ASTM E3116-23 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E3116-23 — Standard Test Method for Viscosity Measurement Validation of Rotational Viscometers. This standard describes procedures and statistical criteria for validating viscosity measurement methods that use rotational viscometers, including use of reference materials, determination of linearity, bias, repeatability, detection and quantitation limits, and measurement range.

Abstract

ASTM E3116-23 specifies a test method for validating viscosity measurements performed with rotational viscometers. It provides guidance on selecting reference materials or specimens, recommended measurement protocols (including replicate testing), and statistical treatments to evaluate linearity, bias, precision (repeatability), limits of detection and quantitation, and the operational range of a method or instrument. The standard supports method validation for quality assurance, instrument qualification, and inter-laboratory comparability in rheological and viscosity testing.

General information

• Status: Active / Current
• Publication date: June 1, 2023
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 17.060 (Measurement of volume, mass, density, viscosity)
• Edition / version: E3116-23 (current edition, supersedes E3116-18); DOI: 10.1520/E3116-23
• Number of pages: 5

Scope

This standard covers validation procedures for viscosity measurement methods based on rotational viscometers. It addresses selection of appropriate reference materials or test specimens covering the intended measurement range, recommended replicate measurements, and the statistical calculations needed to demonstrate method performance (linearity, bias, repeatability, detection and quantitation limits, and measurement range). The method is intended for use with a variety of rotational viscometer geometries and speeds when validating an instrument or method for routine or regulatory use.

Key topics and requirements

• Selection of reference materials or representative specimens spanning the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the intended range.
• Measurement protocol: at least triplicate determinations for each specimen to support statistical analysis.
• Determination of linearity and bias using best-fit linear regression across the tested range.
• Calculation of repeatability and precision from standard deviations of replicate measurements.
• Estimation of detection limits and quantitation limits appropriate to the viscometric method.
• Definition and documentation of the validated operational range for the rotational viscometer and method.
• Guidance on using statistical practices and terminology consistent with referenced ASTM practices (precision/bias, statistical treatment of data).

Typical use and users

ASTM E3116-23 is used by instrument manufacturers, calibration and testing laboratories, quality assurance personnel, rheologists, process engineers, and regulatory bodies that require validated viscosity measurement methods. Typical applications include instrument qualification, method validation for product specifications, inter-laboratory studies, and establishing routine quality-control procedures for liquid and semi-solid materials.

Related standards

Standards often cited together with or referenced by E3116-23 include the prior edition E3116-18 (superseded), ASTM practices and test methods for statistical treatment and terminology such as E177 (precision and bias), E1970 (statistical treatment of thermoanalytical data), and E1142/E473 (terminology). Related ASTM standards covering rheological and viscometer calibration and test methods include E2975 (calibration/calibration verification of constant-speed concentric-cylinder rotational viscometers), E3070 (shear-thinning index using a rotational viscometer), and other E-series methods for thermophysical and rheological measurements.

Keywords

viscosity, rotational viscometer, validation, linearity, bias, repeatability, precision, detection limit, quantitation limit, measurement range, rheology, calibration, method validation

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E3116-23 is a Standard Test Method that provides procedures and statistical criteria for validating viscosity measurements made with rotational viscometers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection of reference materials or specimens, recommended replicate measurement protocols, and statistical analyses to determine linearity, bias, repeatability (precision), detection and quantitation limits, and the validated measurement range for rotational viscometry methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Instrument manufacturers, calibration and testing laboratories, QA/QC teams, rheologists, process engineers, and regulatory or standards organizations use this standard to demonstrate and document method performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: E3116-23 is the current active edition (published June 1, 2023) and supersedes the prior edition E3116-18.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee E37 (Thermal Measurements) publications addressing thermophysical and rheological methods and is frequently used alongside related E-series practices and test methods for calibration, terminology, and statistical treatment.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include viscosity, rotational viscometer, validation, linearity, bias, repeatability, detection limit, quantitation limit, range, precision, rheology, and calibration.