyphenyls 3.055-0.161N -140.04+13.869N* N ≥ 16.a,b,c
a
-5.340+0.815N -188.40+9.558N*
a
For substitutions on an aromatic ring in more than one position, additional corrections are required:

Ortho ∆ N = 0.51 ∆B = 54.84

Meta ∆ N = 0.11 ∆B = 27.25
Para Δ N = –0.04 ΔB = –17.57
b
For alkylbenzenes, if the hydrocarbon chain has a methyl group in an iso position, decrease ΔN by 0.24
and increase ΔB by 8.93 for each such grouping.
c
For alkylbenzenes, add the following corrections for each aromatic nucleus. If N<16, increase ΔN by 0.60;
if N≥ 16, increase ΔN by 3.055-0.161N for each aromatic group. For any N, increase ΔB by
(–140.04+13.869N*).

11 - 28 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11A3 Liquid Viscosity of Defined Hydrocarbon Mixtures

Procedure 11A3.1 – Liquid Viscosity of Defined Mixtures at Low Pressures

(1997)

Discussion
Equation (11A3.1-1) is to be used to estimate the viscosity of defined liquid mixtures. Although Procedure
11A4.4 is preferable for blending complex hydrocarbon mixtures when the viscosities of the component liquids are
known at two temperatures, this procedure can be used when the components are similar in molecular weight and
general character.

 
3
n 1/3
μ m   xi μi (11A3.1-1)
i 1

Where:
μ m = viscosity of the mixture, in centipoises.
μ i = viscosity of component i, in centipoises.
n = number of components in the mixture.
x i = mole fraction of component i.

Procedure
Step 1: Find the liquid viscosities of the individual components at the desired temperatures and pressure
from the Procedures of 11A2 and 11A5.
Step 2: Convert the concentration units to mole fractions. Molecular weights and densities of pure
compounds are given in the Pure Component Properties program. The molecular weights of
petroleum fractions are given by the methods outlined in the Pure Component Properties
program, and densities are given by the methods outlined in Chapter 6.
Step 3: Obtain the viscosity of the mixture from Equation (11A3.1-1).

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 29
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A3.1
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is given for estimating the liquid viscosity of defined hydrocarbon mixtures.

Limitations
This procedure requires the viscosities of all components at the same temperature and pressure. Results for a
blend of two liquids of dissimilar character will give high or low results, depending on the viscosity of the liquid
with the lowest viscosity-temperature coefficient. This method is not recommended for blending petroleum fractions
or hydrocarbon mixtures of undefined composition. Procedure 11A4.5 should be used for these blends. If one
component is above its critical temperature, then treat it as a dissolved gas and use Procedure 11A7.1.

Reliability
The average error for this method is 5.7% based on 1300 data points. Errors are usually 3% or less for systems
of the same chemical family (e.g., paraffin-paraffin). Errors from 10% to 15% can be expected for mixtures of
paraffins with aromatics or paraffins with naphthenes.

Literature Source
Equation (11A3.1-1) was adapted from Kendall and Monroe, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 39 1787 (1917).

Examples
A. Estimate the liquid viscosity of a mixture containing 29.57 mole percent n-hexadecane, 35.86 mole percent
benzene and 34.57 mole percent n-hexane at 77 °F and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute.

From Procedure 11A2.1, the viscosity of n-hexane is 0.30 centipoise, n-hexadecane is 3.07 centipoise and
benzene is 0.60 centipoise. All at the stated conditions.

μm = [(0.2957)(3.07)1/3 + (0.3586)(0.60)1/3 + (0.3457)(0.30)1/3]3

= [(0.2957)(1.453) + (0.3586)(0.8434) + (0.3457)(0.6694)] 3
= [(0.4296) + (0.3024) + (0.2314)]3 = 0.89 centipoise

The experimental value is 0.891 centipoise.

B. Estimate the viscosity of a mixture containing 25 mole percent propane, 50 mole percent n- pentane and 25
mole percent cyclohexane at 160 °F and 5000 pounds per square inch absolute.

1. The viscosities of the individual compounds at 5000 psia may be found by Procedure 11A5.1. The following
tabulation gives the critical temperatures, critical pressures and acentric factors (from the Pure Component
Properties program):

11 - 30 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A3.1
(1997)

Component Critical Temperature Critical Pressure Acentric

(°F) (Psia) Factor
Propane 206.0 616.1 0. 1523
n-Pentane 385.8 488.8 0.2515
Cyclohexane 537.2 591.8 0.2081

2. From Table 11A5.2, the critical viscosity of propane is 0.0237 centipoise and of n- pentane is 0.0255
centipoise. From these values the viscosity at 5000 pounds per square inch absolute and 160 °F calculated
by Procedure 11A5.1 for propane is 0.109 centipoise and for n-pentane is 0.218 centipoise

3. The viscosity of cyclohexane at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute and 160 °F from Procedure 11A2.1
is 0.455 centipoise. At 5000 pounds per square inch absolute and 160 °F, using Procedure 11A5.1, its
viscosity is 0.630 centipoise.

4. To find the viscosity of the mixture simply apply Equation (11A3.1-1)

µm = [(0.25) (0.109)1/3 + (0.50) (0.218)1/3 + (0.25) (0.630)1/3]3

= [(0.25) (0.478) + (0.50) (0.602) + (0.25) (0.857)] 3
= 0.256 centipoise

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 31
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11A4 Liquid Viscosity of Hydrocarbon Mixtures of Undefined Composition

Procedure 11A4.1 – Correlation for the Liquid Viscosity of Petroleum Fractions at Low
Pressure
(1997)

Discussion
The equations below can be used to calculate the liquid viscosity of petroleum fractions at any temperature and
low pressure given an experimental viscosity at 100 °F.

S
 559.67  (11A4.1-1)
log  v   B    0.86960
 T  459.67  

Where:
v = Kinematic viscosity at temperature T in centisokes.
T = temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
νo = measured kinematic viscosity at 100 °F in centistokes.

B = log (vo) + 0.86960 (11A4.1-2)

S = 0.28008 log (νo) + 1.8616 (11A4.1-3)

Procedure
Step 1: Calculate the constants B and S using the experimentally measured kinematic viscosity at 100 °F
and Equations (11A4.1-2) and (11A4.1-3).
Step 2: Calculate the liquid viscosity from Equation (11A4.1-1).

11 - 32 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A4.1
(1997)

Purpose
Procedure 11A4.1 is a correlation for predicting the liquid viscosity of petroleum fractions as a function of
temperature at low pressure from a measured viscosity at 100 °F.

Limitations
This procedure requires a measured kinematic viscosity at 100 °F. The correlation is only valid for low
pressures. After calculating the viscosity at low pressure, Procedure 11A5.5 can be used to correct the viscosity to
any elevated pressure. This procedure should only be used at temperatures where the material is a liquid.

Reliability
The average error was approximately 5.6% when tested for 1300 data points. The method works best for light,
paraffinic fractions with API gravities in excess of 30 degrees API. The method degrades substantially for much
heavier fractions.

Literature Sources
The procedure is from Singh, Mutyala and Puttagunta, Hydrocarbon Processing, 69(9), 39 (1990).

Example

Estimate the liquid viscosity of a Sumatran crude at 210 °F. The viscosity of this crude is 1.38 centistokes at 100 °F.

1. Determine B from Equation (11A4.1-2),

B = log (1.38) + 0.86960

B = 1.0095

Determine S from Equation (l 1A4.1-3),

S = 0.28008 log (1.38) + 1.8616

S = 1.9008

2. Use Equation (11A4.1-1) to calculate the viscosity at 210 °F.

log (v) = 1.0095 [559.67/(210 + 459.67]1.9008 –0.86960

log (v) = –0.1518
v = 0.705 centistoke

The experimental value is 0.668 centistoke.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 33
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11A4.2 – Liquid Viscosity of Undefined Mixtures as a Function of Temperature at Low
Pressure
(1997)

Discussion
Equations (11A4.2-1) through (11A4.2-6) can be used to predict the viscosity of petroleum fractions or coal
liquids at 100 °F and 210 °F. Liquid viscosities at other temperature can be found by using Procedure 11A4.4 or
Equations (11A4.4-1) through (11A4.4-5). The API gravity or specific gravity and an average boiling point must be
known for the petroleum or coal fraction.

At 100º F,
v100 = vref + vcor (11A4.2-1)
–4 –7 2
log vref = –1.35579 + 8.16059 × 10 Tb + 8.38505 × 10 Tb (11A4.2-2)
log vcor = A1 + A2K (11A4.2-3)

Where:
A1 = c1 +c2Tb + c3Tb² + c4 Tb3 (11A4.2-4)
A2 = d1 +d2Tb + d3Tb² + d4 Tb3 (11A4.2-5)
1
c1 = 3.49310 × 10
c2 = –8.84387 × 10–2
c3 = 6.73513 × 10–5
c4 = –1.01394 × 10–8
d1 = –2.92649
d2 = 6.98405 × 10–3
d3 = –5.09947 × 10–6
d4 = 7.49378 × 10–10

At 210 °F,
log v210 = B1 + B2Tb + B3 log (Tbv100) (11A4.2-6)

Where:
B1 = –1.92353
B2 = 2.41071 × 10–4
B3 = 0.511300
v100 = kinematic viscosity at 100 °F in centistokes.
v210 = kinematic viscosity at 210 °F in centistokes.
Tb = mean average boiling point in degrees Rankine.
SG = specific gravity 60 °F/60 °F.

1/3
Tb
K = Watson K factor =
SG

note: API gravity may be converted to specific gravity using the equation,

141.5
Specific gravity = (11A4.2-7)
(AP I  131.5)

11 - 34 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Procedure 11A4.2 (Continued)

(1997)

Procedure
Step 1: Obtain the mean average boiling point from Procedure 2B1.1. Note: The volume average boiling
point may be used with little loss of accuracy.
Step 2: If necessary, convert the API gravity to specific gravity using Equation (11A4.2-7).
Step 3: Calculate the Watson K factor from the mean average boiling point and the specific gravity.
Step 4: Calculate the kinematic viscosity at 100 °F using Equations (11A4.2-1) through (11A4.2-5).
Step 5: Calculate the kinematic viscosity at 210 °F using Equations (11A4.2-6) and the kinematic viscosity
calculated at 100 °F in step 4.
Step 6: Correct the viscosity to any other temperature using Equations (11A4.4-1) through (11A4.4-5) or
Procedure 11A4.4.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 35
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A4.2
(1997)

Purpose
Procedure 11A4.2 is presented to predict the liquid viscosity of a petroleum fraction as a function of
temperature at low pressure. This procedure also can be used for whole crudes or any other petroleum based liquid.
The procedure can also be used for coal liquids.

Limitations
The procedure is intended for use near atmospheric pressure. Procedure 11A5.5 can be used to correct for
pressure above atmospheric. The procedure is restricted to Newtonian fluids and should only be used at temperatures
where the material is a liquid.
Equations (11A4.2-1) through (11A4.2-6) should be used for petroleum liquids that fall within the range of
applicability depicted graphically in Figure 11A4.3. Figure 11A4.3 shows the range of model applicability as a
function of Watson K and API gravity. The model should not be used for any data that lie within the crosshatched
areas A & B. The procedure was tested for fluids that had an average boiling point between 150 °F and 1200 °F and
API gravities between 4 and 75 degrees API. The procedure should be used with care outside of these boiling point
and API gravity ranges. If no experimental data exist and one desires to predict the viscosity of a petroleum fraction
that falls outside of the range of model applicability as described in Figure 11A4.3, then the predictive method by
Twu (Ind. Eng. Chem. Process Des. Dev., 24(4), 1287 1985) is the next best alternative.

Reliability
When tested against over 700 data points, the procedure gave an overall average error of 14 %. Better results
were obtained for light and intermediate fractions than for heavy fractions. For petroleum liquids with an API
gravity greater than 30, the average error improves to 8 %. For coal liquids, the average error was 35 % for 252 data
points. The error improves to 8 % for coal liquids with an API gravity greater than 30.

Literature Sources
Equations (11A4.2-1) through (11A4.2-6) are from Fitzgerald, D. J., private communication to API Technical
Data Committee.

Examples
A. For a petroleum fraction having an API gravity of 33.4 and a mean average boiling point of 598.7 °F,

1. Estimate the viscosity at 100 °F

2. Estimate the viscosity at 210 °F
3. Estimate the viscosity at 140 °F.

1. Convert the API gravity to specific gravity using Equation (11A4.2-7). Convert the boiling point from
degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Rankine.

141.5
specific gravity   0.8581
  131.5
33.4

(1058.37)1/ 3
Tb = 598.7 + 459.67 =1058.37 °R K  11.876
.8581

11 - 36 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A4.2 (Continued)
(1997)

2. Use Equations (11A4.2-1) through (11A4.2-5) to calculate the viscosity at 100 °F.

log vref  1.35579  8.16059 10 4 1058.37   8.38505 10 7 1058.37 

2

vref  2.80 centistokes

A1  34.9310  8.84387 10 2 1058.37   6.73513 10 5 1058.37   1.01394 10 8 1058.37 
2 3

A1  4.753
A2  2.92649  6.98405 103 1058.37   5.09947 10 6 1058.37   7.49378 10 10 1058.37 
2 3

A2  0.3585
log vcor  4.753  0.3585 11.876 
vcor  3.13 centistokes
v100  2.80  3.14  5.94 centistokes

The experimental value is 5.59 centistokes.

3. Use Equation (11A4.2-6) to calculate the viscosity at 210 °F.

log ν210 = –1.92353 + 2.41071 × 10–4 (1058.37) + 0.511300 log (1058.37 × 5.94)
log ν210 = 0.2738
ν210 = 1.88 centistokes

The experimental value is 1.81 centistokes.

4. Use Procedure 11A4.4 to calculate the viscosity at 140 °F. Plotting the calculated viscosities at 100 °F and
210 °F, the viscosity at 140 °F is 3.6 centistokes from Procedure 11A4.4. The experimental value is 3.37
centistokes.

Alternatively, using Equations (11A4.4-1) through (11A4.4-5) the viscosity is calculated to be 3.58 centistokes.

B. For a coal liquid fraction having an API gravity of 4.70 and a mean average boiling point of 647.3 °F, calculate
the kinematic viscosity at 304 °F.

1. Convert the API gravity to specific gravity using Equation (11A4.2-7). Convert the boiling point from
degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Rankine.
141.5
specific gravity   1.0389
 4.70  131.5
1106.97 
1/3

Tb  647.3  459.67  1106.97 o R K  9.955

1.0389

2. Use Equations (11A4.2-1) through (11A4.2-5) to calculate the viscosity at 100 °F.

log νref = –1.35579 + 8.16059 × 10–4 (1106.97) + 8.38505 × 10–7 (1106.97)2

νref = 3.76 centistokes
A1 = 34.9310 – 8.84387 × 10–2 (1106.97) + 6.73513 × 10–5 (1106.97)2 –1.01394 × 10–8 (1106.97)3
A1 = 5.809
A2 = –2.92649 + 6.98405 × 10–3 (1106.97) – 5.09947 × 10–6 (1106.97 )2 + 7.49378 × 10–10(1106.97)3
A2 = –0.4277

log νcor = 5.809 – 0.4277 (9.955) νcor = 35.58 centistokes

ν100 = 3.76 + 35.58 = 39.34 centistoke

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 37
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Comments on Procedure 11A4.2 (Continued)

(1997)

3. Use Equation (11A4.2-6) to calculate the viscosity at 210 °F.

log ν210 = –1.92353 + 2.41071 × 10–4 (1106.97)

+ 0.511300 log (1106.97 × 39.34)
ν210 = 5.19 centistokes

4. With the viscosities calculated in steps 2 and 3 above, the viscosity is estimated to be 2.15 centistokes at
304°F from procedure 11A4.4. Alternatively, using Equations (11A4.4-1) through (11A4.4-5) the viscosity is
calculated to be 2.12 centistokes. The experimental value is 1.78 centistokes at 304 °F.

C. Calculate the kinematic viscosity at 100 °F for two Middle Eastern crude fractions having the following
properties:

Fraction API Gravity Mean Average Boiling Point, °F

1 47.40 382.10
2 13.80 1113.20

1. For crude fraction number one,

SG =141.5/ (47.40 + 131.5) = 0.7909 (1572.87)1/ 3

Tb = 382.10 + 459.67 = 841.77 K = (841.77)1/3 = 11.93 K   11.938
0.7909
.7909

logvref = –1.35579 + 8.16059 × 10–4 (841.77) + 8.38505 × 10–7 (841.77)2

vref = 0. 842 centistokes
A1 = 34.9310 – 8.84387 × 10–2 (841.77) + 6.73513 × 10–5 (841.77)2
–1.01394 × 10–8 (841.77)3
A1 = 2.162
A2 = –2.92649 + 6.98405 × 10–3 (841.77) – 5.09947 × 10–6 (841.77)2
+ 7.49378 × 10–10 (841.77)3
A2 = –0.214
log vcor = 2.162 – 0.214 (11.93)
vcor = 0.406 centistokes
v100 = 0.842 + 0.406 =1.248 centistokes

The experimental value is 1.29 centistokes

2. For crude fraction number two,

SG = 141.5/ (13.80 + 131.5) = 0.9738 (1572.87)1/ 3

Tb =1113.20 + 459.67 = 1572.87 K  11.94
0.9738
vref =100 centistokes
log vcor = 22. 996 – 1. 641 (11.94)

vcor = 2526 centistokes

v100 =100 + 2526 = 2626 centistokes

The experimental value is 2130 centistokes.

