Have you ever mixed up a batch of epoxy glue and, just before you finished the job, of course, had the mix unexpectedly turn into solid concrete? If you have, you experienced the effect of gel time. This term is a common measurement for products that thicken, cure, gel or harden when mixed. Product such as epoxies, adhesives, resins and coatings all use gel time measurements.
Read MoreAmanda Ranowsky
Recent Posts
Do You Use Epoxies, Adhesives, Resins or Coatings?
Posted by Amanda Ranowsky on Jan 6, 2020 8:00:00 AM
Topics: Viscometers, Viscosity, gel time
In our business, we use the word “sieve” to describe a piece of equipment that separates different sized particles using a woven wire screen. To others, “sieve” can mean something very different.
Topics: ASTM, Particle Size Analysis, Sieve Calibration, Sieve Certification, Sieves, Sieving Process
Contact Angle Fundamentals: What You Actually Need to Know
Posted by Amanda Ranowsky on Aug 26, 2019 9:00:00 AM
It’s easy to pretend you know the operating terms surrounding contact angle measurement. But do you really? For industries such as coatings, printing, and oil recovery, contact angle testing is an essential component of the production and/or quality assurance process. Having a competent understanding of these terms will make it so much easier to choose the right instrument for your company - one you can be certain will do what you need it to do.
Read MoreTopics: Surface Tension, contact angle, contact angle meter, dynamic contact angle, Liquid Properties
New Methods of Controlling Sample Temperatures [Water Baths to Peltier Plates]
Posted by Amanda Ranowsky on Jun 24, 2019 8:30:00 AM
Peltier temperature control is becoming more common in viscosity testing, but traditional water baths are still the norm for many companies. Should you switch Peltier-based temperature control for you critical samples?
Read MoreTopics: Measure Viscosity, Viscometers, Viscosity, viscometer, rotational viscometer, differences in rotational viscometers
What are Viscosity Flow Curves?
A flow curve – also known as a rheogram – is a graphical representation of how a flowing material (fluid) behaves when it is subjected to increasing or decreasing shear rates. The corresponding shear stress and viscosity are calculated from the instrument’s parameters. You can tell what type of fluid (Newtonian/Non-Newtonian, thixotropic, dilatant, etc.) the sample is by the shape of the flow curve.
Read MoreTopics: Measure Viscosity, Viscometers, Viscosity
Four Reasons Why Food Manufacturers Should Monitor Moisture
Posted by Amanda Ranowsky on Mar 12, 2018 8:00:00 AM
Topics: Moisture Oven Test, Moisture Analysis, Moisture Testing, CSC Digital Moisture Balance, Loss-On-Drying, Moisture, fast moisture test, moisture balance, moisture content, moisture measurement
Sensational Food Texture - What is It? - How to Analyze it?
Posted by Amanda Ranowsky on Feb 13, 2018 6:30:00 AM
“It doesn’t matter how it looks as long as it tastes good.”
This statement has long been my philosophy when it comes to cooking. The dishes I create usually taste okay – even really yummy, occasionally – but I stink at presentation. Family and friends are usually quite forgiving when it comes to their sensory (sight, touch, smell) experiences with a food. They tend to ignore looks and feel, and focus on taste.
Food buyers aren’t so forgiving. If their sensory experiences don’t meet expectations, that crucial first taste will never happen. Flavor isn’t everything, either. If the food doesn’t feel right, or pleasant, the first bite will also be the last.
Read MoreTopics: Texture Analysis
The answer to the question, “How Long Does a Water Activity Test Take?” is, as with most testing questions, “it depends.” Some water activity meters promise a test completed in a very short time; some in as little as five minutes. This time is an arbitrary selection that may or may not produce a satisfactory result.
Read MoreTopics: Bound Moisture, Free Moisture, Moisture Analysis, Water Activity, Moisture, water activity measurement
How Much Do Rotational Viscometers Cost - And Why?
Posted by Amanda Ranowsky on Apr 19, 2017 8:15:00 AM
Looking at the rotational viscometers on the market today, you'd expect to see small price differences between the instruments offered by competing brands. But what if you find one viscometer priced at $2000 and another at $9000? Is the $9000 viscometer a better instrument? Why is there such a price difference between the two instruments?
Viscometer prices depend on both the make-up of the instrument's motor, and on the technical features of the instrument (temperature probe, speed range, USB compatibility, etc.). There are two main types of rotational viscometers: those using a spring motor, and those using a servo motor.
In this article, I’m going to take a look the options available for rotational viscometers, and how those options affect the price.
Read MoreTopics: Viscometers, Viscosity, Dynamic Viscosity, rotational viscometer, Liquid Properties
How to Get Consistent and Accurate Test Results with a Rotational Viscometer
Posted by Amanda Ranowsky on Mar 22, 2017 8:00:00 AM
Most rotational viscometer specifications promise high test accuracy and repeatability. However, an instrument on its own cannot guarantee accurate results. Instrument set-up and using the right test parameters are critical pieces of the puzzle.
Test parameters and turbulence are two key factors to consider when preparing to test with a rotational viscometer. The spindle, speed setting, and temperature of the product are some of the parameters that can impact test results. Additionally, turbulence in the sample’s flow during a test will distort viscosity readings. Knowing how to manage these two factors can significantly contribute to the accuracy of your testing.
Read MoreTopics: Measure Viscosity, Viscometers, Viscosity, Dynamic Viscosity, rotational viscometer, Liquid Properties