Viscosity And Particle Drag (Product Code: SLE/EFM/11) is a simple falling-sphere viscometer that shows students how the viscosity of a liquid resists a sphere dropping through it. The self-standing unit holds two glass tubes of test fluid side by side, so two liquids can be compared in one session without repeated draining and refilling. It is used in fluid mechanics teaching laboratories of engineering colleges, polytechnics and technical institutes, and is made by Jain Scientific Equipments Pvt Ltd (ScienceLab), Ambala, as part of its engineering lab equipment in India.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Falling-sphere viscometer, self-standing unit |
| Test columns | Two glass tubes, each filled with a chosen test fluid for direct comparison |
| Illumination | Back plate with a low-voltage backlight so the spheres stay visible through the fluid |
| Draining | Valve system at the tube base that minimises fluid loss and helps empty the tube after tests |
| Test bodies | Spheres chosen for the correct density and size for each fluid; shapes must fit through the valve at the base |
| Suitable test fluids | Water, thin machine oil, castor oil and motor oil |
| Measurement method | Stopwatch timing of the sphere as it falls a set distance down the tube |
Students fill the two tubes with the liquids they want to study, pick a sphere whose density and size suit each fluid, and release it at the top of the column. Once the sphere has settled to a steady speed, they time it over the marked fall distance with a stopwatch. From the fall time they work out the terminal velocity and relate it to the drag on the sphere and the viscosity of the liquid — the classic Stokes’ law exercise. Running water in one tube and castor oil in the other makes the contrast between a thin and a thick fluid obvious to the whole group.
For consistent readings, let air bubbles clear before each drop, release the sphere along the centre of the tube, and repeat several drops per fluid to average the times. Because viscosity changes with temperature, note the room temperature with each data set. Departments looking for a viscosity measurement apparatus in India that also introduces particle drag will find the twin-tube layout saves bench time between groups.
This twin-tube viscometer comes from Jain Scientific Equipments Private Limited, a company based in Ambala, Haryana, that sells its laboratory products under the ScienceLab name. Its fluid mechanics line is designed around practical teaching in engineering and applied science courses. Learn more about the business on our company profile.
Items a lab usually sets out alongside a falling-sphere viscosity practical:
See the complete Fluid Mechanics range for more teaching apparatus.
Can two liquids be tested in the same session?
Yes. The unit holds two glass tubes, so a different fluid can stay in each one for side-by-side comparison without draining between groups.
Which test fluids are suitable?
Water, thin machine oil, castor oil and motor oil are listed as suitable. For any other liquid, contact us before use.
Are the test spheres included, and in what sizes?
The apparatus is used with spheres selected for the right density and size for each fluid, and every shape must fit through the base valve. Please confirm the exact set of spheres supplied when you request a quotation.
Is a stopwatch supplied with the unit?
Timing is done with a stopwatch, but one is not listed as part of the unit. A digital stopwatch can be added to your order.
How is the unit emptied and cleaned after oil tests?
The valve system at the base drains the tube with minimal loss. Collect used oil in a suitable container and wipe spheres clean before storing them.
Is a calibration certificate available?
This is a teaching viscometer rather than a reference instrument; discuss any certificate needs with us through the contact page.
Can you supply several units for a college or export order?
Yes. Send the quantity, delivery location in India or abroad, and any special needs, and we will reply with pricing and lead time.
For prices and availability, contact us or add this apparatus to your enquiry cart. We supply institutions across India and international markets.
Last updated: 24 September 2026