11 - 38 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Figure 11A4.3 – Range of Applicability of Procedure 11A4.2 for Undefined Liquid Mixtures at Low
Pressure
(The model is not applicable in cross hatched areas A & B)
(1997)

14
n-Alkanes

13 A
Alkylcyclohexanes

12
Alkylbenzenes
Watson K

11

10
B
Polyaromatics
9

8
-20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

API Gravity

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 39
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11A4.4 – Temperature Variation of Liquid Viscosity
(1997)

Discussion
Equations (11A4.4-1) through (11A4.4-5) are to be used to estimate the liquid viscosity of a petroleum liquid
providing two other viscosities are known at two separate temperatures.

2 3
v  Z  0.7  exp[0.7487  3.295 (Z  0.7)  0.6119 (Z  0.7)  0.3193 (Z  0.7) ] (11A4.4-1)

Where:
Z  antilog [antilog [log log Z1  B (log T-log T1 )]] (11A4.4-2)
and,
B  (log log (Z1 )  log log(Z 2 ))/(log T1  log T2 ) (11A4.4-3)
and,
2
Z1  v1  0.7  exp[1.47  1.84v1  0.51v1 ] (11A4.4-4)
and,
2
Z 2  v2  0.7  exp[1.47  1.84v2  0.51v2 ] (11A4.4-5)

Where:
v  kinematic viscosity at temperature T in centistokes
T  required temperature in degrees Rankine
v1  kinematic viscosity at temperature T1 in centistokes
v2  kinematic viscosity at temperature T2 in centistokes
T1 , T2  reference temperature corresponding to v1and v2in degrees Rankine

Procedure
Step 1: Calculate the constants Z1 and Z2 using Equations (11A4.4-4) and (11A4.4-5) respectively.
Step 2: Calculate the constant B using Z1 and Z2 from step 1 and Equation (11A4.4-3).
Step 3: Calculate the constant Z using Equation (11A4.4-2).
Step 4: Calculate the kinematic viscosity of the petroleum liquid using Equation (11A4.4-1).

11 - 40 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A4.4
(1997)

Purpose
Procedure 11A4.4 is a convenient means for estimating the liquid viscosity of a petroleum liquid at any
temperature within a limited range, provided viscosities at two temperatures are known.

Limitations
Procedure 11A4.4 should be used only in the temperature range where the hydrocarbon is a liquid. Thermal
cracking in oils at temperatures greater than about 475 °F makes viscosities predicted at these temperatures
unreliable.
This procedure is suitable only for Newtonian fluids. Caution should be applied when using this procedure in
regions far removed from the experimental values.

Reliability
At low temperatures, deviations can be quite large. Some polymers, waxy oils and some silicate esters have
significantly higher viscosities than are predicted by this procedure. Deviations are greater the higher the
aromaticity. Some high-molecular-weight pure compounds, as well as some super refined mineral oils have
significantly lower viscosities at low temperature than those predicted. Average error in viscosity of pure
compounds is less than 4 percent. The assumption of linearity is very good between 32 °F and 212 °F. Predicted
values of the viscosity will always be at temperatures above 212 °F, with the deviation increasing as the
temperature is increased. Such deviations are greater for aromatic stocks than for paraffinic stocks. Errors greater
than those stated may occur when interpolation is made over more than one order of magnitude in viscosity.

Special Comments
The following charts (described in ASTM D 341-93) are available from the American Society for Testing and
Materials:

Kinematic
ASTM Viscosity Range Temperature Size
Chart (centistokes) Range (inches)

I 0.3 to 20 × 106 –70 to +370 °C 27 × 32

II 0.18 to 6.5 –70 to +370 °C 27 × 32

III 0.3 to 20 × 106 –70 to +370 °C 8.5 × 11

IV 0.18 to 6.5 –70 to +370 °C 8.5 × 11

V 0.3 to 20 × 106 –100 to +700 °F 27 × 32

VI 0.18 to 3.0 –100 to +700 °F 21 × 32

VII 3.0 to 0.2 × 106 –40 to +150 °C 8.5 × 11

Literature Source
The charts are published as an adjunct to ASTM D 341-93 by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Equations 11A4.4-1 through 11A4.4-5 are from ASTM D 341-93.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 41
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A4.4 (Continued)
(1997)

Examples
A. Find the viscosity of an oil at 150 °F whose viscosity at 100 °F and 210 °F is 200 centistokes and 20
centistokes respectively.
ASTM Chart V (see special comments) could be used for this calculation. This shows that the viscosity at
150°F is 57.5 centistokes.

B. Find the viscosity of 2-methylnonane at 68 °F.

From Procedure 11A2.1, the viscosity of 2-methylnonane at 32 °F is 1.644 centistokes and at 104 °F is 0.925
centistokes.
1. Alternatively, using Equations (11A4.4-1) through (11A4.4-5),
T1 = 32 + 459.67 = 491.67 °R
T2 = 104 + 459.67 = 563.67 °R
v1 = 1.644 centistokes
v2 = 0.925 centistoke

2. Calculate Z1 and Z2 using Equations (11A4.4-4) and (11A4.4-5), respectively.

Z1 = 1.644 + 0.7 + exp [–1.47 – 1.84(1.644) – 0.51(1.644) 2]
Z1 = 2.3468
Z2 = 0.925 + 0.7 + exp [–1.47 – 1.84 (0.925) – 0.51(0.925) 2]
Z2 = 1.6521

3. Calculate B from Equation (11A4.4-3).

B = [log (log 2.3468) – log (log 1.6521)] / [log 491.67 – log 563.67]
B = –3.8791

4. Calculate Z from Equation (11A4.4-2).

Z = antilog [antilog [log (log 2.3468) + (–3.8791) (log (68 + 459.67) – log 491.67)]]
Z = 1.9127

5. Calculate the viscosity at 68 °F from Equation (11A4.4-1).

v = 1.9127 – 0.7 – exp [–0.7487 – 3.295(1.9127 – 0.7)
+ 0.6119 (1.9127 – 0.7) 2 – 0.3193(1.9127 – 0.7) 3
v = 1.201 centistokes.

The experimental value is 1.199 centistokes.

11 - 42 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11A4.5 – Liquid Viscosity Blending of Hydrocarbon Mixtures
(1997)

Discussion
This procedure offers an accurate method of estimating the viscosity of a blend of two hydrocarbon liquids of
undefined composition. The viscosity of each liquid must be known at two temperatures. These two temperatures are
commonly 100 °F and 210 °F but any two reasonably spaced temperatures will suffice. The weight fraction of each
component must also be known. The Equation for the viscosity of the hydrocarbon blend follows.

ln ln (v  0.7)  m (ln T)  b (11A4.5-1)

Wherein:
v = kinematic viscosity of hydrocarbon blend in centistokes. (or mPa-s)
T = absolute temperature in degrees Rankine.
m, b = parameters for predicting the viscosity of the blend. Determined from experimental viscosity-
temperature data of blend components.

Procedure
Required Data: Measured or predicted kinematic viscosities of each blend component at two
temperatures, T1 and T2, and the weight fraction of each blend component.

S tep 1 : Designate the lower viscosity petroleum liquid as L and the higher viscosity petroleum liquid as
H. Determine mL and bL for the lower viscosity oil by using the experimental viscosities at T 1 and
T2 and Equation (11A4.5-1). Repeat to find mH and bH for the higher viscosity oil.
Step 2: Use the parameters mL and bL and Equation (11A4.5-1) to calculate the lower viscosity oil
temperature, TL, that will have the same viscosity as the higher viscosity oil at temperature T 1
Step 3: Determine the temperature, Tx, of the blend at constant viscosity (i.e., the viscosity of the higher
viscosity oil at T1).

ln Tx  w L ln TL  w H ln T1 (11A4.5-2)

Where:
wL = weight fraction of lighter viscosity component.
w H = weight fraction of heavier viscosity component.
T L = temperature where the viscosity of the light component equals the viscosity of the heavy
component at T1 in degrees Rankine.
Ty = temperature of blend at constant viscosity, in degrees Rankine.

Step 4: Use the parameters bH, mH and Equation (11A4.5-1) to find the higher viscosity oil temperature, TH,
that will have the same viscosity as the lower viscosity oil at temperature T2
Step 5: Determine the temperature, TY, of the blend at constant viscosity (i.e., the viscosity of the lower
viscosity oil at T2) from

ln Ty  w Lln T2  w H ln TH (11A4.5-3)
Where:

TH = temperature where the viscosity of the heavy component equals the viscosity of the light
component at T 2 in degrees Rankine.
Ty = temperature of blend at constant viscosity in degrees Rankine
.
Step 6: Knowing the blend viscosity at Tx and Ty, calculate for the blend the parameters m and b in Equation
(11A4.5-1).
Step 7: Determine the viscosity of the blend at any temperature using Equation (11A4.5-1) and m and b from
Step 6.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 43
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A4.5
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is used to estimate the viscosity of blends of petroleum liquids. The procedure may also be used
to estimate the viscosity of blends of pure compounds, although Procedure 11A3.1 is preferred for estimating the
viscosity of mixtures of pure compounds.

Limitations
This procedure is to be used at low pressure. Procedure 11A5.3 can be used to correct the viscosity from low to
high pressure.

Reliability
The average error was 3.3% for approximately 300 blends. This error increases to approximately 11.1% if one
component is a very light oil and one component is a very heavy oil. The technique can be extended to ternary
blends. The average deviation was 9.9% for 20 ternary blends.

Special Comment
This procedure has been computerized and is listed as VIS25 of Chapter 16

Literature Source
This procedure was developed by Twu and Bulls, Hydrocarbon Processing, 60(4), 217 (1981)

Example
Find the kinematic viscosity of a blend of two crude oils at 104 °F. The crude oils are characterized by
the following:
viscosity in viscosity in
T1, °F centistokes T 2, °F centistokes
component 1 50 14 .22 122 4.85
component 2 50 163.40 122 24.98

The blend is 60% by weight component 1 and 40% by weight component 2.

1. Designate component 1 as the light oil (subscript L) and component 2 as the heavy oil (subscript H).
Calculate mL and bL for the light oil from the two viscosity-temperature data points and using Equation
(11A4.5-1).

T1 = 50 + 459.67 = 509.67 °R T2 = 122 + 459.67 = 581.67 °R

ln [ln (14.22 + 0.7)] = mL (ln 509.67) + bL

ln [ln (4.85 + 0.7)] = mL (ln 581.67) + bL

Solving simultaneously,

mL = –3.4474 bL = 22.4845

Repeat for the heavy oil,

mH = –3.4206 b H = 22.9525

2. Use Equation (11A4.5-1) and bL and mL to find the temperature, T L, of the light component having the
same viscosity as the heavy component at temperature T 1.

ln [ln (163.40 + 0.7)] = –3.4474 ln TL + 22.4845

TL = 423 .91 °R

11 - 44 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A4.5 (Continued)
(1997)

3. Determine the temperature T x of the blend at constant viscosity (i.e., 163.40 centistokes) using Equation
(11A4.5-2).

ln Tx = 0.6 (ln 423.91) + 0.4 (ln 509.67)

Tx = 456.33 °R

4. Use Equation (11A4.5-1) and bH and mH to find the temperature, T H, of the heavy component having the
same viscosity as the light component at T2.

ln [ln (4.85 + 0.7)] = –3.4206 1n TH + 22.9525

TH = 701.05 °R

5. Determine the temperature, T y, of the blend at constant viscosity (i.e., 4.85 centistokes) using Equation
(11A4.5-3).

ln Ty = 0.6 (1n 581.67) + 0.4 (ln 701.05)

Ty = 626.76 °R

6. Now use the blend data,

Tx = 456.33 °R v1 = 163.4 centistokes

Ty = 626.76 °R v2 = 4.85 centistokes

and Equation (11A4.5-1) to estimate m and b for the blend.

ln [ln (163.4 + 0.7)] = m ln (456.33) + b

ln [ln (4.85 + 0.7)] = m ln (626.75) + b

Solving simultaneously,

m = –3.4360 b= 22.6687

7. Now use Equation (11A4.5-1) to estimate the blend viscosity at 104 °F.
ln [ln (ν + 0.7)]= –3.4360 ln (459.67 + 104) + 22.6687
ν = 11.10 centistokes.

This compares to an experimental value of 10.79 centistokes.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 45
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11A4.6 – Liquid Viscosity Blending of Multicomponent Mixtures of Defined and
Undefined Compounds
(2006)

Discussion
Equation (11A3.1-1) can also be used to predict the viscosity of mixtures of defined and undefined components.
These mixtures can be multicomponent mixtures of pure hydrocarbons with petroleum fractions or multicomponent
mixtures of petroleum fractions. This method is not recommended for blending petroleum fractions or hydrocarbon
mixtures of undefined composition.

Procedure
Step 1: Find the liquid viscosities of the individual components at the desired temperature and atmospheric
pressure. If experimental data are not available, Procedure 11A2.1 or Procedure 11A2.3 can be used to
predict the viscosity of pure compounds. The viscosity of undefined mixtures (i.e. petroleum or coal
fractions) can be predicted by Procedures 11A4.1 or 11A4.2.
Step 2: If the mixture is at a pressure above atmospheric, the viscosity predicted in step 1 can be adjusted for
pressure using either Procedure 11A5.1 or Procedure 11A5.5.
Step 3: Convert the viscosity from kinematic to absolute for any components as necessary. Densities are given
by the methods outlined in Chapter 6.
Step 4: Convert the concentration units to mole fractions. Molecular weights and densities of pure compounds
are given in the Pure Component Properties program. The molecular weights of petroleum fractions are
given by the methods outlined in the Pure Component Properties program and the densities are given by
the methods outlined in Chapter 6.
Step 5: Obtain the viscosity of the mixture from Equation (11A3.1-1).

11 - 46 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A4.6
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is given for estimating the liquid viscosity of multicomponent mixtures of pure hydrocarbons
with crude oils and petroleum fractions. The procedure can also be used for multicomponent mixtures of petroleum
fractions.

Limitations
All of the components must be liquids at the temperature and pressure of interest. The viscosity of all
components must be calculated at the same temperature and pressure. Procedure 11A7.1 may be used to correct for a
dissolved gas. No experimental data were available to test the reliability of the method.

Literature Source
Equation (11A3.1-1) was adapted from Kendall and Munroe, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 39 1787 (1917).

Example
Estimate the liquid viscosity at 100 °F and 1 atmosphere pressure of a mixture containing 20 weight percent n-
hexane, 40 weight percent of a petroleum fraction having an API gravity of 43.6 and a mean average boiling
point of 397.1 °F and 40 weight percent of a second petroleum fraction having an API gravity of 22.6 and a
mean average boiling point of 828.3 °F.

1. Find the viscosities of the individual components at 100 °F. For n-hexane use Procedure 11A2.1,
viscosity of n-hexane = 0.2644 centipoise
For the two petroleum fractions use Procedure 11A4.2,
viscosity of 43.6 API fraction = 1.409 centistokes
viscosity of 22.6 API fraction = 66.31 centistokes

2. Convert the viscosity of the petroleum fractions from kinematic to absolute values.
Using Procedure 6A3.5 for the 43.6 API fraction,
density at 100 °F = 49.07 lb/ft3
correct density units to gm/cc = 49.07 × 0.016018 = 0.7860 gm/cc
absolute viscosity (cP) = kinematic viscosity (cSt) × density (gm/cc)
= 1.409 × 0.7860
= 1.107 centipoise
Repeating for the 22.6 API fraction,
absolute viscosity = 59.75 centipoise
3. Convert the concentrations from weight fraction to mole fraction. The molecular weight for n-
hexane is given in the Pure Component Properties program. The molecular weight for the
petroleum fractions can be calculated from the procedures of Chapter 2.
Compound Wt. Frac. M Moles MoleFrac.
n-hexane 0.2 86.18 0.00232 0.4021
43.6 API Fraction 0.4 163 0.00245 0.4246
22.6 API Fraction 0.4 400 0.00100 0.1733
Total Moles 0.00577 1.0000

The number of moles is obtained by dividing the weight fraction by the molecular weight.

