For the past two weeks, the viscosity tube calibrations (see previous post) have taken up a decent amount of my time, as predicted. Though this seems simple, a lot of trial and error was performed in an attempt to perfect the procedure. After many failures, switching to a different oil bath, and much patience, we have our strategy down pat. As of writing this, 16 of the 24 visc. tubes that we are able to calibrate have been done. Ten more tubes are unable to be verified at the moment due to a few standard-viscosity oils that are yet to come in, which will be done at a later time. In order to make this process more efficient in the future, I plan on drawing up a new procedure / guide for future interns with tips and tricks to getting the perfect results from the tubes.
This experience has really shown me how everything isn't so cookie-cutter in the real world, like it usually is in a lab at school. Even the smallest, seemingly insignificant tasks can often prove to be a challenge, requiring employees to respond with diligence and problem-solving.
On top of this, we have also helped with the verification of a new instrument in the lab. The DP70 (shown right) is a new instrument that helps us get a very accurate drop point on petrolatums. Over time, we constantly run known samples of a standard on the instrument and collect 25 data points. From these data points we can pinpoint a value that is known to be correct, and also develop a margin of error, so that we know if the instrument needs to be recalibrated or not. This instrument is a major help to the chemists in the lab, as the original method of measuring drop point requires one to sit and observe a thermometer and visually record their results once the sample drops. This is a time-consuming procedure that can easily be skewed by human error.
The previous paragraph was written by Nadia Hindman, my fellow lab intern. I hope you enjoyed her guest appearance.
Next week, we will be wrapping up viscosity tubes, examining white oils (the hydro treater is starting an oil run), and preparing our final presentation for the internship.