Viscosity of Common Liquids

A mixture viscosity is the measurement of the process fluid resistance to flow. Viscosity is usually in units of centipoise (cps) but can be expressed in other industry standard measurements as well.

WMProcess uses viscosity and density (or SG = specific gravity) to help size the right agitator for the desired process results, and viscosity affects fluid flow and HP draw of the mixer.

100 Centipoise = 1 Poise
1 Centipoise = 1 mPa s (Millipascal Second)
1 Poise = 0.1 Pa s (Pascal Second)
Centipoise = Centistoke x Density

Approximate Mixture Viscosities of Materials to use as a guide.
(At Room Temperature-70°F) *

Material Viscosity in Centipoise

Water 1 cps

Milk 3 cps

SAE 10 Motor Oil 100 cps

SAE 30 Motor Oil 500 cps

Castrol Oil 1,000 cps

Latex House Paint 1500 cps

Karo Syrup 5,000 cps

Honey 10,000 cps

Chocolate 25,000 cps

Ketchup 50,000 cps

Mustard 70,000 cps

Sour Cream 100,000 cps

Peanut Butter 250,000 cps

For precise mixer sizing we will often ask for shear rate vs viscosity curves if available to see how the mixture behaves under shear. White Mountain Process offers lab testing
and provides low shear and high shear mixing and agitation equipment. Any questions contact WMProcess.