4. Use Equation (11A3.1-1) to calculate the viscosity of the mixture.

= [(0.4021) (0.2644)1/3 + (0.4246) (1.107)1/3 + (0.1733) (59.75)1/3]3

= 2.60 centipoise

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 47
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11A5 Effect of Pressure on the Viscosity of Liquid Hydrocarbons

Procedure 11A5.1 – Liquid Viscosity of Low Molecular Weight Hydrocarbons at High Pressure
(1997)

Discussion
The equations in this procedure are to be used to predict the effect of pressure on the viscosity of pure
hydrocarbon liquids.

μ r = μ r (0)  ωμ r (1) (11A5.1-1)

Where :
μr = reduced viscosity, μ/μc
μr(0) = reduced viscosity for the simple fluid, which is a function of T r an Pr, calculated by equation
(11A5.1-1).
μr(1) = correction term for molecular acentricity, which is a function of T r and Pr, calculated by
equation (11A5.1-4).
ω = acentric factor

μ r (0)  A1log Pr  A2 (log Pr )2  A3Pr  A4 Pr2  A5 (11A5.1-2)

An  a T
n r
bn d
 cn Tr n  en  (11A5.1-3)

a1 = 3.0294 a2 = –0.0380 a3 = –0.1415 a4 = 0.0028 a5 = 0.0107

b1 = 9.040 b2 = –7.2309 b3 = 27.2842 b4 = 69.4404 b5 = –7.4626
c1 = 0.0032 c2 = 0.0229 c3 = 0.0778 c4 = –0.0042 c5 = –85.8276
d1 = 10.9399 d2 = 11.7631 d3 = –4.3406 d4 = 3.3586 d5 = 0.1392
e1 = –0.3689 e2 = 0.5781 e3 = 0.0014 e4 = 0.0062 e5 = 87.3164

Where:

T = temperature in degrees Rankine

P = pressure in pounds per square inch absolute
Tc = critical temperature in degrees Rankine
Pc = critical pressure in pounds per square inch absolute
Pr = reduced pressure P/Pc
Tr = reduced temperature T/Tc
An, an, bn, cn, dn, en = constants shown in above table

μ (1)
r  B1Pr  B2 ln Pr  B3
(11A5.1-4)

Bn i
g n  (f n Tr  h n Tr n  jn ln Tr  k n Tr  1n ) (11A5.1-5)

11 - 48 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11A5.1 (Continued)
(1997)

For 0.45 ≤ Pr ≤ 0.75

f1 = –0.2462 f2 = –0.3199 f 3 = 4.7217

g1 = 0.0484 g2 = 17.0626 g3 = –1.9831
h1 = 0.0 h2 = 0.0 j3 = 19.2008
i1 = 0.0 i2 = 0.0 i3 = –1.7595
j1 = –0.7275 j2 = –0.0695 j3 = 65.5728
k1 = –0.0588 k2 = 0.1267 k3 = 0.6110
l1 = 0.0079 l2 = –0.0101 l3 = –19.1590

For 0.75 < Pr ≤ 1.00

f1 = –0.0214 f2 = –0.3588 f3 = 3.7166

g1 = 0.0484 g2 = 5.0537 g3 = –2.5689
h1 = 0.0 h2 = 0.0 h3 = 52.1358
i1 = 0.0 i2 = 0.0 i3 = 0.3514
j1 = –0.1827 j2 = –0.1321 j3 = –13.0750
k1 = –0.0183 k2 = 0.0204 k3 = 0.6358
l1 = 0.0090 l2 = –0.0075 l3 = –56.6687

If the critical viscosity of the compound is known,

μ  μ rμc (11A5.1-6)
If the critical viscosity of the compound is not known but the viscosity at one reference temperature and
pressure is known,
μo
μ  μr (11A5.1-7)
μ ro

Wherein:
μr = reduced viscosity, μ/μc
μ = viscosity in centipoises
μc = critical viscosity, in centipoises
μro = reduced viscosity at the reference temperature and pressure, μ o/μc
μo = viscosity at a reference temperature and pressure in centipoises

Procedure
Step 1: Obtain the critical temperature and pressure from the Pure Component Properties program and
acentric factor from the Pure Component Properties program. In addition, obtain either the critical
viscosity from Table 11A5.6 or a reference point value of atmospheric liquid viscosity from 11A2,
preferably near the temperature under study.
Step 2: Calculate the reduced temperature and pressure at which the viscosity is required.
Step 3: Obtain the correlation terms μr(0) and μr(1) from Equations (11A5.1-2) through (11A5.1-5). An
approximation of μr(0) and μr(1) can be obtained by using Tables 11A5.2 and 11A5.3.
Step 4: Calculate the reduced viscosity using Equation (11A5.1-1).
Step 5: If a critical viscosity value is available, proceed to Step 6, otherwise proceed to Step 7.
Step 6: Calculate the viscosity using Equation (11A5.1-6).
Step 7: Calculate the reference reduced viscosity, μ0/μc.
Step 8: Calculate the viscosity using Equation (11A5.1-7).

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 49
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A5.1
(1997)

Purpose
Procedure 11A5.1 is to be used to predict the effect of pressure on the liquid viscosity of low-molecular-weight
hydrocarbons. Compounds containing fewer than 20 carbon atoms are treated as low-molecular-weight
hydrocarbons.

Limitations
To apply the method, either a critical viscosity or a viscosity at some known temperature and pressure is
required.

Reliability
This procedure yielded an average error of 5 percent before a regression was performed to convert it to an
equivalent format from a graphical one. The average error for the regression was slightly higher than 8 percent.

Literature Source
Private communication, Graboski and Braun, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park,
Pennsylvania, 1969.

Examples
A. Estimate the viscosity of n-pentane at 3000 pounds per square inch absolute and 200 °F.

1) From the Pure Component Properties program, the critical temperature is 385.7°F, the critical pressure is
488.8 pounds per square inch absolute and the molecular weight is 72.15. For the condition specified,

3000
Pr   6.14
488.8

200  459.7
Tr   0.78
385.7  459.7

2) From the Pure Component Properties program, ω = 0.2515; from Table 11A5.6, μc= 0.0255 centipoise.

3) From Equations (11A5.1-2) and (11A5.1-3), μr(0) = 5.20 and from Equations (11A5.1-4) and
(11A5.1-5), μr(1) = 1.89.
4) Calculate the reduced viscosity using Equation (11A5.1-1).

μr = 5.20 + (0.2515)(1.89) = 5.68

5) The viscosity is calculated using Equation (11A5.1-6).

μ = (5.68) (0.0255) = 0.145 centipoise

The experimental value is 0.166 centipoise.

11 - 50 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A5.1 (Continued)
(1997)

B. Estimate the viscosity of n-decane at 280 °F and 1500 pounds per square inch absolute. The value at 1
atmosphere and 280 °F for the viscosity n-decane is 0.2913 centipoise.

1) From the Pure Component Properties program, the critical pressure is 306 pounds per square
inch absolute and the critical temperature is 652.1 °F. For the condition specified

1500
Pr   4.90
306

280  459.7
Tr   0.665
652.1  459.7

2) From Equations (11A5.1-2) and (llA5.1-3), μr(0) = 8.04 and from Equations (11A5.1-4) and
(11A5.1-5), μr(1) = 4.91.

3) The reduced viscosity is then calculated using Equation (11A5.1-1) with the value ω = 0.4923
obtained from the Pure Component Properties program.
r  8.04  .4923 4.91  10.46

4) The conditions of 1 atmosphere and 280 °F are close to saturation and the reference viscosity may
be assumed to be the saturation value. From Equations (11A5.1-2) and (11A5.1-3), μr(0) = 7.25
and from Equations (11A5.1-4) and (11A5.1-5) μr(1)= 4.15 at the saturation condition (1
atmosphere)

5) The reduced viscosity at the reference condition is calculated using Equation (11A5.1-1).
ro  7.25  .4923 4.15  9.29
6) The viscosity is calculated using equation (11A5.1-7)
0.2720
  10.46  0.306
9.29

The experimental value is 0.310 centipoise.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 51
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Table 11A5.2 – Reduced Liquid Viscosity- Simple Fluid Term- r(0)

(Part of Procedure 11A5.1)
(1997)

Reduced Reduced Pressure

Temperature Saturation 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00
0.45 16.5 17.1 17.8 18.5 19.1 19.7 20.2 20.7 21.2 22.0 22.8 23.5 24.1
0.50 13.0 13.6 14.2 14.8 15.3 15.8 16.2 16.6 17.0 17.6 18.2 18.7 19.1
0.55 10.5 11.1 11.6 12.0 12.4 12.8 13.2 13.5 13.8 14.3 14.8 15.2 15.6
0.60 8.20 8.70 9.10 9.50 9.90 10.3 10.7 11.0 11.4 11.9 12.4 12.7 13.0

0.65 6.90 7.30 7.60 8.00 8.30 8.70 9.10 9.50 9.80 10.4 10.9 11.2 11.5
0.70 5.80 6.10 6.40 6.70 7.00 7.30 7.60 7.90 8.20 8.70 9.20 9.70 10.2
0.75 4.80 5.00 5.30 5.60 5.90 6.20 6.50 6.70 6.90 7.30 7.70 8.00 8.30
0.80 3.90 4.30 4.60 4.80 5.00 5.20 5.40 5.60 5.80 6.20 6.60 6.90 7.20
0.85 3.20 3.45 3.75 4.15 4.45 4.65 4.85 5.05 5.30 5.70 6.10 6.40 6.70

0.90 2.70 2.90 3.30 3.68 4.00 4.25 4.50 4.73 4.95 5.35 5.75 6.05 6.35
0.95 2.10 2.18 2.80 3.20 3.60 3.83 4.08 4.30 4.47 5.00 5.30 5.70 6.10
0.96 2.03 2.05 2.46 3.11 3.51 3.75 4.00 4.21 4.43 4.92 5.22 5.61 6.00
0.97 1.90 1.95 2.42 3.02 3.42 3.67 3.92 4.12 4.39 4.84 5.14 5.52 5.90
0.98 1.70 1.80 2.40 2.93 3.33 3.59 3.85 4.03 4.34 4.76 5.06 5.43 5.80

0.99 1.50 1.60 2.35 2.84 3.24 3.50 3.78 3.94 4.29 4.68 4.98 5.34 5.70
1.00 1.00 1.00 2.30 2.75 3.15 3.42 3.70 3.85 4.25 4.60 4.90 5.25 5.60

Interpolation where Tr = 1:

Reduced Reduced Pressure

Temperature 1.10 1.20 1.30 1.40 1.50
1.00 1.15 1.30 1.47 1.60 1.72

11 - 52 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Table 11A5.3 – Reduced Liquid Viscosity, Correction Term, r(1)

(Part of Procedure 11A5.1)
(1997)

Reduced Reduced Pressure

Temperature Saturation 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00
0.45 30.0 30.3 30.8 31.1 31.5 31.8 32.1 32.3 32.5 32.9 33.1 33.4 33.7
0.50 20.0 20.4 21.2 22.1 22.4 23.1 23.2 23.5 23.8 24.4 24.8 25.1 25.6
0.55 11.5 11.8 12.2 12.6 13.0 13.3 13.6 14.0 14.3 15.0 15.3 15.5 15.6
0.60 6.70 6.80 6.90 7.00 7.10 7.20 7.30 7.50 7.60 7.90 8.30 8.70 9.00

0.65 4.40 5.10 5.20 5.30 5.40 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.60 5.90 6.10
0.70 3.60 3.70 3.80 3.90 4.00 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.20 4.20 4.10 3.90
0.75 2.35 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.20 2.00 1.90 1.80
0.80 1.65 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.40 1.40 1.40
0.85 1.05 1.05 1.05 0.95 0.90 0.90 0.95 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60

0.90 0.40 0.40 0.35 0.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 –0.10 –0.10 –0.20 –0.20
0.95 –0.10 –0.08 –0.17 –0.38 –0.50 –0.50 –0.55 –0.60 –0.65 –0.80 –0.92 –1.14 –1.20
0.96 –0.13 –0.05 –0.04 –0.41 –0.60 –0.67 –0.70 –0.75 –0.85 –0.98 –1.00 –1.18 –1.25
0.97 –0.15 –0.10 –0.06 –0.45 –0.70 –0.72 –0.75 –0.78 –0.88 –1.06 –1.08 –1.23 –1.31
0.98 –0.10 –0.10 –0.07 –0.49 –0.75 –0.77 –0.80 –0.83 –0.94 –1.15 –1.16 –1.28 –1.37

0.99 –0.15 –0.10 –0.25 –0.53 –0.79 –0.81 –0.90 –0.93 –1.05 –1.24 –1.23 –1.33 –1.43
1.00 0.00 0.00 –0.33 –0.56 –0.85 –0.90 –0.97 –0.98 –1.15 –1.32 –1.31 –1.37 –1.48

Interpolation where Tr = 1:
Reduced Reduced Pressure
Temperature 1.10 1.20 1.30 1.40 1.50
1.00 –0.07 –0.10 –0.13 –0.17 –0.21

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 53
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A5.4 – Critical Viscosity Data
(Part of Procedure 11A5.1)
(1997)

Paraffins Critical Viscosity

(centipoise)

Methane 0.0140
Ethane 0.0200
Propane 0.0237
n-Butane 0.0245
2-Methylpropane (isobutane) 0.0270

n-Pentane 0.0255
2,2-Dimethylpropane 0.0350
(neopentane)
n-Hexane 0.0264
n-Heptane 0.0273
n-Octane 0.0282

n-Nonane 0.0291
n-Decane 0.0305
n-Undecane 0.0309
n-Dodecane 0.0315
n-Tridecane 0.0328

n-Tetradecane 0.0337
n-Pentadecane 0.0348
n-Hexadecane 0.0355
n-Heptadecane 0.0362
n-Octadecane 0.0370

n-Nonadecane 0.0375
n-Eicosane 0.0388

11 - 54 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11A5.5 – Liquid Viscosity of High Molecular Weight Pure and Mixed Hydrocarbons at
High Pressure
(1997)

Discussion
The following equation should be used to estimate the effect of pressure on viscosity of high molecular-weight pure
hydrocarbons and their mixtures.
μp p 0.181
log  ( 0.0102  0.04042μ a ) (11A5.5-1)
μa 1000

Where:
µp = viscosity at given temperature and pressure in centipoises.
µa = viscosity at given temperature and 1 atmosphere in centipoises.
p = pressure in pounds per square inch guage.

Procedure
Step 1: Obtain the atmospheric-pressure viscosity of the fluid.
Step 2: If the oil is gas-free, go to Step 3. If the oil contains a dissolved gas, apply Procedure 11A7.1 to
obtain the viscosity of the solution at saturated conditions for the same quantity of dissolved gas.
Compute the pressure as the difference between the desired pressure and that of the bubble point of the
mixture. Use the viscosity of the solution at its bubble point as the reference viscosity for the
calculation.
Step 3: Apply Equation (11A5.5-1) to obtain the viscosity at the elevated pressure.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 55
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A5.5
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is presented for estimating the pressure effect on liquid viscosity of high-molecular-weight
hydrocarbons and mixtures of hydrocarbons of undefined composition at high pressures. Compounds containing 20
or more carbon atoms are usually treated as high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons.

Limitations
The method should not be applied for pressures greater than 20,000 pounds per square inch.

Reliability
The average error between calculated and experimental viscosities was determined to be 9.5 percent for the
1279 data points evaluated.

Literature Source
Equation (11A5.5-1) is a modified form of the original equation presented by Kouzel, Hydrocarbon Process.
Petrol. Refiner 44 [3] 120 (1965). New constants for Equation (11A5.5-1) were determined at The Pennsylvania
State University using currently available data.

Example
Estimate the viscosity of the extract portion of a lubricating oil at 9940.0 pounds per square inch absolute and
120.2 °F. The viscosity at 120.2 °F and 1 atmosphere is 52.70 centipoises.
From Equation (11A5.5-1),

p  9940  14.7  0.0102  0.04042

 52.70  
0.181
log 
52.70 1000  
 0.721
 p  277.2 centipoises
The experimental value is 281 centipoises.

11 - 56 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11A6 Viscosity Index

Procedure 11A6.1 – Viscosity Index from Kinematic Viscosity

(1997)

Discussion
The viscosity index is an empirical number indicating the effect of changes in temperature on the viscosity of an
oil. A low viscosity index signifies a relatively large change of viscosity with temperature. This procedure was taken
directly from ASTM D 2770-86. Two methods are involved: Method A applies only to oils having a viscosity index
between 0 and 100; whereas, Method B applies to oils having a viscosity index greater than 100.
Method A (for viscosity indexes of 100 or less):
LU
Viscosity index= ×100 (11A6.1-1)
LH

Wherein:
L = viscosity at 40 °C of a reference oil of 0 viscosity index and having the same viscosity at
100°C as the oil whose viscosity index is to be calculated in centistokes.
U = viscosity at 40 °C of the oil whose viscosity index is to be calculated in centistokes.
H = viscosity at 40 °C of a reference oil of 100 viscosity index and having the same viscosity at
100 °C as the oil whose viscosity index is to be calculated in centistokes.
If the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100 °C is below 70.0 centistokes, the values of L and H can be read
from Table 11A6.2. If the kinematic viscosity at 100 °C is above 70.0 and the viscosity index is below 100, then the
values of L and H are calculated from the following equations:

L = 0.8353 Y2 + 14.67 Y – 216 (11A6.1-2)

H = 0.1684 Y2 + 11.85 Y – 97 (11A6.1-3)

Wherein:
Y = kinematic viscosity at 100 °C of the oil whose viscosity index is to be calculated, in
centistokes.

