EN ISO 3104:2023 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 3104:2023 - "Petroleum products - Transparent and opaque liquids - Determination of kinematic viscosity and calculation of dynamic viscosity" (CEN adoption of ISO 3104:2023) specifies laboratory methods to measure kinematic viscosity and derive dynamic viscosity for a broad range of petroleum and biofuel products. The standard covers manual and automated glass capillary viscometer procedures, applicable to transparent and opaque liquids including FAME (fatty acid methyl ester), HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), GTL (gas-to-liquid), paraffinic diesel and diesel blends up to 50% FAME. The kinematic range is 0.2 mm²/s to 300 000 mm²/s over −20 °C to +150 °C.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Two test procedures
  • Procedure A (manual glass viscometers) - designated as the referee (reference) test method for dispute resolution.
  • Procedure B (automated glass capillary viscometers) - for higher throughput and automation.
• Measurement principle: measure flow time of a fixed liquid volume under gravity through a calibrated glass capillary; kinematic viscosity (ν) from time and viscometer constant. Dynamic viscosity (η) = ν × density (ρ).
• Scope of materials: liquid petroleum products, biofuel diesel mixtures (≤50% FAME), HVO, GTL, paraffinic diesel and similar liquids.
• Temperature control and thermometry: specific thermometer and digital contact thermometer requirements and allowable drift are provided.
• Quality requirements: viscometer calibration/verification, sample conditioning, cleaning, and test precision (determinability, repeatability, reproducibility).
• Flow behavior note: intended for Newtonian liquids; residual fuel oils with non‑Newtonian behavior may yield different results depending on capillary geometry-special precision information is included.
• Supporting annexes: viscometer types, thermometer guidance, sample conditioning, and calculation of tolerance bands for certified reference materials.

Practical applications and users

• Laboratories performing fuel and lubricant quality control, specification testing and certification.
• Refineries, fuel producers and biodiesel manufacturers validating product viscosity for handling, storage and engine performance.
• Test houses and R&D teams developing fuel blends, alternative fuels (FAME, HVO, GTL) and paraffinic diesel.
• Equipment OEMs and fleet operators assessing fuel properties affecting injection, lubrication and cold-flow behavior.
• Regulatory bodies and procurement teams using standardized viscosity data for compliance and procurement specifications.

Related standards and context

• Supersedes EN ISO 3104:2020; prepared by ISO/TC 28 in collaboration with CEN/TC 19.
• Cross-references quality-control guidance such as ISO 4259‑4 (mentioned in the standard’s updates).
• Includes normative annexes for calibration, thermometry and conditioning to ensure traceable, reproducible results.

Keywords: EN ISO 3104:2023, kinematic viscosity, dynamic viscosity, glass capillary viscometer, petroleum products, FAME, HVO, GTL, viscosity test, fuel quality.