Viscometer

Falling Ball Viscometer, ViscoTester, Accessories

1
Introduction
Viscometry
The measuring technique
for the determination of the
viscosity of a fluid is called
viscometry. Viscosity is a
characteristic value which is
highly dependent on ambient
conditions like temperature
and pressure. Since it is a
variable which can only be
“indirectly” determined, the
result depends on the meas-
ured values and thus on the
test method. Different in-
struments can deliver differ-
ent results and still measure
“correctly”, i.e. the selection
of a measuring instrument
should also depend on the
test substance.
Viscometers
The Höppler Falling Ball
Viscometer C is the classical
instrument for viscosity
measurements under de-
fined ambient conditions
(page 6).
Additionally, Thermo
Haake has specialized in the
manufacture and distribution
of rotational viscometers
such the ViscoTester 01/02
(page 3) or the ViscoTester
6/7 (page 4, 5).
The ViscoTester 550 is
recommended for a demand-
ing quality control without
the sophistication of an
R&D rheometer. Extensive
QC testing of non-Newtoni-
an fluids and routine devel-
opment measurements is the
domain of the VT550.
Instruments which are used
to determine the viscous
and elastic properties of a
material are called rheome-
ters, such as the product
lines RotoVisco and Rheo-
Stress. These instruments
are described in more detail
in a separate brochure.
2
η Viscosity
Viscosity curve η = f (T)
Flow Behavior
If the viscosity of a product
not only changes depending
on the temperature but also
with the stress or strain im-
posed, the substance shows a
non-Newtonian behavior.
T
τ
There are materials which
change their viscosity due to Temperature
their molecular properties
depending on the strain im-
Shear Stress
posed (with rotational vis-
cometers = shear rate).
Newtonian and non-
Their viscosity can become Newtonian flow behavior
either lower (pseudoplastic
fluids) or higher (dilatant
γ
fluids) with increasing shear
rate or can additionally de-
pend on the time-duration
of the shear imposed. If the
viscosity decreases, the ma-
terial is described as thixo-
tropic and if it increases Shear
τ
then it is called rheopectic. Rate
This process must be revers-
ible, i.e. the viscosity must
return to its initial state
once the shear rate has been Shear Stress
removed.
Bingham and
plastic flow behavior
Yield Stress
τ°
γ
The yield stress of a sub-
stance is the force which is
necessary to bring the fluid
to a steady flow within the
observation period. Accord- Yield Point
ing to this definition rota-
tional viscometers can define Shear
yield stresses by approxima- Rate
tion only. Flow behavior
with yield stress is common-
ly described as plasticity
flow. Bingham flow behavior
is an exceptional case where The ThermoHaake Viscometer Program
the slope of the stress-shear
curve is constant.
RS/RT/RV
VT550
ViscoTester® 01/02

Application

The small, battery oper-

ated rotational visco-
meters can be used for
quick unsophisticated
tests and comparative
measurements in labor-
atories and on the shop
floor.
The easy to carry visco-
meters independent of a
mains socket require no
calculations.The instru-
ments calibrated for Newto-
nian substances indicate
data directly in units of
m Pa·s (VT01) or in dPa·s
(VT02) .

Both ViscoTesters 01 resp. Order information

02 together with 3 sensor Order No. Description
systems come as a ready to 808-0698 ViscoTester 01,
use package. base instrument with
3 sensor systems
These instrument packages and 4 batteries
are well suited for fast batch 808-0699 ViscoTester 02,
controls in e.g.: Measuring Principle Technical Data base instrument with
3 sensor systems
and 4 batteries
● Chemical industry A rotor driven by a speed Viscosity range VT01:
808-0703 support stand for
stabilized motor rotates in 1.5-330 mPa·s (cP) ViscoTester 01/02
● Pharmaceutical the substance to be meas- Viscosity range VT02: 808-0754 mains power supply
industry ured. The required torque is 0.3-4000 dPa·s (P) 230V/50Hz
directly correlated to viscos- Temperature: up to +15O °C 222-0036 Battery charger
● Mineral oil industry ity. The deflection of a Rotor speed: 62.5 rpm (230V/50-60Hz)
measuring spring is indicat- Reproducibility: incl. 4 cells Ni-Cd
● Food industry ed on a scale. ± 2% of total range 808-0722 extension rod (90 cm)
Comparability: for ViscoTester 02
± 7% of total range 808-0751 carrying case for
Material: Rotors 1, 2 and 3, ViscoTester 01
18/8 steel, Rotors 4 and 5, 808-0752 carrying case for
anodized aluminium ViscoTester 02