Method B (for viscosity indexes above 100):

(antilog N)  1
Viscosity index   100 (11A6.1-4)
0.00715

Wherein:
N = power required to raise the viscosity of the oil at 100 °C to equal the ratio of H and U.

log H  log U (11A6.1-5)

N
log Y
Procedure
Method A (for viscosity indexes of 100 or less):
Step 1: If the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100 °C is less than 70.0 centistokes, obtain the L and H from
Table 11A6.2. If not, calculate L and H from Equations (11A6.1-2) and (11.A6.1-3), respectively.
Step 2: Calculate the viscosity index from equation (11A6.1-1).

Method B (for viscosity indexes above 100):

Step 1: If the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100 °C is less than 70.0 centistokes, obtain H from Table
11A6.2. If not, calculate H from Equation (11A6.1-3).
Step 2: Calculate N from Equation (11A6.1-5).
Step 3: Calculate the viscosity index from Equation (11A6.1-4).

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 57
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A6.1
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is given for calculating the viscosity index of oils.

Limitations
Saybolt viscosity should not be used for calculating the viscosity index. Instead, use kinematic viscosity, in
centistokes. (A trial-and-error solution must be used to determine whether Method A or Method B is valid).
Viscosity index values that are somewhat greater than 100 will not differ significantly whether calculated by Method
A or Method B. The viscosity index should be reported to the nearest whole number. The viscosity index is not
defined for oils with a kinematic viscosity less than 2.0 centistokes at 100 °C.

Special Comments
The results obtained from the calculation of viscosity index from kinematic viscosities at 40 and 100 °C are
virtually the same as those obtained from the former viscosity index system using kinematic viscosities determined
at 100 °F and 210 °F.

Literature Source
The procedure and tables were adapted from ASTM D 2770-86, Standard Practice for Calculating Viscosity
Index from Kinematic Viscosity at 40 and 100 °C.

Examples
A. Calculate the viscosity index of an oil having a kinematic viscosity of 73.30 centistokes at 40 °C and 8.86
centistokes at 100 °C.
Assume the viscosity index to be between 0 and 100 and use Method A.
From Table 11A6.2, L = 119.94 and H = 69.48.
Using Equation (11A6.1 - 1),

119.94  73.30
Viscosity index  100  92.43
119.94  69.48

Thus, Method A was the appropriate choice. The viscosity index should be reported as 92.

B. Calculate the viscosity index of an oil whose kinematic viscosity is 5000 centistokes at 40 °C and 100
centistokes at 100 °C.
Since the change in viscosity is large, assume Method A applies.
Using Equations (11A6.1-2) and (11A6.1-3), respectively.

L = (0.8353)(100)2 + 14.67(100) – 216 = 9604

H = (0.1684)(100)2 + (11.85)(100) – 97 = 2772

Using Equation (11A6.1-1),

9604  5000
Viscosity index  100  67.39
9604  2772

Since the result is less than 100, Method A was the appropriate choice. The viscosity index should be reported as 67.

C. Calculate the viscosity index of an oil whose kinematic viscosity is 22.83 centistokes at 40 °C and 5.05
centistokes at 100 °C.
Assume Method A applies. From Table 11A6.2, L = 41.11 and H = 28.98. Using Equation (11A6.1-1),
41.11  22.83
Viscosity index  100  150.7
41.11  28.98
The viscosity index is greater than 100, so Method B must be used.

11 - 58 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A6.1 (Continued)
(1997)

Using Equation (11A6.1-5),

log 28.98  log 22.83
N  0.1473
log 5.05

From Equation (11A6.l -4),

1.404  1
Viscosity index   100  156.5
0.00715

The viscosity index should be reported as 157.

D. Calculate the viscosity index of an oil whose kinematic viscosity is 1500 centistokes at 40 °C and 100
centistokes at 100 °C.
Assume Method B is appropriate.
Using Equations (11A6.1-3) and (11A6.1-5), respectively.

H= (0.1684)(100)2 + (11.85)(100) – 97 = 2772

log 2772  log 1500

N  0.1334
log 100

Using Equation (11A6.1-4),

1.360  1
Viscosity index   100  150.3
0.00715

Since the result is greater than 100, Method B was the correct procedure. The viscosity index should be reported
as 150.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 59
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11A6.2 – Reference Values for Viscosity Index
(1997)
Kinematic Kinematic Kinematic
Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity
at 100 °C L H at 100 °C L H at 100 °C L H
cSt cSt cSt
(mm2/s) (mm2/s) (mm2/s)

2.00 7.994 6.394 7.00 78.00 48.57 12.0 201.9 108.0

2.10 8.640 6.894 7.10 80.25 49.61 12.1 204.8 109.4
2.20 9.309 7.410 7.20 82.39 50.69 12.2 207.8 110.7
2.30 10.00 7.944 7.30 84.53 51.78 12.3 210.7 112.0
2.40 10.71 8.496 7.40 86.66 52.88 12.4 213.6 113.3

2.50 11.45 9.063 7.50 88.85 53.98 12.5 216.6 114.7

2.60 12.21 9.647 7.60 91.04 55.09 12.6 219.6 116.0
2.70 13.00 10.25 7.70 93.20 56.20 12.7 222.6 117.4
2.80 13.80 10.87 7.80 95.43 57.31 12.8 225.7 118.7
2.90 14.63 11.50 7.90 97.72 58.45 12.9 228.8 120.1

3.00 15.49 12.15 8.00 100.0 59.60 13.0 231.9 121.5

3.10 16.36 12.82 8.10 102.3 60.74 13.1 235.0 122.9
3.20 17.26 13.51 8.20 104.6 61.89 13.2 238.1 124.2
3.30 18.18 14.21 8.30 106.9 63.05 13.3 241.2 125.6
3.40 19.12 14.93 8.40 109.2 64.18 13.4 244.3 127.0

3.50 20.09 15.66 8.50 111.5 65.32 13.5 247.4 128.4

3.60 21.08 16.42 8.60 113.9 66.48 13.6 250.6 129.8
3.70 22.09 17.19 8.70 116.2 67.64 13.7 253.8 131.2
3.80 23.13 17.97 8.80 118.5 68.79 13.8 257.0 132.6
3.90 24.19 18.77 8.90 120.9 69.94 13.9 260.1 134.0

4.00 25.32 19.56 9.00 123.3 71.10 14.0 263.3 135.4

4.10 26.50 20.37 9.10 125.7 72.27 14.1 266.6 136.8
4.20 27.75 21.21 9.20 128.0 73.42 14.2 269.8 138.2
4.30 29.07 22.05 9.30 130.4 74.57 14.3 273.0 139.6
4.40 30.48 22.92 9.40 132.8 75.73 14.4 276.3 141.0

4.50 31.96 23.81 9.50 135.3 76.91 14.5 279.6 142.4

4.60 33.52 24.71 9.60 137.7 78.08 14.6 283.0 143.9
4.70 35.13 25.63 9.70 140.1 79.27 14.7 286.4 145.3
4.80 36.79 26.57 9.80 142.7 80.46 14.8 289.7 146.8
4.90 38.50 27.53 9.90 145.2 81.67 14.9 293.0 148.2

5.00 40.23 28.49 10.0 147.7 82.87 15.0 296.5 149.7

5.10 41.99 29.46 10.1 150.3 84.08 15.1 300.0 151.2
5.20 43.76 30.43 10.2 152.9 85.30 15.2 303.4 152.6
5.30 45.53 31.40 10.3 155.4 86.51 15.3 306.9 154.1
5.40 47.31 32.37 10.4 158.0 87.72 15.4 310.3 155.6

5.50 49.09 33.34 10.5 160.6 88.95 15.5 313.9 157.0

5.60 50.87 34.32 10.6 163.2 90.19 15.6 317.5 158.6
5.70 52.64 35.29 10.7 165.8 91.40 15.7 321.1 160.1
5.80 54.42 36.26 10.8 168.5 92.65 15.8 324.6 161.6
5.90 56.20 37.23 10.9 171.2 93.92 15.9 328.3 163.1

6.00 57.97 38.19 11.0 173.9 95.19 16.0 331.9 164.6

6.10 59.74 39.17 11.1 176.6 96.45 16.1 335.5 166.1
6.20 61.52 40.15 11.2 179.4 97.71 16.2 339.2 167.7
6.30 63.32 41.13 11.3 182.1 98.97 16.3 342.9 169.2
6.40 65.18 42.14 11.4 184.9 100.2 16.4 346.6 170.7

6.50 67.12 43.18 11.5 187.6 101.5 16.5 350.3 172.3

6.60 69.16 44.24 11.6 190.4 102.8 16.6 354.1 173.8
6.70 71.29 45.33 11.7 193.3 104.1 16.7 358.0 175.4
6.80 73.48 46.44 11.8 196.2 105.4 16.8 361.7 177.0
6.90 75.72 47.51 11.9 199.0 106.7 16.9 365.6 178.6

11 - 60 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Kinematic Kinematic Kinematic
Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity
at 100 °C L H at 100 °C L H at 100 °C L H
cSt cSt cSt
(mm2/s) (mm2/s) (mm2/s)
17.0 369.4 180.2 24.0 683.9 301.8 42.5 1935 714.9
17.1 373.3 181.7 24.2 694.5 305.6 43.0 1978 728.2
17.2 377.1 183.3 24.4 704.2 309.4 43.5 2021 741.3
17.3 381.0 184.9 24.6 714.9 313.0 44.0 2064 754.4
17.4 384.9 186.5 24.8 725.7 317.0 44.5 2108 767.6

17.5 388.9 188.1 25.0 736.5 320.9 45.0 2152 780.9

17.6 392.7 189.7 25.2 747.2 324.9 45.5 2197 794.5
17.7 396.7 191.3 25.4 758.2 328.8 46.0 2243 808.2
17.8 400.7 192.9 25.6 769.3 332.7 46.5 2288 821.9
17.9 404.6 194.6 25.8 779.7 336.7 47.0 2333 835.5

18.0 408.6 196.2 26.0 790.4 340.5 47.5 2380 849.2

18.1 412.6 197.8 26.2 801.6 344.4 48.0 2426 863.0
18.2 416.7 199.4 26.4 812.8 348.4 48.5 2473 876.9
18.3 420.7 201.0 26.6 824.1 352.3 49.0 2521 890.9
18.4 424.9 202.6 26.8 835.5 356.4 49.5 2570 905.3

18.5 429.0 204.3 27.0 847.0 360.5 50.0 2618 919.6

18.6 433.2 205.9 27.2 857.5 364.6 50.5 2667 933.6
18.7 437.3 207.6 27.4 869.0 368.3 51.0 2717 948.2
18.8 441.5 209.3 27.6 880.6 372.3 51.5 2767 962.9
18.9 445.7 211.0 27.8 892.3 376.4 52.0 2817 977.5

19.0 449.9 212.7 28.0 904.1 380.6 52.5 2867 992.1

19.1 454.2 214.4 28.2 915.8 384.6 53.0 2918 1007
19.2 458.4 216.1 28.4 927.6 388.8 53.5 2969 1022
19.3 462.7 217.7 28.6 938.6 393.0 54.0 3020 1037
19.4 467.0 219.4 28.8 951.2 396.6 54.5 3073 1052

19.5 471.3 221.1 29.0 963.4 401.1 55.0 3126 1066

19.6 475.7 222.8 29.2 975.4 405.3 55.5 3180 1082
19.7 479.7 224.5 29.4 987.1 409.5 56.0 3233 1097
19.8 483.9 226.2 29.6 998.9 413.5 56.5 3286 1112
19.9 488.6 227.7 29.8 1011 417.6 57.0 3340 1127

20.0 493.2 229.5 30.0 1023 421.7 57.5 3396 1143

20.2 501.5 233.0 30.5 1055 432.4 58.0 3452 1159
20.4 510.8 236.4 31.0 1086 443.2 58.5 3507 1175
20.6 519.9 240.1 31.5 1119 454.0 59.0 3563 1190
20.8 528.8 243.5 32.0 1151 464.9 59.5 3619 1206

21.0 538.4 247.1 32.5 1184 475.9 60.0 3676 1222

21.2 547.5 250.7 33.0 1217 487.0 60.5 3734 1238
21.4 556.7 254.2 33.5 1251 498.1 61.0 3792 1254
21.6 566.4 257.8 34.0 1286 509.6 61.5 3850 1270
21.8 575.6 261.5 34.5 1321 521.1 62.0 3908 1286

22.0 585.2 264.9 35.0 1356 532.5 62.5 3966 1303

22.2 595.0 268.6 35.5 1391 544.0 63.0 4026 1319
22.4 604.3 272.3 36.0 1427 555.6 63.5 4087 1336
22.6 614.2 275.8 36.5 1464 567.1 64.0 4147 1352
22.8 624.1 279.6 37.0 1501 579.3 64.5 4207 1369

23.0 633.6 283.3 37.5 1538 591.3 65.0 4268 1385

23.2 643.4 286.8 38.0 1575 603.1 65.5 4329 1402
23.4 653.8 290.5 38.5 1613 615.0 66.0 4392 1419
23.6 663.3 294.4 39.0 1651 627.1 66.5 4455 1436
23.8 673.7 297.9 39.5 1691 639.2 67.0 4517 1454

40.0 1730 651.8 67.5 4580 1471

40.5 1770 664.2 68.0 4645 1488
41.0 1810 676.6 68.5 4709 1505
41.5 1851 689.1 69.0 4773 1522
42.0 1892 701.9 69.5 4839 1541
70.0 4905 1558

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 61
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11A7 Liquid Viscosity of Hydrocarbons Containing Dissolved Gases

Procedure 11A7.1 – Liquid Viscosity of Pure and Mixed Hydrocarbons Containing Dissolved Gases
(1997)

Discussion
The following equation is to be used for estimating the effect of dissolved gas on the viscosity of liquid
hydrocarbons at 100 °F and the saturation pressure:

3
 1/3
μm  0.294(GLR )  137.0μ a  538.4  
  (11A7.1-1)
 1/3
μa  μ a [137.0  0.871(GLR )]  538.4 


Wherein:
μm = viscosity of saturated liquid at 100 °F and the saturation pressure, in centipoises.
μa = viscosity of gas-free liquid at 100 °F and 1 atmosphere, in centipoise.
GLR = gas-to-liquid ratio, in cubic feet of gas per barrel of liquid evaluated at 60 °F and 1
atmosphere.

In order to apply this at temperatures other than 100 °F, the following relation is to be used:

1.209  log (μ m ) 
log μ t  1.209  (11A7.1-2)
 t  139   239

Wherein:
μt = viscosity at the desired temperature in centipoises.
t = temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

Procedure
Step 1: Calculate the volume of gas dissolved per volume of gas-free liquid at 60 °F and 1 atmosphere
pressure. If the gas-to-liquid ratio is in cubic feet of gas per cubic foot of liquid, multiply this figure
by 5.615 to obtain the defined units for gas-to-liquid ratio, GLR.
Step 2: Obtain the viscosity of gas-free liquid at 100 °F and 1 atmosphere. If an experimental value is not
available, Procedure 11A2.1 or Procedure 11A2.3 can be used to predict the viscosity of pure
compounds.
For petroleum fractions, Procedure 11A4.2 can be used to predict viscosity. For a defined mixture
of pure compounds, Procedure 11A3.1 should be used to predict the viscosity. For a blend of
petroleum fractions, Procedure 11A4.5 may be used, and Procedure 11A4.6 should be used to
predict the viscosity if the blend contains pure components.
Step 3: Use Equation (11A7.1-1) to calculate the viscosity at 100 °F. Use Equation (11A7.1-2) to calculate
the viscosity at temperatures other than 100 °F.

11 - 62 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A7.1
(1997)

Purpose
Procedure 11A7.1 is to be used to estimate the viscosity of a hydrocarbon liquid containing dissolved gases at
the saturation pressure. The procedure can be used for dissolved gases that are pure components, defined mixtures or
undefined mixtures (i.e., natural gas).

Limitations
Equation (11A7.1-2) should not be used above 500 °F. This correlation was developed from data on liquid
hydrocarbons containing dissolved gases such as N2, CO2, CH4 and light hydrocarbons only. The method is valid for
saturation pressures up to 5000 psia. The method should not be used to predict the viscosity of mixtures at pressures
far above the bubble point pressure.
For mixtures at pressures far above the bubble point pressure, Procedure 11A5.3 can be used to predict the
viscosity if the bubble point pressure is at or near atmospheric pressure. If the bubble point pressure is not near
atmospheric pressure, then the alternate computer procedure SUPERTRAPP could be used to predict the viscosity of
the dissolved gas mixtures at pressures greatly exceeding the bubble point.

