test fluid ?

[sheppard00]

I have just built my first bench and am wondering which test fluid will be the best choice.. it is a msd style bench and I have a home built inclined manometer with 13 in of rise and 30in long....

I did a search first but couldn't find a definate answer

thanks in advance
mark sheppard

[84-1074663779]

Commercial manometer fluids are available, but I have always used distilled water with a drop of bleach (to kill the bugs) a drop of detergent (to reduce the surface tension) and a drop of food coloring (easier to see).

The only real problem with this might be freezing, it depends where you are I suppose.

While experimenting, it can be fairly easy to have "a little accident" and blow all the manometer fluid down into the depths of your bench. Water is cheap, commercial manometer oil is not.

[larrycavan]

It depends on your scale. If you made the scale properly and it's based on using fluid of 1.0 specific gravity, you have a couple of options. Probably the best option is the Dwyer green wetting agent with distilled water. Some guys like distilled water with a drop of liquid dish soap and red food coloring. Granger carries the Dwyer green wetting agent.

[sheppard00]

thanks guys that is what I needed