VT01 VT02
Cup A 808-0717 Rotor No.4 808-0714 No.5 808-0715 No.3 808-0716 Cup 808-0721 Rotor No.3 808-0716 No.1 808-0719 No.2 808-0720

3
ViscoTester® 6/7
Application
The fastest way to carry out
viscosity measurements is by
using a rotational viscome-
ter. Another advantage is
the simple and easy-to-clean
geometry of the rotors that
are in contact with the fluid.
This is especially true for
the ViscoTester, which is
the reason why this instru-
ment is often favored for
quick quality control appli-
cations.
Measuring principle
The ViscoTester is a classical
rotational viscometer that
measures the resistance of a
test substance against a pre-
set speed. The resulting
torque or resistance is the
measure for the viscosity of
the fluid. The higher the
torque, the higher the vis-
cosity. Due to the standard-
ized geometry, the generated
shear rates can only be de-
termined exactly for Newto-
nian substances.
Compatibility
The basic standard ISO 2555
describes the design and the
characteristic measurement
technique of a viscosity
measuring instrument
(torque, speed, rotor geom-
etry). If a rotational viscom-
eter meets these require-
ments, it complies with the
Brookfield method and is
100% compatible as long as
comparable versions are
used. This is the reason why
many instrument manufac-
turers use our designations
such as:
L - for low-viscous sub-
stances
R - for medium-viscous
substances
4
Version L or R
L
is mainly used for
Ris the ”standard”
low-viscous sub- viscometer for 80%
stances such as of all viscosity
diluted solutions, measurements. It is
oils, dispersions especially suited
and emulsions. for the medium
Milk-like fluids viscosity range
(2-5 mPas) may be extending from
considered the sewing machine oil
lower viscosity limit up to PVC plastisols
and the recom- or whipped cream.
mended upper limit
can be described
using products like
motor oil. Measur-
ing range is from
3 - 2 000 000 mPas.
ViscoTester 6
● RS232 interface to transfer
data to a PC or printer
● Windows-based RheoWin
software (optional) to
present and evaluate data ● Warning in case the per-
● Bi-directional RS232 in- mitted measuring range is
terface to control the instru- exceeded
ment and transfer data to PC ● Digital calibration of the
● Windows RheoWin software ”torque” with ”national
(optional) to run the device, traceable standards”
present and evaluate data ● Digital speed control
● Temperature sensor with ”built-in” accuracy via
Pt100 to monitor the sample a step motor
Standards
temperature ● Non-contact, electro-
optical torque measuring
Many national and interna-
system with high accuracy
Common features tional standards describe
without the risk of wear and
viscosity measurements ac-
tear
● Complete package; switch cording to the Brookfield
on and measure viscosity method. The ViscoTester
● Digital display of viscosity, Two-year warranty meets the following standards:
% torque, speed and rotor
number Due to these superior tech- BS: 6075, 5350
● Digital display of the sam- nical features and our confi- ISO: 2555, 1652
ple temperature (only VT7) dence in this instrument, the ASTM: 115, 789, 1076,
● Complete instrument ViscoTester comes with a 1084, 1286, 1417, 1439,
diagnosis when switching on 2-year warranty. The Visco- 1638,1824, 2196, 2336,
and warning of malfunction Tester 6/7 is the most stable 2364, 2393, 2556, 2669,
● Visual and acoustic signals measuring instrument in its 2849, 2983, 2994, 3232,
at critical measuring conditions viscometer class 3236, 3716
Technical Data ● Torque: ● Viscosity range: Version L:
The versions L and R differ Apart from the following 3 - 2 000 000 mPas
● Ambient conditions: in the torque range roughly theoretical viscosity ranges, in 76 ranges
The instruments can be by a factor of 6. The value practical considerations also (19 speeds with 4 spindles
used at ambient tempera- displayed is measured with a should play a role for the for low to medium viscosity
tures from +10°C to +40°C maximum uncertainty of +/- instrument selection. test fluids)
and a relative humidity of 1 % in relation to the full accuracy: +/- 1% of full scale
up to 80%. The power sup- scale (100%). reproducibility: +/- 0.2 % Version R:
ply should be between 110 - 20 - 13 000 000 mPas
240V/50-60Hz. in 114 ranges
(19 speeds with 6 spindles
● Display: for medium to higher
η dynamic viscosity test fluids)
viscosity
in mPas VT6 R with
%τ torque in % standard accessories
of the max.
limit value
n speed in rpm
# number of the
selected spindle
T temperature in °C
(only VT7)