Reliability
The average error in viscosity calculation is approximately 15% for 227 data points. The method was evaluated
for the light hydrocarbon gases, methane, ethane, propane and the nonhydrocarbon gases, carbon dioxide, helium
and nitrogen at gas-to-liquid ratios up to 1000 cubic feet per barrel.

Literature Source
Private communication from Kouzel, Union Oil Co. of California, Brea, California, 1982.

Examples
A. Estimate the viscosity of a saturated solution of methane in a paraffin oil (crystal oil) at 130 °F and 400 psia.
Gas-to-liquid ratio, GLR, is 54.55 cubic feet of gas per barrel of liquid. The viscosity of the gas-free oil at
100 °F is 28.38 centipoises. From Equation (11A7.1-1),

3
μm  0.294(54.55)  137.0(28.38)1/ 3  538.4 
 
28.38  (28.38)1/ 3[137.0  0.871(54.55)]  538.4 

 0.6886
μ m  19.54 centipoises

From Equation (11A7.1-2),

1.209  log (19.54) 
log μ t  1.209    x 239
 130  139
 1.012
μ t  10.28 centipoises

The experimental value is 10.72 centipoises.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 63
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11A7.1 (Continued)
(1997)

B. Estimate the viscosity of a saturated solution of 30 mole percent methane and 70 mole percent n-decane at
100 °F. The saturation pressure of the mixture is approximately 1000 psia. The density of methane vapor is 0.00264
lb-mole per cubic foot at 60 °F and 1 atmosphere pressure. The density of n-decane liquid at 60 °F is 0.3219 lb-mole
per cubic foot. The viscosity of n-decane is 0.728 centipoise at 100 °F and 1 atmosphere pressure

Calculate the gas-to-liquid ratio, GLR,

 1 
 (0.3)
3 3
ft of gas
GLR 
 0.00264 lb-mole/ft   52.3
 1  3
ft of liquid
  (0.7)
 0.3219 lb-mole/ft 3 

GLR = 52.3 x 5.615 = 293.7 ft3/barrel of liquid

From Equation (11A7.1-1),

3
μ  1/3
 538.4 
m   0.294 (293.7)  137.0 (0.728) 
 
0.728  (0.728)1/3 [137.0  0.871 (293.7)]  538.4 
 

μ m  0.430 centipoise

The experimental value is 0.518 centipoise.

11 - 64 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11B Viscosity of Gaseous Hydrocarbons

11B1 Viscosity of Pure Hydrocarbon and Nonhydrocarbon Gases

Procedure 11B1.1 – Correlation for the Vapor Viscosity of Pure Compounds at Low Pressure
(1997)

Discussion
The following equation is recommended for calculating the vapor viscosity of any pure compound over a
specific temperature range.

B
1000 AT
μ (11B1.1-1)
 C D 
1   2 
 T T 

Wherein:
μ = absolute viscosity of vapor in centipoises.
T = temperature in degrees Rankine.
A,B,C,D = correlation coefficients from Table 11B1.2.

Procedure
Step 1: Locate the coefficients for the desired compound in Table 11B1.2. Check to see if the temperature
is within the specified range of the correlation.
Step 2: Calculate the vapor viscosity from Equation (11B1.1-1).

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 65
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11B1.1
(1997)

Purpose
This correlation is used to calculate the vapor viscosity of pure components as a function of temperature. Table
11B1.2 lists coefficients for 300 pure compounds.

Limitations
This procedure is valid only over the specified temperature range listed in Table 11B1.2 for each pure
component. The average error over the entire temperature range is less than 5% and generally better than 2%. The
correlations are only valid at reduced pressures less than 0.6.

Literature Sources
Procedure 11B1.1 was developed by the project staff at The Pennsylvania State University.

Example
Determine the vapor viscosity of n-hexane at 121.95 °F and 14.7 psia.

1. Convert temperature to Rankine and check to see if this temperature is contained within the range given in
Table 11B1.2.
T = 121.95 + 459.67 = 581.62 °R
This temperature is within the specified range of 320 to 1800 Rankine.

2. Obtain the values for the coefficients A. B, C, and D from Table 11B1.2.
A = 1.155 × 10–7
B = 0.7074
C = 282.8
D = 0.0

3. Use Equation (11B1.1-1) and the coefficients to calculate the vapor viscosity at the specified temperature.

μ = 1000 (1.1553 × 10–7) (581.62)0.7074/[1 +282.73/581.62]

μ = 7.02 × 10–3 centipoise

The experimental value is 7.14 × 10–3 centipoise.

11 - 66 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BO O K– 9th Edition
Table 11B1.2 - Coefficients for Procedure 11B1.1
(1997)

API NAME RANGE,

No. A B c D MIN

794 OXYGEN 7.906e·07 5.634E·01 1. [Link]+OO 2700 X

781 HYDROGEN 1.201E·07 6.850E·01 ·1.06E+OO 4.536E+02 25 5400 X
4.152E·07 6.778E·01 1.525E+03 ·2.40E+05 492 1932 X
792 NITROGEN DIOXIDE 3.565E·08 9.222E·01 ·5.13E+02 2.411E+05 540 1800 X
NITRIC OXIDE 1.086E·06 2.257E+02 [Link]+OO . 2700 X
791 OXIDE 1.610E·06 4.642E·01 5.503E+02 [Link]+OO 328 1800 X
771 2.352E·08 9.806E-01 5.544E+01 [Link]+OO 352 1800 X
m CHLORINE 7.423E·01 1. 769E+02 [Link]+OO 360 1800 X
HYDROGEN CHLORIDE 3.321E·07 6.702E•01 2.839E+02 0.000£+00 360 1800 X
HYDROGEN 1.017E+OO 6.703E+02 -2.08E+05 450
4.588E·07 6.081E·01 9.848E+01 [Link]+OO 114 3546 X
774 CARBON 8.133E·07 5.338E·01 1. 70SE+02 [Link]+OO 123 2250 X
DIOXIDE 1 .639E·06 4.600E·01 S.220E+02 [Link]+OO 350 2700 X
DIOXIDE 4.79ZE·07 6. 1 12E·01 3.906E+02 [Link]+OO 356 1800 X
TRIOXIDE 8.462E+02 [Link]+OO 536 1250 X
170 AIR 1.059E-06 5.039E·01 1.949E+02 [Link]+OO 144 3600 X

PARAFFINS

1 METHANE 3.715E·07 5.901E·01 1.903E+02 [Link]+OO 163 1 8 00 • X

2 ETHANE 1.737E-07 6.799E-01 1. 780E+02 [Link]+OO 163 1800 X
3 PROPANE 1.670E·07 6.861E·01 3.227E+02 ·2.67E+04 154 1800 X
4 n·BUTANE 1.528E·07 6.944E-01 4.099E+02 ·4.73E•04 243 1800 X
5 ISOBUTANE 5.090E·07 5.214E·01 4. 122E•02 [Link]+OO 270 1800 X
6 n·PENTANE 3.853E·08 8.476E·01 7.510E+01 [Link]+OO 258 1800 X
7 ISOPENTANE 8.782E-07 4.572E·01 6.527E+02 ·1 .61E+04 204 1800 X
8 NEOPENTANE 3.484£·07 5.678£·01 3.832£+02 [Link]+OO 462 1800 X
9 n·HEXANE 1.155E·07 7.074E·01 Z.a28E+02 [Link]+OO 3 20 1800 p
10 2·METHYLPENTANE 8.548E·07 4.537E·01 6.74SE+02 [Link]+OO 215 1800 p
11 3·METHYLPENTANE 1.157E·06 4.251E·01 8.213E+02 [Link]+OO 198 1800 p
12 2,2·DIHETHYLBUTANE 1.296E-07 6.826E-01 1 .841E+02 [Link]+OO 314 1800 X
13 2,3·DIMETHYLBUTANE 5.035E·07 5.254E·01 5.018E+02 [Link]+OO 261 1800 X
14 n·HEPTANE 4.100E·08 8.284E·01 1.544E+02 [Link]+OO 329 1800 X
15 2-METHYLHEXANE 4.561E·01 6.476E+02 [Link]+OO 279 1800 p
16 3·HETHYLHEXANE 5.548£·01 3.791£+02 [Link]+OO 277 1800 p
17 3·ETHYLPENTANE 5.050£·07 5.148£-01 5.634E+02 0.000£+00 1800 p
18 2,2-DIHETHYLPENTANE 3.202£·07 5.674E·01 4. 147E+02 [Link]+OO 634 1800 p
19 2,3-DIMETHYLPENTANE 3.657E·07 5.446E·01 4.093E+02 [Link]+OO 288 1800 p
20 2,4-DIMETHYLPENTANE 1.251E·07 6.761E·01 1.805E+02 [Link]+OO 277 1800 X
21 3,3-DIMETHYLPENTANE 7.050E·07 4.817£·01 6.937£+02 [Link]+OO 1800 p
22 2,2,3-TRIMETHYLBUTANE 1.796E·09 1.222£+00 -2.23£+02 [Link]+OO 618 963 X
23 n·OCTANE 1 .806E-08 9.292E·01 9.916£+01 [Link]+OO 389 1800 X
24 2·METHYLHEPTANE 3.221E·07 5.535E·01 4.000E+02 [Link]+OO 295 1800 X
25 3-METHYLHEPTANE 5.925E·06 2. 145E ·01 1.468E+03 [Link]+OO 275 1800 X
26 4·METHYLHEPTANE 3.578E·06 2. 726E·01 1. 1 80E+03 [Link]+OO 274 1800 X
27 3·ETHYLHEXANE 2.678E-07 5.744£·01 3.528E+02 [Link]+OO 705 1800 p
28 2,2-DIHETHYLHEXANE 1 .479E·06 3.847E·01 9.515E+02 0.000£+00 1800 p
29 2,3·DIMETHYLHEXANE 3.200E·07 5.616E·01 4.408E+02 [Link]+OO 700 1800 p
30 2,4-DIMETHYLHEXANE 1.053E·06 4.216E·01 7.987E+02 [Link]+OO 1800 p
31 2,S·DIMETHYLHEXANE 6.333E·07 4.783E·01 [Link]+OO 1800 p
32 3,3·01METHYLHEXANE 2.126E·07 6.021E·01 2.851E+02 [Link]+OO 693 1800 p
33 3,4·DIMETHYLHEXANE 4.741E·07 5.177E·01 5.603E+02 [Link]+OO 704 1800 p
34 2·METHYL·3·ETHYLPENTANE 4. 152E· 07 5.252E·01 4.585£+02 [Link]+OO 700 1800 p
35 3·METHYL·3·ETHYLPENTANE 5.514E·01 4.923E+02 [Link]+OO 328 1800 p
36 2,2,3·TRIMETHYLPENTANE 3.383E·07 5.509E-01 4.027E+02 [Link]+OO 290 1800 p
37 2,2,4-TRIMETHYLPENTANE 7.140E·08 7.460£·01 1 .303E+02 [Link]+OO 298 1800 X
38 2,3,3·TRIMETHYLPENTANE 6. 168E·07 4.931E·01 6.685E+02 [Link]+OO 698 1800 p
39 2,3,4·TRIMETHYLPENTANE 5.017E·07 5.142E·01 5.859£•02 [Link]+OO 696 1800 p
40 2,2,3,3-TETRAMETHYLBUTANE 6.062E·07 5.026E·01 6.845E+02 [Link]+OO 673 1800 p
41 7. 3.969E+02 [Link]+OO 395 1800 X
42 2·METHYLOCTANE 4.037£·07 5. 1 95E·01 4.837E+02 [Link]+OO 347 1800 p
43 3·METHYLOCTANE 3.622£·07 5.315£-01 4.430E•02 [Link]+OO 298 1800 p
44 4·METHYLOCTANE 2.319E·07 5.848E·01 3.310E+02 [Link]+OO 288 1800 p
45 3·ETHYLHEPTANE 3.530E·07 5.401£·01 4.572£+02 [Link]+OO 285 1800 p
46 2,2·DIMETHYLHEPTANE 5.009E·01 5.200E+02 [Link]+OO 288 1800 p
47 2,6-0IMETHYLHEPTANE 5.276E·01 4.248E•02 [Link]+OO 306 1800 p

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 67
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11B1.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11B1.1
(1997)

TEMPERATURE
API NAME RANGE,
No. " B c D MIN MAX Q

50 2,2,5-TRIMETHYLHEXANE 1.551E-06 3.698E·01 9.311E+02 [Link]+OO 301 1800 p

53 2,4,4-TRIMETHYLHEXANE 2.224E·07 6.016E·01 3.517E+02 [Link]+OO 288 1800 p
55 3,3-DIETHYLPENTANE 2.757E·07 5.693E·01 3.571E+02 [Link]+OO 755 1800 p
56 2,2·DIMETHYL·3·ETHYLPENTANE 2.074E·07 6.173E·01 3.690E+02 [Link]+OO 313 1800 p
57 2,4·DIMETHYL·3·ETHYLPENTANE 2.228E-06 3.431E-01 1.283E+03 -3.23E+04 271 1800 p
58 2,2,3,3-TETRAMETHYLPENTANE 7.972E·07 4.540E·01 7.198E+02 [Link]+OO 744 1800 p
59 2,2,3,4-TETRAMETHYLPENTANE 7.864E·07 4.509E·01 6.831E+02 [Link]+OO 731 1800 p
60 2,2,4,4-TETRAMETHYLPENTANE 3.186E-07 5.488E·01 3.839E+02 [Link]+OO 712 1800 p
61 2,3,3,4-TETRAMETHYLPENTANE 2.298E·07 6.045E·01 3.870E+02 [Link]+OO 308 1800 p
62 n·DECANE 1.512E·08 9.487E-01 1.278E+02 [Link]+OO 438 1800 X
63 2·METHYLNONANE 5.924E·07 4.636E·01 5.690E+02 [Link]+OO 357 1800 p
64 3·METHYLNONANE 4.064E·07 S.11ZE·01 4.783E+02 [Link]+OO 339 1800 p
65 4-METHYLNONANE 3.301E·07 5.373E·01 4.288E+02 [Link]+OO 314 1800 p
66 5·METHYLNONANE 3.615E·07 5.267E·01 4.541E+02 [Link]+OO 334 1800 p
67 2,7-DIMETHYLOCTANE 3.70SE·08 8.274E·01 1.331E+02 [Link]+OO 394 1800 p
73 n·UNDECANE 2.111E·08 9.052E-01 2.250E+02 [Link]+OO 446 1800 X
74 n·DOOECANE 3.898E·08 8.287E-01 3.951E+02 [Link]+OO 474 1800 X
75 n·TRIDECANE 2.098E-08 8.987E-01 2.975E+02 [Link]+OO 482 1800 X
76 n·TETRAOECANE 2.675E·08 8.684E·01 4.108E+02 ·1.41E+04 502 1800 X
77 n·PENTAOECANE 2.439E-08 8.766E-01 3.829E+02 [Link]+OO 510 1800 X
78 n·HEXAOECANE 8.102E-08 7.322E·01 7.110E+02 1.944E+04 524 1800 X
79 n·HEPTADECANE 2.172E·07 6.238E·01 1.246E+03 [Link]+OO 531 1800 p
80 n·OCTADECANE 2.231E-07 6.184E-01 1.276E+03 [Link]+OO 542 1800 p
81 n·NONADECANE 2.113E·07 6.222E·01 1.270E+03 [Link]+OO 549 1800 p
82 n·EICOSANE 2.026E-07 6.246E·01 1.26SE+03 [Link]+OO 557 1800 p
86 n·TETRACOSANE 1.847E-07 6.253E·01 1.260E+03 [Link]+OO 583 1800 p
90 n·OCTACOSANE 1.798E·07 6.186E·01 1.257E+03 [Link]+OO 602 1800 p

