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I have used silicon oil in several exhibits and
really like it for it's clarity and stability.  You can
get it in a number of different viscosities so you
can get some that is more viscous than water
and it will slow down the movement of the air
through the column or could used different
viscosities in each column so visitors can see
differences.

You don't ever want to get a leak... this stuff is
really hard to clean up... you can do a Google
search on the internet to find sources and info
on it.

David

David Taylor
AHHA Museum Services
  "Now I Understand"
    (206) 363-8126
   e-mail:   [log in to unmask]
http://www.AHHA-MuseumServices.com

===========================================
> From: Jay Higgins <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2003 12:36:36 -0500
> Subject: Rheostatic Fluid ?'s
**************************************************************
>
> Hello,
>  We have columns of water with rheostatic fluid in them where air
> bubbles up from the bottom- the bubbles push the water around and you
> can see the swirls.  We've had problems with the breakdown of the
> rheostatic fluid even after using a bacterial inhibitor and the
> resulting sludge clogs the air lines.  The rheostatic company suggested
> silicon oil instead of water.  Has anyone used such a thing?  Would a
> switch over eliminate the problem?  Any other creative suggestions or
> other liquid ideas?

> Jay Higgins
> Program/Exhibit Developer
> Providence Children's Museum
> Providence, RI 02903

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