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.

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Topics: Viscometers, Viscosity, Dynamic Viscosity, rotational viscometer, Liquid Properties

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.

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Topics: Measure Viscosity, Viscometers, Viscosity, Dynamic Viscosity, rotational viscometer, Liquid Properties

You probably know that rotational viscometers work by measuring the torque on a vertical shaft that rotates a spindle.  The spindle is in the test sample and its rotation is impeded in proportion to the viscosity of the sample. These instruments measure viscosity.

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Topics: Viscometers, Viscosity, Liquid Properties

Nearly every day we have a question about differences between Viscosity, Consistency and Surface Tension. There is usually a second part of the question; 

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Topics: Viscometers, Viscosity, Bostwick Consistometer, Tensiometer, Surface Tension Measurement, Surface Tension, Liquid Properties

I used to think that liquids were pretty simple things. Is that what you think too?

Not so fast. Let’s take a look at three properties of liquids and see if we change our view.

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Topics: Newtonian Fluid, Viscometers, Viscosity, Bostwick Consistometer, Consistency, duNouy Rings, Surface Tension Measurement, Surface Tension, Liquid Properties

 

Not Much of a Science Person Learns About Viscosity

Since I joined CSC Scientific in July 2013, I’ve been on a steep learning curve. You see, I’ve never been much of a science person. There was even one particular chemistry class in high school used to give me migraine headaches - routinely. 

Having no real background in the sciences means that I’ve had a lot to learn since I joined a company that sells scientific testing equipment. Maybe you’re nodding in sympathy with me right now. Many of our clients – that is, the people doing the purchasing on behalf of their company – are not scientists and don’t have a thorough knowledge of the scientific principles behind the products they’re told to buy.

 

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Topics: Newtonian Fluid, "The Basics", Viscometers, Viscosity

You may recall that I promised to offer my interpretation as to how Surface Tension is related to Viscosity.

To begin with, liquid surface tension and viscosity share a common trait: they both involve properties of fluids. After that, things start to get murky.

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Topics: Wilhelmy Plates, Viscosity, duNouy Rings, Tensiometer, Surface Tension Measurement, Surface Tension, Interfacial Tensiometer, Liquid Properties