NAPHTHENES

93 CYCLOPROPANE 1.368E·06 4.265E·01 6.666E+02 [Link]+OO 262 1800 p

101 CYCLOPENTANE 1.589E·07 6.746E·01 2.502E+02 [Link]+OO 323 1800 X
102 METHYLCYCLOPENTANE 6.788E·07 4.950E·01 6.406E+02 [Link]+OO 235 1800 p
103 ETHYLCYCLOPENTANE 1.734E·06 3.812E-01 1.040E+03 [Link]+OO 242 1800 p
104 1,1-0IMETHYLCYCLOPENTANE 4.683E·06 2.806E·01 1.598E+03 [Link]+OO 366 1800 p
105 cis-1,2·DIMETHYLCYCLOPENTANE 6.652E-07 4.933E·01 6.687E+02 [Link]+OO 671 1800 p
106 trans·1,2·DIMETHYLCYCLOPENTANE 1.189E·06 4.285E-01 8.624E+02 [Link]+OO 657 1800 p
107 cis 1,3-DIMETHYLCYCLOPENT 1.908E·06 3.800E·01 1.173E+03 ·4.11E+04 251 1800 p
108 trans 1,3-DIMETHYLCYCLOPE 2.998E·06 3.279E-01 1.379E+03 ·3.33E+04 251 1800 p
109 n·PROPYLCYCLOPENTANE 2.126E-06 3.459E-01 1.054E+03 [Link]+OO 280 1800 X
110 ISOPROPYLCYCLOPENTANE 8.666E·07 4.843E-01 1.294E+03 ·1.34E+05 291 1800 p
111 1-METHYL-1-ETHYLCYCLOPENTANE 2.471E-06 3.424E·01 1.362E+03 ·4.42E+04 233 1800 p
146 CYCLOHEXANE 4.140E·08 8.367E·01 6.606E+01 [Link]+OO 503 1620 X
147 METHYLCYCLOHEXANE 4.782E·07 5.294E·01 5.591E+02 [Link]+OO 264 1800 p
148 ETHYLCYCLOHEXANE 2.935E·07 5.714E·01 4.142E+02 [Link]+OO 291 1800 p
149 1,1-0IMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE 5.832E·07 4.994E·01 6.689E+02 [Link]+OO 707 1800 p
150 cis-1,2-DIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE 6.353E·07 4.870E·01 7.164E+02 [Link]+OO 725 1800 p
151 trans·1,2·DIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE 7.508E·07 4.723E·01 7.864E+02 [Link]+OO 714 1800 p
152 cis·1,3·DIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE 9.590E·07 4.427E-01 8.516E+02 [Link]+OO 708 1800 p
153 trans-1,3-0IMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE 1.905E·06 3.679E·01 1.215E+03 [Link]+OO 716 1800 p
154 cis·1,4·DIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE 1.913E·06 3.675E·01 1.218E+03 [Link]+OO 715 1800 p
155 trans-1,4-DIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE 1.097E-06 4.276E·01 9.097E+02 [Link]+OO 707 1800 p
156 n·PROPYLCTCLOHEXANE 7.502E·07 4.542E·01 6.946E+02 [Link]+OO 321 1800 p
157 ISOPROPYLCYCLOHEXANE 4.193E·07 5.261E-01 5.038E+02 [Link]+OO 331 1800 p
158 n·BUTYLCYCLOHEXANE 3.940E·07 5.209E-01 4.988E+02 [Link]+OO 357 1800 p
168 n·DECYLCYCLOHEXANE 2.451E·07 5.448E·01 3.731E+02 [Link]+OO 489 1800 p
179 CYCLOHEPTANE 1.041E-06 4.476E·01 8.984E+02 [Link]+OO 705 1800 p
180 CYCLOOCTANE 7.480E·07 4.699E·01 7.155E+02 [Link]+OO 518 1800 p

OLEFINS

192 ETHYLENE 1.628E·06 4.163E-01 6.349E+02 [Link]+OO 305 1800 X

193 PROPYLENE 6.118E-07 5.270E·01 5.101E+02 [Link]+OO 158 1800 X
194 1·BUTENE 7.739E·07 4.896E·01 6.253E+02 [Link]+OO 315 1800 X
195 cis·2·8UTENE 8.225E-07 4.791E-01 6.095E+02 [Link]+OO 242 1800 X

11 - 68 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11B1.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11B1.1
(1997)

TEMPERATURE
API NAME RANGE,
No. A 8 c 0 MIN MAX Q

196 trans·2·8UTENE 7.888E·07 4.867E·01 6.457E+02 [Link]+OO 302 1800 X

197 ISOBUTENE 6.563£·06 2.664E·01 1. 768E+03 [Link]+OO 239 1800 X
198 1-PENTENE 1.312E-06 4.111£·01 7.745E+02 [Link]+OO 194 1800 p
199 c:is-2-PENTENE 3.733E·07 5.582E·01 4.025E+02 [Link]+OO 219 1800 p
200 trans·2·PENTENE 3.066E·07 5.840E·01 3.605E+02 [Link]+OO 239 1800 p
201 2·METHYL•1·BUTENE 4.787E·07 5. 164E·01 4.126E+02 [Link]+OO 244 1800 p
202 3·METHYL·1·BUTENE 1.101E·06 4.435£·01 7.645£+02 [Link]+OO 188 1800 X
203 2·METHYL·2·BUTENE 3.755E-07 5.421E·01 3.497E+02 [Link]+OO 251 1800 p
204 1·HEXENE 1.019E·06 4.322E·01 7.238£+02 [Link]+OO 240 1800 p
205 eis-2-HEXENE 8.111E·07 4.585E·01 6.660E+02 [Link]+OO 616 1800 p
206 trans·2•HEXENE 4.658£·07 5.245£·01 5.072E+02 [Link]+OO 614 1800 p
207 c:is-3·HEXENE 1.153E·06 4.197E-01 8.305E+02 ·2.54£+04 244 1800 p
208 trans·3·HEXENE 3.918£·07 5.426£-01 4.320£+02 [Link]+OO 288 1800 p
209 2·METHYL·1•PENTENE 9.552£·07 4.42SE·01 7.263£+02 [Link]+OO 603 1800 p
210 3·METHYL·1·PENTENE 2.273E·06 3.570£-01 1.187E+03 ·3.64E+04 216 1800 p
211 4·METHYL·1·PENTENE 5.279£·07 5.151E·01 5.231£+02 [Link]+OO 589 1800 p
212 2·METHYL·2·PENTENE 5.085E·07 5. 144£·01 5.355£+02 [Link]+OO 613 1800 p
213 cis·3·METHYL·2·PENTENE 3.119£·06 3.109E-01 1.297E+03 ·2.80£+04 249 1800 p
215 eis·4·METHYL·2-PENTENE 4.617E·07 5.294E-01 4.842£+02 [Link]+OO 593 1800 p
216 trans·4·METHYL·2-PENTENE 5.719E·07 5.030E·01 5.389£+02 [Link]+OO 597 1800 p
217 2·ETHYL·1·BUTENE [Link]-o7 5.238£·01 5.281£+02 [Link]+OO 608 1800 p
218 2,3·DIMETHYL·1·BUTENE 1.010£-06 4.394E-01 7.373£+02 [Link]+OO 592 1800 p
219 3,3-DIMETHYL·1·BUTENE 3.242E·07 5.814£·01 3.942£+02 [Link]+OO 284 1800 p
220 2,3·DIMETHYL·2·BUTENE 3.954E·07 5.441E·01 4.909£+02 [Link]+OO 623 1800 p
221 1·HEPTENE 4.203E·07 5.294E·01 4.808E+02 [Link]+OO 278 1800 p
222 cis·2·HEPTENE 1.996E·06 3.508E·01 [Link]•o3 [Link]+OO 669 1800 p
223 trans·2·HEPTENE 4.745E·07 5.096E·01 4.842E+02 [Link]+OO 295 1800 p
224 cis·3·HEPTENE 8.435E·07 4.486£·01 7.168£+02 [Link]•oo 664 1800 p
225 trans·3·.HEPTENE 2.644E-06 3.173E·01 1.190E+03 ·2.03E+04 246 1800 p
226 2·METHYL·1·HEXENE 3.830E·07 5.354E·01 4.180£+02 [Link]+OO 307 1800 p
227 3·METHYL·1·HEXENE 1.845E·06 3.699E·01 1.079£+03 ·2.76£+04 261 1800 p
228 4·METHYL-1·HEXENE 2.413E·06 3.480E·01 1.306E+03 ·4.01£+04 237 1800 p
241 2·ETHYL·1·PENTENE 3.071£·07 5.672E·01 3.893£+02 [Link]+OO 302 1800 p
242 3·ETHYL-1·PENTENE 2.633E·06 3.395£·01 1.355£+03 ·3.80E+04 262 1800 p
256 2,3,3·TRIMETHYL·1·BUTENE 4.309E·06 2.852E·01 1.579£+03 ·2.21E+04 294 1800 p
257 1·0CTENE 2.660E·07 5. 730E·01 3.623E+02 [Link]+OO 309 1800 p
259 trans-2-0CTENE 3.906E·07 5.310E·01 4.968£+02 [Link]+OO 717 1800 p
261 trans-3-0CTENE 1.175E·06 4.040E·01 8.564E+02 [Link]+OO 714 1800 p
263 trans·4·0CTENE 4.246E-07 5.219E·01 5.123£+02 [Link]+OO 323 1800 p
269 2·ETHYL·1·HEXENE 6.078E·07 4.911E·01 5.724E+02 [Link]+OO 708 1800 p
276 2,4,4·TRIMETHYL·1·PENTENE 8.349E·07 4.520E·01 7.324E+02 [Link]+OO 674 1800 p
277 2,4,4·TRIMETHYL-2·PENTENE 5.068E-07 5.089E·01 5.75SE+02 [Link]+OO 681 1800 p
278 1· NON ENE 4.291E·07 5.079£·01 4.844E+02 [Link]+OO 345 1800 p
279 1 ·DECENE 4.463E·07 5.019£·01 5.472E+02 [Link]+OO 372 1800 j(
280 1·UND£C£NE 3.499E·07 5.252E·01 4.635E+02 [Link]+OO 4 03 1800 p
281 1·DOOECENE 3.889E·07 5.072.E·01 4.835E+02 [Link]+OO 428 1800 p
282 1·TRIDECENE 5.020e·07 4.701E·01 5.585E+02 [Link]+OO 450 1800 p
283 1·TETRADECENE 4.313E·07 4.839£·01 5.231E+02 [Link]+OO 469 1800 p
284 1·PENTADECENE 3.8m-o7 4.915E·01 4.930E+02 [Link]+OO 485 1800 p
285 1·HEXADECENE 2.664E·07 5.313E·01 3.971E+02 [Link]•OO 500 1800 p
286 1·HEPTADECENE 2.902E·07 5. 188E·01 4.261E+02 [Link]+OO 512 1800 p
287 1·0CTADECENE 3.359£-07 4.962E·01 4.565E+02 [Link]+OO 523 1800 p
288 1·NONADECENE 2.860E·07 5.112E·01 4.118E+02 [Link]+OO 534 1800 p
289 1·EICOSENE 2.550E·07 5.214£·01 3.865E+02 [Link]+OO 543 1800 p
310 CYCLOPENTENE 2.065E-07 6.499E·01 3.008£+02 [Link]+OO 249 1800 p
315 CYCLOHEXENE 1.021E·06 4.537E·01 8.010E+02 [Link]+OO 305 1800 p
511 CYCLOHEPTENE 4.831E·08 8.236E·01 1.359£+02 [Link]+OO 391 1800 p
512 CYCLOOCTENE 3.444E·08 8.602E·01 9.839£+01 [Link]+OO 385 1800 p

OJOLEFINS AND ACETYLENES

292 1,3-BUTAOIENE 1.817E·07 6.715E·01 2.425E+02 [Link]+OO 296 1800 X

293 1,2-PENTAOIENE 4.210E·07 5.286E·01 3.850E+02 [Link]+OO 245 1800 p
294 cis·1,3·PENTADIENE 3.293E·07 5.551E·01 3.217E+02 [Link]+OO 571 1800 p
295 trans·1,3·PENTADIENE 3.663E·07 5.417E·01 3.427E+02 [Link]+OO 567 1800 p

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 69
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11B1.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11B1.1
(1997)

TEMPERATURE
API NAHE RANGE,
No. A B c 0 MIN MAX 0

296 1,4·PENTAOIENE 3.430E-06 3.186E·01 1.414£•03 [Link]+OO 538 1800 p

297 2,3·PENTAOIENE 2.386E-06 3.480E·01 1.187£+03 ·2.91£+04 266 1800 p
298 3·METHTL·1,2·BUTADIENE 2.882£-07 5.923E·01 3. 748E•02 0.000£+00 287 1800 p
299 2·METHYL·1,3·BUTADIENE 2.320£·07 6.415E·01 3.618£•02 [Link]+OO 553 1800 p
300 2,3·0111ETHYL·1 ,3·8UTADIENE 4. 175E·07 5.425£-01 4.052E+02 [Link]+OO 355 1800 X

302 1,5·HEXAOIENE 2. 717£·06 3.31SE·01 1.258£+03 ·3.12E+04 238 1800 p

318 CYCLOPENTAOIENE 4.103E-07 5.699E·01 4.469£+02 [Link]+OO 339 1800 p
322 ACETYLENE 8.984E-07 4.952E·01 5.245£+02 [Link]+OO 346 1080 X
323 METHYLACETYLENE 8.778E-07 4.787E·01 5.688£+02 [Link]+OO 307 1440 X
324 OIMETHTLACETTLENE 1.524£·06 4.093E·01 8.869£+02 [Link]+OO 434 1800 p
327 1·PENTYNE 2.629£·06 3.616E·01 1.366£+03 ·4.42E+04 301 1800 p
329 3·METHYl·1·BUTYNE 2.912E-06 3.646E·01 1.556E+03 ·6.46£+04 330 1800 p
a30 1·HEXTNE 2.794E-06 3.367£·01 1.319E+03 ·3.64£+04 254 1800 p
521 1,3·CYCLOHEXAOIENE 2.577E·06 3.688E·01 1.459E+03 ·5.92£+04 290 1800 p
522 trans,trans·2,4·HEXADIENE 4.598£·07 5.114E-01 4.327£+02 [Link]+OO 411 1800 p
523 1,5·CYClOOCTAOIENE 3.280E·07 5.767£·01 4.849E+02 [Link]+OO 367 1800 p
527 2·HEXYNE 4.060£·07 5.337£·01 4.399E+02 [Link]+OO 331 1800 p
528 3·HEXYNE 3.785£·07 5.444E·01 4.266E+02 [Link]+OO 306 1800 p

AROMATICS

335 BENZENE 1. 775E-08 9.676E·01 1.422E+01 [Link]+OO 502 1800 X

336 TOLUENE 6.528E·07 4.940E·01 5.828£+02 [Link]+OO 321 1800 X
337 ETHYlBENZENE 2. 737£-07 5.927E·01 4.099E+02 [Link]•OO 321 1800 p
338 o·XYLENE 3. 164E·06 3.152E·01 1.394£+03 [Link]+OO 446 1800 p
339 m-XYLfNE 3.074E-07 5. 749E-01 4.29SE+02 [Link]+OO 406 1800 p
340 p · XYLENE 4.202£-07 5.382£·01 5. 166E+02 [Link]+OO 516 1800 p
341 n·PROPYLBENZENE 1.280E-06 4. 117£·01 9.850E+02 0.000£+00 312 1800 p
342 ISOPROPYLBENZENE 3.494£-06 3.052E·01 1.584E+03 [Link]+OO 319 1800 p
343 o·ETHYLTOlUENE 3.884E·07 s.3ne·01 5.306E+02 [Link]•OO 789 1800 p
344 •·ETHYlTOlUENE 1.693E•06 3.693E·01 1. 129E+03 [Link]+OO 320 1800 p
345 p·ETHYLTOLUENE 4.349E·07 5.307E·01 5.423E+02 [Link]+OO 379 1800 p
346 1,2,3·TRIMETHYLBENZENE 4.525E-07 5.281£-01 5.652£+02 [Link]+OO 809 1800 p
347 1, 2,4·TRIMETHYLBENZENE 1.377E·06 3.970E·01 9.655E+02 [Link]+OO 413 1800 p
348 1,3,5·TRIMETHYLBENZENE 5.046£-06 2.803£·01 2.061£+03 1.426E+05 411 1800 p
349 n·BUTYLBENZENE 7.590E·07 4.632£·01 7.790£+02 [Link]+OO 334 1800 p
350 ISOBUTYLBENZENE 3.668E-08 8.243E·01 [Link]+OO [Link]+OO 399 1800 p
351 sec·BUTYLBENZENE 9.427E·07 4.428E·01 8.937£+02 [Link]+OO 356 1800 p
352 tert·BUTYLBENZENE 5.412£·07 5.087E·01 6.923£+02 [Link]+OO 387 1800 p
356 o·CYMENE 3. 179£·07 5.644£·01 4.885E•02 0.000£•00 492 1800 p
357 m·CYMENE 1.127E-06 4.194E·01 9.194£+02 [Link]+OO 807 1800 p
358 p·CYMENE 5.659£-07 4.915£·01 6.347£+02 [Link]•OO 369 1800 p
359 o·OIETHYLBENZENE 3.089£·08 8.411E·01 [Link]+OO [Link]+OO 822 1800 p
360 m·DIETHYLBENZENE 1.4ne-o6 3.819£·01 9.947£+02 [Link]+OO 341 1800 p
361 p·OIETHYLBENZENE 3.518£-08 8.210£·01 [Link]+OO [Link]+OO 415 1800 p
369 1,2,3,5·TETRAMETHYLBENZENE 4.926E-07 5 .078E·01 5.978£+02 [Link]+OO 449 1800 p
370 1,2,4,5·TETRAMETHYLBENZENE 2.845£·07 5.690E·01 4.140£+02 [Link]+OO 634 1800 p
371 n·PENTYLBENZENE 3.073£·07 5.574£·01 4.662£+02 [Link]+OO 357 1800 p
372 n·HEXYLBENZENE 4.142E·07 5.109£·01 5.170£+02 [Link]+OO 382 1800 p
373 n·HEPTYlBENZENE 3.152£·07 5.358£·01 4.421£+02 [Link]+OO 405 1800 p
374 n·OCTYLBENZENE 4.050E-07 4.989£·01 4.988£+02 [Link]+OO 427 1800 p
375 n·NONYLBENZENE 3.613£·07 5.090£-01 4.712£+02 [Link]+OO 448 1800 p
376 n·DECYLBENZENE 3.432.£·07 5.106£·01 4.610E+02 [Link]+OO 466 1800 p
3n n·UNOECYlBENZENE 3.224£-07 5.141£·01 4.457£•02 [Link]•OO 482 1800 p
378 n·DOOECYL8ENZENE 2.755£·07 5.239E·01 3.938£+02 [Link]+OO 497 1800 p
379 n·TRIDECYlBENZENE 2.588£·07 5.276E·01 3. 787£+02 [Link]+OO 510 1800 p
383 CYCLOHEXYLBENZENE 6.080£-07 4.778£·01 6.685£+02 0.000£+00 504 1800 p
334 STYRENE 4.689E-07 5.254£-01 5.312£+02 [Link]+OO 437 1800 p
385 eis·1·PROPENYLBENZENE 2.326E·08 8.983£-01 6.127E+01 [Link]•OO 381 1800 p
386 trans·1·PROPENYLBENZENE 3.038£·08 8.657£·01 1.040E+02 [Link]+OO 439 1800 p
388 1·METHYL·2·ETHENYLBENZENE 3.496£·07 5.582£·01 4.865E•02 0.000£+00 368 1800 p
389 1·METHYL·3-ETHENYlBENZENE 6.320£·07 4.740£·01 5.859E+02 [Link]+OO 336 1800 p
390 1-METHYL·4-ETHENYLBENZENE 4.014£·07 5.413£·01 5.598£+02 [Link]+OO 430 1800 p
395 2·PHENYLBUTENE 1 • 4.525£-07 5.142£·01 5. 188£+02 [Link]+OO 450 1800 p
531 2·ETHYL·m·XYlENE 3.n9E-06 2.904E-01 1.611E+03 [Link]+OO 462 1800 p

