Saybolt Viscometer Universal Orifice

Saybolt Viscometer Orifice – Universal

For Petroleum Viscosity Testing

The Saybolt Viscometer Universal Orifice is a precision component used to regulate fluid flow during viscosity testing of petroleum liquids. It threads directly into the viscometer tube of a Saybolt Viscometer and provides standardized, repeatable flow control for accurate viscosity determination. This orifice is manufactured from stainless steel and is part of Certified MTP’s range of Saybolt Viscometer Universal Orifice products. 

For heavier petroleum products, a Saybolt Viscometer Road Oil Orifice is also available separately to accommodate higher viscosity samples.

Overview

The Universal Orifice — often called the standard orifice — is the most commonly used orifice in Saybolt viscosity testing. It allows a controlled volume of petroleum liquid to flow through a calibrated opening while the efflux time is measured in Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS). This measurement is widely used for quality control and specification compliance in petroleum and asphalt testing laboratories. 

The orifice is designed to be compatible with both brass and stainless steel Saybolt viscometer tubes and is often used in conjunction with a Saybolt Viscosity Bath to control test temperatures during viscosity determination. 

Features

• Stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance and durability
• Precision-threaded fitting for secure installation
• Consistent, standardized flow control
• Suitable across a broad range of petroleum liquids
• Compatible with Universal Saybolt Viscometers
• Supplied with an orifice wrench for easy tightening

Specifications

• Orifice Type: Universal (Standard)
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Measurement Range: Ambient to 464°F (240°C)
• Compatibility: Brass and stainless steel Saybolt viscometer tubes

Applications

The Universal Orifice is essential for:

• Petroleum viscosity testing
• Asphalt binder viscosity determination
• Quality control and specification verification
• Laboratory and industrial testing environments

This component is commonly used alongside other petroleum testing accessories, such as 60 mL Receiving Flasks for fluid collection during tests. 

Principle of Operation

Saybolt viscosity testing measures the efflux time of a fluid flowing through a calibrated orifice under controlled temperature conditions. The Universal Orifice supports viscosity measurement across a wide temperature range while maintaining repeatable flow conditions. Results can then be converted from Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) to kinematic viscosity for standardized reporting across industry specifications. 

This method is compliant with major standards such as ASTM D88 (viscosity of petroleum products), ASTM D4796 (asphalt binder viscosity), and AASHTO T72 (Saybolt Furol viscosity). 

Compatible Accessories

To complete your Saybolt viscosity testing setup, consider the following accessories:

• Saybolt Viscometer Tubes — Brass or Stainless Steel
• Saybolt Viscometer Road Oil Orifice for heavier petroleum fluids
• Universal / Furol Orifice Wrench
• 60 mL Receiving Flasks for sample collection
• 60 mL Withdrawal Pipettes for fluid transfer
• Viscosity Bath Fluids for precise temperature control

These accessories help ensure accurate results and smooth test workflows when performing Saybolt viscosity tests.

Standards & Compliance

The Saybolt Viscometer Universal Orifice is designed to support the following test methods:

• ASTM D88 – Saybolt viscosity of petroleum products
• ASTM D4796 – Asphalt binder viscosity
• AASHTO T72 – Saybolt Furol viscosity

These standards ensure your testing processes meet industry expectations for accuracy and repeatability.

Additional Information

The Universal Orifice is a critical component for accurate petroleum viscosity testing. Its stainless steel construction promises long service life, consistent performance, and compatibility with standard laboratory equipment. Proper installation using the supplied orifice wrench ensures a secure seal and reliable test results.