Malvern Visco 88 User Manual
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Malvern Visco 88 User Manual

Malvern Visco 88 User Manual

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Visco 88
User Manual
MAN0378 Issue 1.0 October 2006

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  • Page 1 Visco 88 User Manual MAN0378 Issue 1.0 October 2006...
  • Page 2 © Malvern Instruments Ltd. 2006 Malvern Instruments makes every effort to ensure that this document is correct. However, due to Malvern Instruments’ policy of continual product development we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of this, or any other document after the date of publication. We therefore disclaim all liability for any changes, errors or omissions after the date of publication.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Where to get help What is the Visco 88? ..........2-1 Introduction .
  • Page 4 Table of Contents Visco 88 Other tasks ..........4-1 Introduction .
  • Page 5 Visco 88 Table of Contents Part 2 - Appendices Health and safety ......... . A-1 General warnings .
  • Page 6 Table of Contents Visco 88 Page iv MAN 0378...

  • Page 7: Part 1 - Operator's Guide

    Part 1 - Operator’s Guide...

  • Page 9: Introduction To This Manual

    About this manual This manual covers the operation and maintenance of the Visco 88 instrument. This is a portable, easily-handled viscometer for laboratory, plant and field use. It can be used standalone or connected to a computer running the Bohlin software.

  • Page 10: Where To Get Help

    Where to get help Help desk All queries regarding the system should initially be directed to the local Malvern Instruments representative. Please quote the following information: The model and serial number of the instrument (located with the connectors under the flap on the back of the casing).

  • Page 11: What Is The Visco 88

    In addition to standalone use, the Visco 88 can be controlled by a connected com- puter. The computer can run the Bohlin software which allows pre-programmed measurements, as well as data processing and graphic layout of results. Use of this software is described in Chapter 5.

  • Page 12: Operating Principles

    Chapter 2 What is the Visco 88? Operating principles The viscometer is a constant speed motor with a torque detection system. The sample to be tested is placed in the gap between upper and lower measuring sys- tems. The instrument uses a controlled shear rate. That is, it applies a shear rate (rota- tional speed) and measures the resultant shear stress (torque) needed to maintain the shear rate.
  • Page 13 What is the Visco 88? Chapter 2 The main components are: Stand – keeps the instrument stable. The instrument does not have to be used  while placed in the stand. The viscometer can be held in the hand and the measuring system just placed in the sample to be measured.
  • Page 14 Chapter 2 What is the Visco 88? Digital display – this shows the status of the system and measurement data  for torque, speed, viscosity, shear stress, shear rate and temperature. System status parameters are shown as follows: Low bat.

  • Page 15: Measuring Systems

    What is the Visco 88? Chapter 2 Measuring systems The sample is placed between two measuring systems. There are two types of measuring system, cup and bob and cone and plate/parallel plate. Cup and bob is the default, the others are available as an option.
  • Page 16 Chapter 2 What is the Visco 88? SYSTEM Estimated switch Inner Outer sample position cylinder cylinder Designation volume 14 mm 15.4 mm C14 DIN53019 10ml 25 mm 27.5 mm C25 DIN53019 15ml 30 mm 33.0 mm C30 DIN53019 17ml 14 mm...
  • Page 17 What is the Visco 88? Chapter 2 ill 7726 Cone and plate Parallel plates Cone and plate (CP) systems are defined in terms of cone angle and diameter. The cone is always the upper system. For example, a CP2.5°/30 cone has an angle of 2.5°...
  • Page 18 Chapter 2 What is the Visco 88? Its components are: Clamp – slide this onto the column before the viscometer clamp as the   lower plate must be below the viscometer. Lower measuring system (plate) – this can incorporate temperature con- ...

  • Page 19: Temperature Control

    Temperature control The viscometer does not have any integrated system of temperature control, but external temperature controllers can be used as follows: Cup and bob systems – Malvern can supply a thermal jacket as shown  below to fit over cup and bob geometries. This allows use of an external fluid circulator to regulate the sample temperature when using the DIN standard or wide gap configurations.

  • Page 20: Connections

    Chapter 2 What is the Visco 88? Connections The flap on the back of the viscometer gives access to the connectors: ill 7727 The ports are: Analogue output – the torque reading can be output to an external recorder ...

  • Page 21: Power Supply And Battery Operation

    What is the Visco 88? Chapter 2 Power supply and battery operation The instrument is powered by one of the following: The mains power socket using an AC adapter. Warning! Do not use any AC adapter or cable other than those supplied.
  • Page 22 Chapter 2 What is the Visco 88? Page 2-12 MAN 0378...

  • Page 23: Making A Measurement

    Optimising the measuring system – this is optimising the torque to take account of the viscosity of the sample. Starting the measurement. Completing the measurement – this is described in detail in Chapter 6. Closing down the viscometer. Work through each step in turn. Visco 88 Page 3-1...