11 - 70 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11B1.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11B1.1
(1997)

TEMPERATURE
API NAME RANGE,
No. A 8 c 0 MIN MAX Q

532 2-ETHYL·p ·XYLENE 6.689E·07 4.699E·01 6.655E+02 [Link]+OO 395 1800 p

533 3-ETHYL-o·XYLENE 3.895E-07 5.349E-01 5.524E+02 [Link]+OO 841 1800 p
534 4·ETHYL·�·XYLENE 3.128E·06 2.959E-01 1.355E+03 [Link]+OO 378 1800 p
535 4-ETHYL·o·XYLENE 3.428£-07 5.489E-01 4.837E+02 [Link]+OO 371 1800 p
536 5-ETHYL·m-XYLENE 3.377E-07 5.403E·01 4.216E+02 [Link]+OO 340 1800 p
541 m·DIISOPROPYLBENZENE 9.300E-07 4.337E-01 8.780E+02 [Link]+OO 857 1800 p
542 p·DIISOPROPYLBENZENE 6.070E·07 4.804E·01 7.058E+02 [Link]+OO 871 1800 p
543 ETHYNYLBENZENE 3.503E·08 8.626E·D1 1.015E+02 [Link]+OO 411 1800 p
544 m·DIVINYLBENZENE 3.336£•07 5.628E·01 4.973E+02 [Link]+OO 371 1800 p
387 alpha·METHYLSTYRENE 5.331E·07 4.983E·01 5.460E+02 [Link]+OO 450 1800 p
342 CUHENE 3.494E-06 3.052£-01 1.584£+03 [Link]+OO 319 1800 p

DIAROMATICS AND HYDROGEN RINGS

183 BICYCLOHEXYL 8.134£-07 4.522£-01 1.030£+03 -1.07E+05 922 1800 p

184 cis·DECAHYDRONAPHTHALENE 5.381E-07 5.136E·01 7.279E+02 [Link]+OO 414 1800 p
185 trans·DECAHYDRONAPHTHALENE 4.972E·07 5.043E-01 5.778E+02 [Link]+OO 437 1800 p
396 BIPHENYL 1.297E·07 7.043E·01 5. 108E+02 [Link]+OO 616 1800 p
403 1,1·DIPHENYLETHANE 3.400E-06 2.915E-01 1.633E+03 [Link]+OO 982 1800 p
404 1,2-0IPHENYLETHANE 6.074E·07 4.763E-01 7.074E+02 [Link]+OO 997 1800 p
420 cis·1,2·DIPHENYLETHENE 6.402E·07 4.751E·01 7.621E+02 [Link]+OO 496 1800 p
424 1,2-DIPHENYLBENZENE 4.251E·08 8.047E·01 2.516E+02 [Link]+OO 593 1800 p
425 1,3·DIPHENYLBENZENE 4.205E·08 8.069E·01 2.576E+02 [Link]+OO 648 1800 p
427 NAPHTHALENE 4.686E·07 5.389E·01 7.204E+02 [Link]+OO 636 1800 p
428 1·HETHYLNAPHTHALENE 1.797E-07 6.426E-01 4.234£+02 [Link]+OO 437 1800 p
429 2·METHYLNAPHTHALENE 2.428E·06 3.391E·01 1.410E+03 [Link]+OO 554 1800 p
430 1-ETHYLNAPHTHALENE 3.315E·07 5.443E·01 4.925£+02 [Link]+OO 467 1800 p
436 1-n-BUTYLNAPHTHALENE 3.007E·07 5.655£·01 5.612E+02 [Link]+OO 456 1800 p
446 1,2,3,4-TETRAHYORONAPHTHALENE 3.651£·07 5.614£·01 5.913£+02 [Link]+OO 427 1800 p
463 INDENE 5.872E·07 4.912E·01 5.836E+02 [Link]+OO 489 1800 p
472 ACENAPHTHENE 1.225£·06 4.064E·01 1.134E+03 [Link]+OO 991 1800 p
473 FL�ENE 4.100£·07 5.621£·01 6. 721E+02 [Link]+OO 1027 1800 p
474 ANTHRACENE 4.700E·08 7.532E·01 1.800E+OO [Link]+OO 880 1800 p
475 PHENANTHRENE 3.189£-07 5.272£-01 4.289E+02 [Link]+OO 670 1800 p
476 PYRENE 2.970E·07 5.278£-01 4.516E+02 [Link]+OO 763 1800 p
477 FLUORANTHENE 8.527E·07 4. 131E·01 7. 999E+02 [Link]+OO 690 1800 p
478 CHRYSENE 2.515E·07 5.43DE·01 4.271E+02 [Link]+OO 956 1800 p
551 INOANE 4.441£-06 2.849E-01 1.719E+03 [Link]+OO 399 1800 p
553 2,6-DIMETHYLNAPHTHALENE 6.364£·07 4.833E·01 7.861£+02 [Link]+OO 690 1800 p
554 2,7-0IMETHYLNAPHTHALENE 1.316£·06 4.005£·01 1.086E+03 [Link]+OO 664 1800 p

AROMATICS AMINES

746 PYRIDINE 3.086E·08 9.008E·01 1.129E+02 [Link]+OO 417 1800 p

749 QUINOLINE 1.033E·06 4.835E·01 1.663E+03 ·2.20E+05 919 1800 p
750 DIBENZOPYRROLE 2.243E-08 9.177E·01 1.478E+02 [Link]+OO 1130 1800 p
751 ACRIDINE 2. 747E·08 8.768E·01 1.243E+02 [Link]+OO 690 1800 p
881 ISOQUINOLINE 3.2SOE·08 8.712£·01 1.138E•02 [Link]+OO 539 1800 p

OTHER AMINE$

748 INDOLE 1.815E·08 9.531E·01 6.813E+01 [Link]+OO 587 1800 p

SULFUR COMPOUNDS

776 CARBONYL SULFIDE 1.987E·05 2.043E·01 2.471E+03 [Link]+OO 242 1800 p

828 METHYL MERCAPTAN 1.043E·07 7.671E·01 1.944E+02 [Link]+OO 270 1800 p
831 ETHYL MERCAPTAN 5.240E·08 8.427E·01 1.047E+02 [Link]+OO 225 1800 p
891 THIOPHENE 7.456E·07 5.497E·01 1.025E+03 [Link]+OO 423 1800 p
892 TETRAHYOROTHIOPHENE 1.062E·07 7.440E·01 2.605E+02 [Link]+OO 710 1800 p

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 71
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Table 11B1.2 – Coefficients for Procedure 11B1.1
(1997)

11 - 72 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11B1.3 – Viscosity of Pure Gases at Low Pressure
(1997)

Discussion
The following equation is used to predict the pure component viscosity of hydrocarbons gases at low pressure.
Separate equations are also provided for hydrogen.

N
μ (11B1.3-1)
ξ

Wherein:

Tc1/6 (11B1.3-2)
ξ  5.4403
M1/2 Pc 2/3

For hydrocarbons, calculate N using

N = 3.400 × 10 –4 Tr 0.94 for Tr ≤ 1.5 (11B1.3-3)

N = 1.778 × 10–4 (4.58 Tr – 1.67)0.625 for Tr > 1.5 (11B1.3-4)

For hydrogen, calculate viscosity, μ, using

μ = 3.700 × 10–5 T0.94 for Tr ≤ 1.5 (11B1.3-5)

μ = 9.071 × 10–4 ((7.639 × 10–²) T – 1.67)0.625 for Tr >1.5 (11B1.3-6)

Wherein:

μ = vapor viscosity in centipoises.

Tc = critical temperature in degrees Rankine.
T = temperature in degrees Rankine.
Pc = critical pressure in psia
M = molecular weight

Procedure
Step 1: Obtain the critical temperature, critical pressure and molecular weight from the Pure Component
Properties program.
Step 2: Calculate ξ-using Equation (11B1.3-2).
Step 3: Determine the reduced temperature, T r (Tr = T/Tc).
Step 4: Use appropriate equation, either (11B1.3-3) or (11B1.3-4) to calculate N.
Step 5: Calculate the vapor viscosity using Equation (11B1.3-1). For hydrogen, omit steps 1 through 4 and
use Equations (11B1.3-5) or (11B1.3-6) to calculate the viscosity.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 73
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11B1.3
(1997)

Purpose
Procedure 11B1.3 is used to estimate the viscosity of hydrogen and pure component hydrocarbon gases.

Limitations
This procedure should be used for reduced pressures less than 0.6. Procedure 11B4.1 should be used for higher
reduced pressures.

Reliability
The procedure produced an average error of 3.0 % for 800 data points. The error was higher, between 5% and
10% for n-alkanes larger than n-decane.

Literature Source
Equations 11B1.3-1 through 11B1.3-6 are from Stiel and Thodos, AlChE J., 7 (4) 611 (1961).

Examples
A. Determine the vapor viscosity of propane at 176 °F and 14.7 psia.
1. Find the critical temperature, critical pressure and molecular weight from Chapter l.
Tc = 206 °F
Pc = 616 psia
M = 44.1

2. Calculate ξ using Equation (11B1.3-2)

 206  459.67 
1/ 6

  5.4403
 44.10   616 
1/ 2 2/3

  0.03344
3. Calculate the reduced temperature T r

T 176  459.67 
Tr    0.9549
Tc  206  459.67 
4. Since Tr < 1.5, use Equation (l1B1.3-3) to calculate N.

N = 3.400 × 10–4 (0.9549) 0.94 = 3.256 × 10–4

5 Calculate the viscosity using Equation (11B1.3-1).

N 3.256 104
   0.0097 centipoise
 0.03344
The experimental value is 0.0095 centipoise.
B. Determine the vapor viscosity of methane at 543 °F and 14.7 psia.
1. Find the critical temperature, critical pressure and molecular weight from Chapter1.
Tc = –116.67 °F
Pc = 667 psia
M = 16.4
2. Calculate ξ using Equation (11B1.3-2).

 116.67  459.67 
1/ 6

  5.4403
16.04   667 
1/ 2 2/3

  0.0471

11 - 74 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11B1.3 (Continued)
(1997)

3. Calculate the reduced temperature T r

Tr 
T

 543  459.67   2.923
Tc  116.67  459.67 
4. Since Tr > 1.5, use Equation (11B1.3-4) to calculate N.

N = 1.778 × 10–4 (4.58 (2.923) – 1.67)0.625

N = 8.279 × 10–4

5. Calculate the viscosity using Equation (11B1.3-1).

N 8.279 104
   0.0176 centipoise
 0.04710

The experimental value is 0.0181 centipoise.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 75
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11B2 Viscosity of Defined Gaseous Hydrocarbon Mixtures

Procedure 11B2.1 – Viscosity of Gaseous Mixtures at Low Pressure

(1997)

Discussion
Equation (11B2.1-1) is to be used for estimating the viscosity of a gaseous mixture of defined composition at
reduced pressures below 0.6 and at any temperature. Viscosities of the pure components are required at the same
conditions.

n
i
m   (11B2.1-1)
n xj
i 1
1   ij
i 1 xi
j i
2
   Mj  
1/ 2 1/ 4

1   i    (11B2.1-2)
   j  M i  
ij  
1/ 2
 Mi 
8 1  
 M j 
Where:

μm = viscosity of mixture in centipoise.

μi = viscosity of component i in centipoise.
μj = viscosity of component j in centipoise.
n = number of components in the mixture.
xi = mole fraction of component i.
xj = mole fraction of component j.
φij= interaction parameter for component i with respect to component j.
Mi = molecular weight of component i.
Mj = molecular weight of component j.

This method is applicable to gas mixtures containing hydrocarbons, hydrogen and other common nonpolar
gases.

Procedure
Step 1: Obtain the molecular weight of each component from the Pure Component Properties program.
Step 2: Obtain the viscosity of each component at the temperature of the mixture using Procedure 11B1.1
or Procedure 11B1.3.
Step 3: Obtain the interaction parameters from Equation (11B2.1-2).
Step 4: Calculate the viscosity of the mixture using Equation (11B2.1-1).

11 - 76 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11B2.1
(1997)

Purpose
Equation (11B2.1-1) is used to calculate the viscosity of a low-pressure gaseous mixture of defined
composition using pure-component viscosities at the same temperature.

Limitations
Equation (l1B2.1-1) should be used below reduced pressures of 0.6. Procedure 11B4.1 should be used for
adjusting the viscosity of gas mixtures.

Reliability
Equation (11B2.1-1) yields average deviations of about 3 percent for the 364 points evaluated. Evaluations
showed nearly equal reliability for binary and multicomponent mixtures. The equation is applicable to nonpolar,
nonhydrocarbon gas mixtures as well as to hydrocarbon mixtures.

Literature Sources
Equations (11B2.1-1) and (11B2.1-2) were given by Bromley and Wilke, Ind Eng, Chem. 43 1641 (1951)

Examples
A. Calculate the viscosity of a mixture containing 58.18 mole percent hydrogen and 41.82 mole percent
propane at 77 °F and l4.7 pounds per square inch absolute.
From Procedure 11B1.3, the viscosity of propane is 0.00826 centipoise and, from Figure 11C1.1, the
viscosity of hydrogen is 0.00891 centipoise. The molecular weights, M, from the Pure Component Properties
program are 2.02 for hydrogen and 44.10 for propane.
From Equation (11B2.1-2) the following values for φij may be obtained where component 1 corresponds to
hydrogen and component 2 corresponds to propane:

Interaction μi/μj Mi/Mj φij

1-2 1.09 0.046 3.665
2-1 0.92 21.8 0.1 55

For a binary system, Equation (11B2.1-2) is

1 2
m  
x2 x1
1  1 2 1  21
x1 x2
0.00891 0.00826
 
 0.4182   0.5818 
1   3.59    1   0.15   
 0.5818   0.4182 
 0.0024885  0.0068339  0.009322 centipoise

The experimental value is 0.009240 centipoise.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 77
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11B2.1 (Continued)
(1997)

B. Calculate the viscosity of a mixture at 85 °F and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute containing the following
substances. The molecular weights and pure component viscosities are available in Chapters 1 and 11.

x μ
Component (mole percent) (centipoises) M
1. Methane 95.6 0.01125 16.04
2. Ethane 3.6 0.00950 30.07
3. Propane 0.5 0.00840 44.10
4. Nitrogen 0.3 0.01790 28.01

Since there are four components, n(n–1) = 4(3) = 12 interaction parameters are necessary.