● Speeds:
All models have the
following standard
speeds (rpm):
0.3 0.5 0.6 1
1.5 2 2.5 3
4 5 6 10
12 20 30 50
60 100 200
Accuracy: better than +/-
0.5% of the absolute value
Options: For special measuring requirements the following
accessories are recommended to be used with the standard
ViscoTester:

Order No. Description

Ordering Information
098-5013 RheoWin data evaluation software for ViscoTester 6L
The ViscoTester is supplied as a complete instrument in a 098-5014 RheoWin data evaluation software for ViscoTester 6R
stable carrying case with multilingual documentation. 098-5011 RheoWin control and data evaluation software for ViscoTester 7L
Standard accessories for each basic instrument are a stand 098-5012 RheoWin control and data evaluation software for ViscoTester 7R
and the measuring spindles with a storage rack. 799-3151 Pt100 temperature sensor (1/3 DIN) with handle for VT7
222-1380 Helipath stand (230V/50Hz) to penetrate motor driven new test
Order No. Description fluid to measure thixotropic fluids more reproducible
387-0001 ViscoTester 6L (110-240V/50-60Hz); with stand, spindles L1 to L4, 222-1386 Helipath stand (115V/60 Hz) as above
rack, spindle guard, and documentation in a case 222-1379 Adapter for thin fluids, which extends the measuring, range
388-0001 ViscoTester 6R (110-240V/50-60Hz); with stand, spindles R2 to R7, down to the viscosity of water.
rack, spindle guard, and documentation in a case 222-1378 Adapter for small samples if only 20 cm3 are available
389-0001 ViscoTester 7L (110-240V/50-60Hz), with stand, spindles L1 to L4, 222-1387 Set of spindles for the adapter with small volume with version R
rack, spindle guard, and documentation in a case. 222-1397 Set of spindles for the adapter with small volume with version L
Pt100 temperature sensor standard
222-1395 Spindle 1 for version R
390-0001 ViscoTester 7R (110-240V/50-60Hz), with stand, spindles R2 to R4,
rack, spindle guard, and documentation in a case. 222-1396 Set of spindles for version R
Pt100 temperature sensor standard 222-1398 Set of spindles for version L

5
Falling Ball Viscometer C
Application
The Falling Ball Viscometer
type C measures accurately
the viscosity of transparent
Newtonian liquids and gases.
It meets the requirements of
the German DIN 53015 as
well as ISO 12058 standard
and it is accepted as an offi-
cial reference instrument.
Its measuring accuracy
when backed up by the pre-
cise temperature control of
a ThermoHaake circulator
is not surpassed by any oth-
er type of viscometer.
The Falling Ball Viscosime-
ter is mainly used for low
viscous substances such as
used in:
● Chemical industry
(polymer solutions, solvents,
inks)
● Pharmaceutical industry
(raw materials, glycerine)
● Food industry
(gelatin, sugar solutions)
● Mineral oil industry
(oils, liquid hydrocarbons)
Viscosity η20 °C(mPa.s)
105 Tar
104 Honey
103
102
Glycerine
Lubricatingoil
101 Olive oil
Spindle oil
100
10-1
Water
Ether
10-2 Neon
6
6
Measuring principle
The rolling and sliding
movements of a ball through
the sample liquid are timed
in an inclined cylindrical
measuring tube. The sample
viscosity is correlated to the
time a ball requires to
traverse a definite distance.
By turning the measuring
tube upside down again the
return of the ball may also
be used for an additional
measurement.
The test results are given as
dynamic viscosity in the in-
ternationally standardized,
absolute units of milli Pascal
seconds (mPas).
Ball
}}
6 333-0639
5 sensor for falling ball -
} 4
}}
3
2
}}
1
G
Features
● High accuracy through
improved visibility of falling
ball
● Minimized test time due
to accurate return run of the
ball
● Reduced cost of owner-
ship through increased life
time of falling tube
● Extended re-calibration
periods through improved
bearing support
Technical Data
Viscosity range:
0.5-105 mPa·s (cP)
Temperature range:
-20 °C up to + 120 °C
Reproducibility:
better than 0.5 %
Comparability:
better than 1 %
Material:
Balls1,2 and G, Boron
silicia glass; balls 3 and 4,
Nickel iron alloy;
balls 5 and 6, stainless steel;
falling tube, Boron silicia glass
Note
For non-Newtonian liquids
and pastes as well as pseudo-
plastic or thixotropic sub-
stances we recommend
ThermoHaake rotational
viscometers: ViscoTester or
RotoVisco
Order information
Order No. Description
356-0001 Falling Ball Viscometer
type C including 6 balls,
instrument case, ther-
mometer -1°C up to 26°C
(0.1°C divisons) cleaning
tools, calibration sheet,
instruction manual
800-0176 Stopwatch, LCD-Display
up to 9 h, 59 minutes,
59.99 seconds
800-0009 Ball G for gas
measurements
Pt100 temperature
DC50 circulator
Accessories, Instrument Selection

