IP 212: Determination of viscosity of bitumen emulsions- Engler method

Overview:

Scope

This method describes a procedure for the determination of the viscosity of bitumen emulsions in arbitrary units at 20 °C using the Engler Viscometer.

The flow of bitumen road emulsions is non-Newtonian in that the relationship between shear stress and rate of shear is not linear, but under the conditions of the test the divergence from Newtonian behaviour does not normally lead to any difficulty in obtaining reproducible results. Nevertheless if measurements are attempted at low temperatures or if the emulsion has an abnormally high viscosity - exceeding 25 degrees Engler for example - such difficulties may arise.

The viscosity of road emulsions may be changed permanently by violent agitation, by heating or chilling, or by long storage at ambient temperature.