Determination of the Viscosity of Steam at Super-Critical Pressures

Abstract

This paper records the measurement of the viscosity of the water substance at pressures from 200 atmospheres to 1000 atmospheres and at temperatures from 370 to 540°C. The viscometer, which is of a capillary type, uses the principle of the falling mercury pellet but is of a special design prepared by the author to meet the extreme conditions under which the observations were to be made. A careful examination has been carried out of the possible sources of error, and the necessary corrections and calibrations are given. At the lower end of the range of pressure, at which recent data are extant from other workers, the results are in close conformity with those from the existing sources.