The selection of a visco- CRITERION Falling Ball C ViscoTester 01/02 ViscoTester 6/7
meter should not only de- Standards DIN 53015/ ISO 12058 no ISO 2555
pend on the price; it also Temperature -20/120 °C -20/200°C -30/300°C
has to be suitable for the Viscosity from: 0.5 mPas 1.5 mPas (VT01); 30 mPas (VT02) 3 mPas (Type L); 20 mPas (TypeR)
special application and
Viscosity up to: 100 000 mPas 330 mPas (VT01); 400 000 mPas (VT02) 2·106 mPas (Type L); 13·106 mPas (Type R)
substance. The adjascent
Flow curve no one point 19 points per sensor
selection table should fa-
Yield stress no no relative determination
cilitate this selection:
Accuracy +/_ 0.5% absolute +/_ 7% of full scale +/_ 1% of full scale
Measuring cycle 5-10 minutes approx. 1-2 minutes approx. 1-2 minutes
Power supply none necessary battery 100-240 V / 50-60 Hz
Standard Liquids

According to ISO 9000, Thermo Haake supplies li- (which are recommended for
measuring devices which are quids with a known viscosity ISO 9000) are to be used:
used in the production and for the functional inspection
quality processes have to be of a measuring instrument. Order No. Type Description η (20°C)
inspected… Deviations of the indicated 082-5042 E7 Test fluid 100 ml 5 mPas
- periodically at regular viscosity of up to 3% from 082-5043 E200 Test fluid 100 ml 120 mPas
intervals the true value are still with- 082-5044 E2000 Test fluid 100 ml 1900 mPas
- with nationally traceable in tolerance; the viscosity 082-5046 E6000 Test fluid 100 ml 6000 mPas
standards values apply to a reference 082-5336 E15000 Test fluid 100 ml 15000 mPas
The inspection intervals, temperature of 20.00°C. 082-5335 E40000 Test fluid 100 ml 40000 mPas
criteria and admitted toler-
ances are defined in the If a viscometer is to be in- Order No. Type Description η (20°C)
quality handbook of the spected and calibrated ac- 082-5303 100BW Standard liquid 100 ml 100 mPas
company using the instru- cording to ISO 9000, the 082-5004 2000AW Standard liquid 100 ml 2000 mPas
ment. following standard liquids 082-5005 10000B Standard liquid 100 ml 100000 mPas

Service contracts

Thermo Haake manufactures

viscometers and rheometers
in an ISO 9001 environment
to ensure total quality for
the products.
The instruments have been
designed and manufactured
to comply with the standard
for “Electromagnetic Com-
patibility Directive” especially
the standards EN 50081,
Part 2, EN 50082, Part 2,
and EN 55011. All relevant
products carry the CE sign.

7
 A Thermo Electron business

International USA France UK

Thermo Haake Thermo Haake Thermo Rheo Thermo PRISM
Dieselstr. 4 5225 Verona Road 99 route de Versailles Emerald Way
76227 Karlsruhe Madison, WI 53711 91160 Champlan Stone Business Park, Stone
Germany Tel. 608-327-6777 Tel. +33(0)1 64 54 01 01 Staffordshire ST15 0SR
Tel. +49(0)721 40 94-0 Fax 608-273-6827 Fax +33(0)1 64 54 01 87 Tel. +44(0)1785 813 648
Fax +49(0)721 40 94-300 infousa@thermohaake.com info@thermorheo.com Fax +44(0)1785 814 633
Hotline +49(0)18050 HAAKE www.thermohaake.com www.thermorheo.com info@thermoprism.com
info@thermohaake.com www.thermoprism.com
www.thermohaake.com

ViscoTester, RheoWin, RotoVisco, RheoStress, are registered trademarks of Thermo Haake GmbH. The product information in this document was correct at the time
of printing, however specifications are subject to alteration without notice due to the Thermo Haake philosophy of continual product innovation and development
and any information contained herein should not be construed as a contractual commitment by Thermo Haake. All orders are accepted subject to our current
8 Conditions of Sale, copies of which are available on request. © ThermoHaake/Dec. 2001 623-2008