Interaction

(ij) μi/μj Mi/Mj φij φij(xj/xi) Σφij(xj/xi)

1-2 1.18 0.53 1.48 0.056
1-3 1.34 0.36 1.88 0.010 0.069
1-4 0.63 0.57 1.03 0.003

2-1 0.84 1.87 0.66 17.53

2-3 1.13 0.68 1.29 0.18 17.77
2-4 0.53 1.07 0.72 0.06

3-1 0.75 2.75 0.51 97.51

3-2 0.88 1.47 0.77 5.54 103.39
3-4 0.47 1.57 0.57 0.34

4-1 1.59 1.75 0.94 299.54

4-2 1.88 0.93 1.48 17.76 320.50
4-3 2.13 0.64 1.92 3.20

The viscosity of the mixture may be calculated using Equation (11B2.1-1)

0.01125 0.00950 0.00840 0.01790

m    
1  0.069 1  17.77 1  103.39 1  320.50
= 0.01117 centipoise

The experimental value is 0.01120 centipoise.

11 - 78 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11B3 Viscosities of Undefined Gaseous Hydrocarbon Mixtures

Procedure 11B3.1 – Viscosity of Gaseous Undefined Mixtures at Low Pressure

(1997)

Discussion
Equation (11B3.1-1) should be used to calculate the viscosities of gaseous hydrocarbon mixtures of undefined
composition at reduced pressures not greater than 0.6.

μ  A  T  BC M   D  M (11B3.1-1)

Where:

μ = absolute viscosity of the mixture, in centipoise

A = –0.0092696
B = 0.0010310
C = 4.4507 × 10–5
D = 1.1249 × 10–5
T = temperature in degrees Rankine
M = molecular weight

Procedure
Step 1: Obtain the molecular weight of the hydrocarbon from experimental data or by using
procedures outlined in the Pure Component Properties program.
Step 2: Using the molecular weight from Step 1 and the temperature of the mixture, calculate the
absolute viscosity using Equation (11B3.1-1).

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 79
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

Comments on Procedure 11B3.1

(1997)

Purpose
Procedure 11B3.1 is to be used to estimate the viscosities of gaseous hydrocarbon mixtures of undefined
composition at reduced pressures not exceeding 0.6.

Limitations
This procedure should be used only if the required data are not available to use Procedure 11B2.1.

Reliability
An average error of 6 percent and a maximum error of 22 percent were observed using Equation 11B3.1-1 on
all available viscosity data. The correlation was developed for paraffin vapors. The errors varied greatly between
different compounds. However, for general use, a minimum average error of 6 percent should be expected.

Special Comments
If the molecular weight of the mixture is not known, it can be roughly estimated. The uncertainty introduced
by the estimation will be overshadowed by the uncertainty of the method.
The procedure can be used for hydrogen-hydrocarbon mixtures with average molecular weights greater than
16. For molecular weights less than 16, use Procedure 11B2.1.
The effect of pressure on the viscosity of mixture of undefined composition may be obtained by estimating T c
and Pc from the methods given in Chapter 4 and then using Procedure 11B4.1.

Literature Source
This procedure was adapted from Bicher and Katz, Trans AIME 155 246 (1944).

Example
Estimate the viscosity of a mixture at 100 °F with a molecular weight of 250.

By using Equation (11B3.1-1)

  0.0092696  100  459.67   0.0010310  4.4507 105 

250  1.1249 105  250
  0.1019 centipoise

11 - 80 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

11B4 Effect of Pressure on the Viscosity of Gaseous Hydrocarbons

Procedure 11B4.1 – Viscosity of Pure Hydrocarbon Gases and Their Gaseous Mixtures at High
Pressure
(1997)
Discussion
Equation (11B4.1-1) is to be used for estimating the effect of pressure on gas viscosity. The equation may be
applied at all pressures above the critical temperature. Below the critical temperature, the pressure must be less than
the saturation pressure.

5
(μ-μ )  10.8  10 exp(1.439ρr )  exp(1.11ρ r1.858 ) (11B4.1-1)

Tc1/ 6
ξ  5.440 (11B4.1-2)
M 1/ 2 pc2 / 3
Wherein:

μ = viscosity in centipoises.
μo = viscosity at low pressure in centipoises.
ρr = reduced density ρ/ρc
ρ = density in pounds per cubic foot.
ρc = critical density 1/Vc, in pounds per cubic foot.
Vc = critical volume in cubic feet per pound.
Tc = critical temperature in degrees Rankine.
M = molecular weight
pc = critical pressure in pounds per square inch absolute.

For a mixture, the pseudocritical temperature, pseudocritical pressure and mixture molecular weight are
necessary. The following are summaries of the definition:

n
Tpc   xiTci (11B4.1-3)
i 1

Wherein:
Tpc = pseudocritical temperature in degrees Rankine.
n = number of components in the mixture.
xi = mole fraction of component i.
Tci = critical temperature of component i in degrees Rankine

n
Ppc   xpci (11B4.1-4)
i i

Wherein:
Ppc = pseudocritical pressure in pounds per square inch absolute.
Pci = critical pressure of component i.

n
M m   xi M i
i 1
Wherein:
Mm = molecular weight of mixture
Mi = molecular weight of component i.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 81
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11B4.1 (Continued)
(1997)
Procedure
Step 1: Obtain the critical temperatures, critical pressures, critical volumes and molecular weights from
Chapter l. Obtain the viscosity of the gas components at low pressure from Procedure 11B1.1, or
Procedure 11B1.3 may also be used to predict the pure component viscosity.
For pure compounds, proceed to Step 2; for a mixture, proceed to Step 4.
Step 2: Calculate the value of ξ using Equation (l1B4.1-2).
Step 3: Obtain the density of the gas from the procedures of Chapter 6 and calculate the reduced density
from this and from the critical volume obtained in Step 1. Proceed to Step 8.
Step 4: Calculate the low-pressure viscosity of the mixture using Procedure 11B2.1.
Step 5: Calculate the pseudocritical temperature and pseudocritical pressure using Equations (11B4.1-3)
and (11B4.1-4) and the molecular weight using Equation (11B4.1-5).
Step 6: Calculate the value of ξ using Equation (11B4.1-2) with these pseudocritical values and the
molecular weight.
Step 7: Calculate the density of the gas at the critical point and at the temperature and pressure of the gas
mixture using the procedures of Chapter 6. Calculate the reduced density.
Step 8: Calculate the viscosity of the gas using Equation (11B4.1-1).

11 - 82 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11B4.1
(1997)

Purpose
This procedure is presented for estimating the viscosities of gases and gas mixtures at high pressures
(reduced- pressures greater than 0.6) using the low-pressure viscosity as calculated from the preceding methods
for the base value.

Limitations
The procedure should not be applied to nonhydrocarbon gases (O2, N2, CO2, etc.).
The equation may be applied at all pressures above the critical temperature. Below the critical temperature it
may be applied up to the saturation pressure.

Reliability
Errors between calculated and experimental viscosities are about 5.3 percent using the method.
Nonhydrocarbons show larger average deviations (9 percent). If experimental densities are used, the error can be
expected to be reduced by about 0.5 percent. The method has approximately the same accuracy for mixtures as for
pure compounds provided the molecular weight range is narrow.

Literature Sources
The forms of Equation (11B4.1-1) and (11B4.1-2) were originally suggested by Eakin and Ellington, J.
Petrol. Technol. 15 [2] 210 (1963) [Eakin, Ph.D. dissertation, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois
(1962)] and were modified by Jossi et al., AIChE Journal 8 59 (1962). The final form of Equation (11B4.1-1) and
its application to mixtures was given by Dean and Stiel, AlChE Journal 11 526 (1965).

Example
Calculate the viscosity of a mixture containing 60 mole percent methane and 40 mole percent propane at 1500
pounds per square inch absolute and 257 °F.
From Procedure 11B2.1, the viscosity of the mixture at 1 atmosphere is calculated to be 0.0123 centipoise.
From the Pure Component Properties program, the critical pressures, critical temperatures and molecular
weights are obtained.

Critical Pressure Critical Temperature Molecular

Component (psia) (°F) Weight
Methane 667.04 –116.66 16.04
Propane 616.13 206.02 44.10

Hence, the pseudocritical properties and molecular weight of the mixture are as follows:

Tpc = (0.60) (459.7 – 116.66) + (0.40) (459.7 + 206.02) = 472.09 °R

Ppc = (0.60) (667.04) + (0.40) (616.13) = 646.68 pounds per square inch absolute
Mm = (0.60) (16.04) + (0.40) (44.10) = 27.264

Using Equation (11B4.1-2),

5.440  (472.09)1/6
  0.0389
(27.264)1/2 (646.7) 2/3

From Chapter 6, the reduced density is calculated.

ρr = 0.5283

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 83
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11B4.1
(1997)

Using Equation (11B4.1-1),


(μ  μ )ξ  10.8  105 exp[(1.439)(0.5283)]  exp[  1.11(0.5283)1.858 ] 
4
 1.5405  10

3
(μ  μ )  3.96  10 cP

Given that μ0 is 0.0123 centipoise,

μ = 0.0163 cP

The experimental value is 0.0167cP.

11 - 84 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BO O K– 9th Edition

11C Viscosity of Nonhydrocarbons

11C1 Viscosity of Gaseous Nonhydrocarbons

Figure 11C1.1 - Absolute Viscosity of Hydrogen

(1997)

Hydrogen Critical Conditions FIGURE 11C1.1

T = 33.3 K
ABSOLUTE VISCOSITY
P = 1.298 MPa

(Note: 1 MicroPascal-sec = 0.001 cP) OF HYDROGEN

Created: April 1984 Remastered : 2012

TECHNICAL DATA BOOK VERSION 9

Copyright © 2013. The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International, Inc.

REDUCED TEMPERATURE, Tr

ABSOLUTE VISCOSITY MICROPASCAL-SECONDS

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 85
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11C1.1
(1997)

Purpose
Figure 11C1.1 is to be used to estimate the viscosity of gaseous and liquid hydrogen.

Limitations
At temperatures above 5000 °F, hydrogen dissociates into atomic hydrogen. Figure 11C1.1 does not make a
correction for this change in structure because there are no values above ~4000 °F. Also, the figure is based on a
limited amount of experimental high-pressure data.

Reliability
An average error of 3 percent can be expected at atmospheric pressure with increasing errors as the pressure
increases.

Literature Source
The figure was taken from Stiel and Thodos, Ind. Eng. Chem. Fundamentals 2 233 (1963).

Example
Estimate the viscosity of hydrogen at 570 °F and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute. From Figure 11C1.1,
the critical temperature of hydrogen is 59.9 °R and the critical pressure is 190.4 pounds per square inch absolute.

570  459.7 1029.7

Tr    17.19
59.9 59.9

14.7
pr   0.077
190.4

From Figure 11C.1, the viscosity is estimated to be 0.0135 cP.

The experimental value is 0.0138 cP.
Using Equation (11B1.3-6) the answer is 0.0137 cP.

11 - 86 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Procedure 11C1.2 – Viscosity of Gaseous Nonhydrocarbons at High Pressure
(1997)

Discussion
Equations (11C1.2-1) and (11C1.2-2) should be used to calculate the viscosity of gaseous nonhydrocarbons at
high pressure.

μ μ  A1 (hPrj )  A2 (kPr1  mPrn  pPrq ) (11C1.2-1)

Aa  (anTrbn  cnTrdn  enTr fn  gn ) (11C1.2-2)

a1 = 83.897 a2 = 1.514 h = 1.507

b1 = 0.011 b2 = –11.304 j = –0.449
c1 = 0.603 c2 = 0.302 k = 11.479
d1 = –0.082 d2 = –0.686 1 = 0.261
e1 = 0.902 e2 = 2.064 m = –12.684
f1 = –0.120 f2 = –2.761 n = 0.177
g1 = –85.308 g2 = 0.000 p = 1.695
qqq = –0.105

wherein:
μ/μo = viscosity ratio
μ = viscosity at T and P in centipoise
μ0 = viscosity at T and 1 atmosphere of pressure in centipoise
T = temperature in degrees Rankine
Tc = critical temperature in degrees Rankine
Tr = reduced temperature = T/T c
P = pressure in pounds per square inch absolute
Pc = critical pressure in pounds per square inch absolute
Pr = reduced pressure = P/Pc
A1, A2…Q = constants as defined in above table

Once the viscosity ratio is calculated, the viscosity for the gaseous nonhydrocarbon can be calculated using
Equation (11C1.2-3).
μ = (μ/μo) • μo (11C1.2-3)

wherein:
μ = viscosity at T and P in centipoises.
μ/μo = viscosity ratio
μo = viscosity at T and 1 atmosphere of pressure in centipoises

Procedure
Step 1: Calculate values for the reduced temperature and reduced pressure for the gaseous
nonhydrocarbon using methods outlined in Chapter 4.
Step 2: Using the values for Tr and Pr from Step 1, calculate the viscosity ratio using Equations (11C1.2-1)
and (11C1.2-2)
Step 3: Calculate the viscosity of the nonhydrocarbon by using Equation (11C1.2-3).

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 87
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11C1.2
(1997)

Purpose
Procedure 11C1.2 is presented for estimating the viscosities of gaseous nonhydrocarbons at high pressures
(Pr > 0.6) using low-pressure input viscosities from the preceding methods. Although Procedure 11B4.1 is
recommended for hydrocarbons, Procedure 11C1.2 is also applicable as shown by example B.

Reliability
Procedure 11C1.2 yielded an average error of 4.4 percent before a regression was performed. The average error
for the regression was slightly higher than 7 percent.

Special Comment
For pressures below the lower limit of Procedure 11C1.2 (i.e. P r < 0.6), the gas may be assumed to be ideal and
the preceding methods outlined in Chapter 11 may be used without correcting for the pressure.

Literature Source
Procedure 11C1.2 was adapted from a figure from Carr. et al.. Chem. Eng. Prog. Symp. Ser. 51 (No. 16) 91
(1955).

Examples
A. Calculate the viscosity of nitrogen at –58.0 °F and 1677.0 pounds per square inch absolute.

1) From Figure 11C1.2, the viscosity of nitrogen at 1 atmosphere and –58.0 °F is 0.0144
centipoise.
2) From the Pure Component Properties program, for nitrogen
Pc = 493.1 pounds per square inch absolute
Tc = – 232.5 °F
For the conditions given, the reduced temperature and pressure are as follows:

1677.0
Pr   3.4
493.1

 58.0  459.7
Tr   1.767
 232.5  459.7

3) Using the reduced conditions and Equations (11C1.2-1) and (11C1.2-2), the viscosity
ratio, μ/μo, is found to be 1.41.

4) Using Equation (11C1.2-3), the viscosity at the desired temperature and pressure is

 μ 
μ μ  (1.41)(0.0144)
μ  
 
 0.0203 centipoise

The experimental value is 0.01869 centipoise.

11 - 88 © 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
Comments on Procedure 11C1.2 (Continued)
(1997)

B. Calculate the viscosity of the mixture containing 60 mole percent methane and 40 mole percent
propane at 1500 pounds per square inch absolute and 257 °F.

1) From Procedure 11B2.1, the viscosity at the mixture at 1 atmosphere is calculated

to be 0.0123 centipoise.
2) The critical pressures and temperature are obtained from the Pure Component
Properties program.

Critical Pressure
(pounds per Critical Temperature
Component square inch absolute) (°F)
Methane 667.0 –116.7
Propane 616.1 206.0

1500
pr   2.32
 0.60  667.0    0.40  616.1

257  459.7
Tr   1.52
 0.60  116.7  459.7    0.40  206.0  459.7 

3) Using the reduced conditions and Equations (11C1.2-1) and (11C1.2-2), the viscosity
ratio, μ/μo, is found to be 1.41.

4) Using Equation (11C1.2-3), the viscosity at the desired temperature and pressure is

μ = (μ/μo) μo = (1.41) (0.0123) = 0.0173 centipoise

The experimental value is 0.0167 centipoise.

© 2013, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved 11 - 89
 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition

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Chapter 11 – Viscosity
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Data 15, 122 (1970).

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56. Herbst, W. A., “The Effect of Chemical 71. Lambert, J. D., Cotton. K. J., Pailthorpe, M.
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and Oxygen Under High Pressures,” Rev. Areas and Shapes of Carbon Chain Molecules
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“Viscosity of Three Binary Hydrocarbon Compounds,” J. Chem. Soc. 75, (1950).
Mixtures,” J. Chem. Eng. Data 36, 84 (1991). 84. Mussche, M. J., Verhoeye, L. A., “Viscosity of
69. Kouzel, B., Private communication, Union Oil Ten Binary One Ternary Mixtures,” J Chem.
Co. of California, Brea, Ca. (1982). Eng. Data 20(1), 46 (1975).
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Viscosity,” Hydrocarbon Process. Petrol. Organic Compounds. Part II. The Viscosity of
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Proc. Roy. Soc. (London) A123, 629 (1929).

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 API TECHNICAL DATA BOOK – 9th Edition
86. Nath, J., Narain, B., “Binary Systems of 98. Schiessler, R W., Am. Doc. Inst. Doc. 4597
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