Meters provide real-time viscosity measurement

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 1, 2002

Solartron Mobrey has developed a new range of long-stemmed inline vibrating-fork viscosity meters.

Solartron Mobrey's ground breaking development work in real-time measurement of viscosity has taken another major step forward with the launch of a new range of long stemmed inline, vibrating fork viscosity meters.

The new meters do away with the need for a sample loop, allowing direct installation in large bore pipes and tanks, and so extend application of the technology widely.

Launched last year, Visconic is still the only practical solution for inline measurement of dynamic viscosity, kinematic viscosity and density.

Early adopters of the technology have found it to deliver significant efficiency improvements in liquid handling for a wide range of end-of-line processes such as spraying, atomising, coating and dipping.

Visconic, which uses vibrating fork technology to measure the viscosity and density of the liquid flow, is now available in lengths 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 3.4m.

Even in large bore process pipes, the instrument can now be installed direct into the process line with the vibrating fork element in the centre of the flow where conditions are most representative.

As a result, the measurement is both more accurate and more stable.

Further, the new long stemmed versions are suitable for top mounting in process tanks, avoiding problems associated with the complex flow patterns caused by agitators and stirrers, and offering a solution where side wall insertion is not possible because of heated jackets or special linings.

Visconic can be used to measure viscosity from 0.5 to 2000cst with an accuracy of +/-1%.

The operational liquid density range is 600-1250kg/m3 and the temperature range is 50 to 200C.

The enclosure is sealed to IP66 and is ATEX approved.

An intelligent transmitter, Visconic incorporates advanced electronics which carry out all signal processing and calculation.

Output is a 4-20mA signal and via an RS232/485 Modbus interface for continuous monitoring of multiple parameters.

Visconic may be used as a stand-alone monitoring device or with Solartron Mobrey's AdView software for PC-based remote configuration, diagnostics, data logging and analysis.

It can be used for direct, closed loop control, or integrated into any plant-wide computerised control or Scada system.

The new versions are available in 316 stainless steel, Monel 400 or Hastelloy C22 for corrosion resistance.

All versions can be supplied with electro-polished or PTFE-coated tines to provide non-stick self-cleaning properties.

(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 30 April 2002).