Viscometers are indispensable measuring tools in the chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical and food industries, among others. They are devices designed to measure the resistance or viscosity of liquids, crystals or gases, and are used to determine the purity of potent chemicals, the quality of drugs, and various industrial procedures. However, to obtain reliable measurements that lead to product improvement, it is necessary to know how to operate such equipment.
When a laboratory purchases such equipment, the analyst usually receives training or an induction from the equipment manufacturer on how to operate the equipment. Normally this induction is included in the price paid for the equipment. The important thing about this induction is that the analyst knows how to make the measurement in a safe way, so as not to jeopardize his own integrity or that of the equipment.
How are viscosity measurements carried out?
In relation to the above, the first thing to note is that viscometers vary according to their purpose and measurement environment, although they all perform the function of measuring the resistance of liquids. The most common ones use a system consisting of a cuvette filled with a liquid containing a solid body, which is released into the cuvette at a certain speed to measure the resistance of the liquid.
It should be noted that there are various types of viscometers depending on the application and measurement requirements. For example, capillary viscometers are a small and inexpensive version, and are generally used for simple and quick measurements where the temperature depends on the industrial process. On the other hand, rotational viscometers are more sophisticated and accurate devices that are used to control the viscosity levels of liquids in chemical processes or to evaluate the quality of production.
The procedure for operating any model of viscometer is divided into three main stages. The first is to prepare the measuring material. This means cleaning and calibrating the device according to specific procedures. Once calibration is complete, we proceed to the next stage, which is measurement. This consists of introducing the measuring material into the cuvette and starting the process, which usually takes between 30 seconds and 15 minutes, depending on the type of viscometer. Finally, the analysis procedure must be applied to interpret the results.
Key aspects to take into account for accurate viscosity measurement
In addition, it must be taken into account that the accuracy of any measurement will depend on the apparatus used, as well as the exact parameters of the liquid to be measured. For this very reason, one of the key steps in operating a viscometer successfully is to ensure correct calibration. This consists of checking the liquid parameters with a set of calibrators. Calibrators are known viscosity solutions that are used to adjust the viscometer to ensure accurate readings. Once the calibration is recorded, the device is ready to take measurements.
Viscometers are very useful for determining the quality and purity of chemicals and solvents. These devices are also used to control industrial processes and ensure that liquids meet viscosity standards. While it is not complex to operate a viscometer, there are many factors that can affect the accuracy of the results. For this reason, it is always advisable to follow the instructions of the viscometer manufacturers in order to obtain the best results.
The measuring task with Kalstein viscometers
Kalstein viscosity measuring equipment, regardless of the model, comes with an operating manual for proper use. In addition, the company provides all the necessary support so that the customer feels satisfied with the equipment, if not in the way of using it. For example, one of our models, the Brookfield Automatic Digital Viscometer YR05859 – YR05860, stands out for its high precision, high viscosity measurements and comes with a temperature sensor. Additional information on any of our models can be found on the web sites HERE and HERE