Viscous Fluid Selection for AODD Pump Performance Testing

[c44mac]

I'm looking for suggestions of oils/viscous liquids for the performance testing of AODD pumps. Currently I only test with water, and although there are tables/formulas for calculating flow, resistance, etc. with different viscosities, I need to study pump behavior with viscous media. Looking within the range of 90-180 cSt at room temp (20°C) and I also need 150-200 gallons of this liquid, so I have been looking for industrial oils (hydraulic oils, motor oils etc.) to keep price down and availability high.
This testing will take place in a test lab so there are various safety characteristics required:
Flame/Combustion Resistance, low-to-no Odor/Fumes and Volatility.
All components in the flow path will be nitrile, stainless steel, teflon and brass so most materials should be compatible.

 

[EdStainless]

I know that you can get 100cSt White Mineral Oil.
Maybe a bit heavier also.
Odorless, clear, tasteless, and not highly volatile.
We used to buy from PetroCanada.

 

[Doug Hunter]

My first suggestion would be a motor oil. They are very available, safe, standardized, and compatible with your materials. They are available in wide ranges of viscosities and the data is very easy to obtain. I think there are lots of sources for disposal. Are you doing general research, perhaps trying to broaden the market for an existing pump product line? Is your testing occurring only at 20°C, or over a wider range of temperatures?