1.1 This practice2 covers the conversion tables and equations for converting kinematic viscosity in mm2 /s at any temperature to Saybolt Universal viscosity in Saybolt Universal seconds (SUS) at the same temperature and for converting kinematic viscosity in mm2 /s at 122 °F and 210 °F (50 °C and 98.9 °C) to Saybolt Furol viscosity in Saybolt Furol seconds (SFS) at the same temperatures. Kinematic viscosity values are based on water being
1.0034 mm2 /s (cSt) at 68 °F (20 °C).
1.2 If a method other than Test Method D445 is used to generate the kinematic viscosity data, apply appropriate relative-bias correction factors as found in the precision section of that method, before performing the calculations of this practice. NOTE 1—The equations in D2161 were originally empirically derived using data from both D445 and the Saybolt viscometer method. Therefore, it is conceivable that an error could result if the kinematic viscosities used are not bias-corrected to D445 results. It is recommended that kinematic viscosity be reported in millimetres squared per second, instead of Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) or Saybolt Furol Seconds (SFS). This method is being retained for the purpose of calculation of kinematic viscosities from SUS and SFS data that appear in past literature. One millimetre squared per second (mm2 /s) equals one centistoke (cSt), which is another unit commonly found in older literature.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for reference information purposes only. The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is mm2 /s.
1.3.1 Exception—Fahrenheit temperature units are used in this practice because they are accepted by industry for the type of legacy conversions described in this practice.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D2161-20 Referenced Document
ASTM D2270 Standard Practice for Calculating Viscosity Index From Kinematic Viscosity at 40 and 100176C
ASTM D445 Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
ASTM D7042 Standard Test Method for Dynamic Viscosity and Density of Liquids by Stabinger Viscometer (and the Calculation of Kinematic Viscosity)*, 2021-11-01 Update
ASTM D2161-20 history
2020ASTM D2161-20 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
2019ASTM D2161-19 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
2017ASTM D2161-17 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
2016ASTM D2161-10(2016) Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
2010ASTM D2161-10e1 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
2010ASTM D2161-10 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
2005ASTM D2161-05e1 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
2005ASTM D2161-05 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
2004ASTM D2161-04 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
1993ASTM D2161-93(1999)e2 Standard Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
1982ASTM D2161-82 Standard Method for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal Viscosity or to Saybolt Furol Viscosity
1966ASTM D2161-66 Standard Method Of Test For Conversion Of Kinematic Viscosity To Saybolt Universal Viscosity Or To Saybolt Furol Viscosity