  • Page 24: Assembling The Instrument

    To assemble the instrument: Remove all items except the measuring systems from the packaging. Caution! The Visco 88 is a precision instrument and needs careful handling. Use the Allen key supplied to fasten the stand column to the heavy base ...
  • Page 25 If they are not, after the viscometer is powered on the display will continue to read Low bat even after the initial few seconds. ill 7749 Now work through the rest of this chapter in the order given to make the measure- ment. Visco 88 Page 3-3...

  • Page 26: Getting Started

    Chapter 3 Making a measurement Getting started Press the ON/OFF button to switch the power on. The display will initially show OFF, indicating that no speed has been set. Choosing a rotational speed The shear rate is directly proportional to the rotational speed. Use the SPEED switch to select the speed at which the upper measuring system will turn.

  • Page 27: Choosing A Measurement System

    PP30 PP30 0.5mm 0.5mm PP15 PP15 C14 IS PP30 PP30 C25 IS CP2.5° PP15 PP15 CP5.4° CP5.4° C30 IS CP2.5° PP30 PP30 CP5.4° CP5.4° CP5.4° PP15 CP5.4° CP5.4° PP15 PP15 CP5.4° PP30 CP5.4° CP5.4° PP30 PP30 Visco 88 Page 3-5...
  • Page 28 Chapter 3 Making a measurement In this table: DIN – these have the 1:1.1 ratio between cup and bob described in Chapter 2. Cxx – a cylindrical measuring system of diameter xx mm. For example, C14 is a 14mm cylinder. For DIN standards, a matching cup and bob pair is used, for example a 27.5mm cup with 25mm bob.

  • Page 29: Fitting And Loading The Cup And Bob

    If necessary, the cup can be filled until the sample runs out of the access win- dows, then this spillage wiped away. Remove any excess sample through the access window using a dropper pipette. Now proceed to optimise the measurement system. Visco 88 Page 3-7...

  • Page 30: Fitting And Loading Plate Systems

    Chapter 3 Making a measurement Fitting and loading plate systems If using a cup and bob measuring system, skip this section. To insert the upper measurement system in the viscometer: Lift the chuck slightly upwards and hold it there. Push the shaft of the cone or upper plate up into the chuck carefully until it clicks into place.

  • Page 31: Optimising The Measurement System

    Follow the above procedure with a feeler gauge of this size. Other measuring systems will be supplied with specific gap setting instructions when purchased from Malvern Instruments. Optimising the measurement system This procedure checks that the measuring system is suitable for the viscosity of the sample loaded.

  • Page 32: Starting The Measurement

    Chapter 3 Making a measurement Read the torque value and check that it is between 0.5mNm and 9.5mNm. Press the START button to stop the motor. Loading the sample The correct amount of sample must be used. Overfilling or underfilling causes data errors.

  • Page 33: Completing The Measurement

    This assumes that the upper measuring system has already been removed as part of the cleaning procedure. To close down the viscometer: Switch off the Temperature Control Unit (TCU), if using one. Switch off the viscometer using its ON/OFF button. Visco 88 Page 3-11...
  • Page 34 Chapter 3 Making a measurement Page 3-12 MAN 0378...

  • Page 35: Other Tasks

    Other tasks Introduction This chapter describes other tasks, as follows: Adjusting the residual torque. Reporting the residual torque. Calculating rheological data. Changing measuring system constants – how to change the constant set used. Freezing the display. Visco 88 Page 4-1...

  • Page 36: Adjusting The Residual Torque

    If the display shows tRAP (trap), turn the instrument off. Check that it is vertical and that the AC adapter is connected, then power it on again. If tRAP reappears a second time after this, contact Malvern Instruments. Page MAN 0378...

  • Page 37: Reporting The Residual Torque

    When the text init disappears and OFF appears on the display, turn the power off using the ON/OFF button. Press the FUNCTION button until the residual torque, M, is shown. If the residual torque is high (greater than l mNm) this indicates a defect; con- tact Malvern Instruments. Visco 88 Page 4-3...

  • Page 38: Calculating Rheological Data

    Chapter 4 Other tasks Calculating rheological data Using the rotational speed V (rpm), the torque M (mNm) and the measuring sys- tem constants, the shear stress, shear rate and viscosity can be calculated as follows: Shear stress (Pa): = Cl * M τ...

  • Page 39: Freezing The Display

    SPEED or SYSTEM selectors are changed or the motor is stopped). Note Do not press CAL immediately after changing the speed (i.e. when the LCD reads '----') as a few seconds are necessary for Freeze mode to become active. Visco 88 Page 4-5...
  • Page 40 Chapter 4 Other tasks Page MAN 0378...
  • Page 41 The chapter covers: About the software – what it calculates. Installing the software. Connecting to the computer. Getting started. Making a measurement. Evaluating results. Closing down the software. Setting up users. Visco 88 Page 5-1...

