What is a viscometer used for?
Viscometers are used in the measurement of the viscosity and flow behavior of fluids. Viscometers can measure bothNewtonianand non-Newtonian fluids. A Newtonian fluid’s viscosity remains constant, no matter the amount of shear is applied for a constant temperature. For non-Newtonian fluid, the viscosity will change under shear force.
Viscometers are widely used in various applications, including food products, chemicals, paints and coatings, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, oils, latex and others.
8 Questions to consider in choosing a viscometer
Here is a list of 8 questions you should go through to purchase a viscometer to best suit your needs
- For laboratory use or for quality control in production plant?
- What type of materials will this viscometer handle?
- Newtonian fluids, non-Newtonian fluids or both?
- Highly volatile? Closed system needed?
- Rheological characteristics of the material—plastic, thixotropic, dilatant, etc
- Corrosiveness of the fluid
- Does the fluid contain solids? What are them and their characteristics? Plastic, thixotropic, dilatant, etc.?
- What are the operating temperatures and pressures of the fluids?
- Do the sample composition and/or viscosity (due to time lag or reaction) change over time? Reduce the lag time for manual sampling and testing needed or immediate measurement required?
- The relationship between viscosity and operating temperature of the fluid?
- What are the viscosity range of the fluid?
- Explosion proof required for the viscometer?
- Accuracy level (maximum error allowable) and repeatability?
- What other features are needed for the viscometer?
- What is the requirement of the viscometer response time?
- What are the flow behavior—laminar or turbulent?
What Maha can offer?
Going through those questions above and still need an expert to choose the best viscometer for you? Maha has got you covered. Send in your enquiry at Sales@maha.asia or contact us at 6863 1808.