  • Page 42: Using The Bohlin Software

    Chapter 5 Using the Bohlin software About the software The Bohlin software is run on a computer connected to the instrument. The soft- ware uses the same parameters as shown on the instrument display, namely: Torque (in mNm). Shear rate (s , shown as “1/s”...
  • Page 43 Switch on the computer then double-click the Bohlin icon to start the software. In this User login dialogue select Visco 88 and click OK (omit the name and password): In the next dialogue displayed, click the VISCOMETRY button to open this control dialogue: This is used to control the viscometer.
  • Page 44 Chapter 5 Using the Bohlin software Note The buttons in this dialogue replace the controls on the instrument itself (except for the ON/OFF button) but there is no direct correlation between buttons in the software and those on the viscometer front panel. The software operates in a far more complex way and the user must read its online help before starting to use it.

  • Page 45: Making A Measurement

    This sequence uses the PAINTFLO test supplied by Malvern Instruments. This is a good general pur- pose test and not just for use with paints. Other tests can be selected as required.
  • Page 46 Chapter 5 Using the Bohlin software Note If required, the test can be loaded then modified and saved with a new name. Load the sample (see Chapter 3). Press the viscometer’s START button to start the motor. This begins the measurement.

  • Page 47: Evaluating Results

    The supervisor should set up users. To do this: Log on as SUPERVISOR (by default there’s no password). Select Supervisor-User Configuration to open the USER CONFIGURA- TION dialogue. Click its Add button to open this dialogue: Visco 88 Page 5-7...
  • Page 48 Chapter 5 Using the Bohlin software Type in the user’s login name and click the OK button. The USER CONFIGURATION dialogue shows the new name. In the Login Entries panel, type in the user’s full name and the password they will log in with: Select the Test Control Options check box for each permission the user is to be given then click OK.

  • Page 49: Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    Maintenance and troubleshooting Introduction This chapter describes maintenance and fault finding procedures. Visco 88 Page 6-1...
  • Page 50 Run a calibration reference sample (oil) to confirm that the vis- cometer is still within calibration. Yearly Arrange a service visit by a Malvern Instruments representative. Before use Make sure that the measuring systems are clean and free from scratches. Never try to attach or use any measuring system which has visible damage.
  • Page 51 Do not use abrasive or sharp implements since these may scratch or pit the surface. Check the measuring systems for damage. Any visible scratches, etc. may cause erroneous measurements. Caution! Make sure any O rings on measuring systems are not displaced from their recesses. Visco 88 Page 6-3...

  • Page 52: Fault Finding

    Check that any fuses are functioning. All measured values show zero Ensure the mains power is connected. The viscometer has a fault – contact Malvern Instruments. Upper measurement system not rotating Cables are not connected securely. Faulty drive motor – contact Malvern Instruments.
  • Page 53 If using a cup and bob, check that the temperature probe is submerged about 5mm into the sample. If the temperature shown is obviously wrong, the temperature card may be faulty; contact Malvern Instruments. If using a cone and plate/parallel plates, use the value displayed by the TCU itself.
  • Page 54 Chapter 6 Maintenance and troubleshooting Page MAN 0378...

  • Page 55: Part 2 - Appendices

    Part 2 - Appendices...

  • Page 57: Health And Safety

    Read and fully understand this section before operating the system. Warning! Use of the system in a manner not specified by Malvern Instruments may impair the protection provided by the system. The instrument must only be stored or operated in environmental conditions con- forming to the specification in Site requirements, Appendix C.

  • Page 58: Power Safety

    Power safety information The following notes indicate guidelines to follow when connecting the Malvern Instruments power supply using single and multiple extension leads, connection via AC Adapters and use of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS).

  • Page 59: Sample Handling Warnings

    Health and safety Appendix A Use only the Malvern-provided AC adapter approved for use with the instru- ment. Use of another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion. Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area such as a desk top or on the floor.
  • Page 60 Refer to any local regulations on disposal of equipment; in Europe refer to the information below. Seek advice from the local Malvern Instruments representative for details. Decontaminate the instrument if hazardous materials have been used in it. Disposal of Electrical & Electronic Equipment...
  • Page 61 For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local city office, your waste disposal service, or your Malvern Instruments repre- sentative. Visco 88...
  • Page 62 Appendix A Health and safety Page A-6 MAN 0378...

  • Page 63: Specification

    "Wide gap" C14, C25 Cones 1°, 2.5° or 5.4° angle 15mm or 30mm diameter Parallel plates 15mm, 30mm Accumulator capacity 1.5 to 8 hours Serial interface RS232 Analog output (BNC) 0-1 V Power consumption Maximum 4W Visco 88 Page B-1...
  • Page 64 Appendix B Specification Measuring mode ranges The mode is the variable whose numeric value is shown on the display. The ranges for these are as follows: Note (see Display Mode Units Measured range below) η Viscosity 0.006 - 350 1,2,3,4,5 γ...

  • Page 65: Site Requirements

    Site requirements Appendix C of the Visco 88 User Manual MAN 0378 Issue 1.0 Visco 88 Page C-1...
  • Page 66 © Malvern Instruments Ltd. 2006 Malvern Instruments makes every effort to ensure that this document is correct. However, due to Malvern Instruments’ policy of continual product development we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of this, or any other document after the date of publication. We therefore disclaim all liability for any changes, errors or omissions after the date of publication.

  • Page 67: Introduction

    The system is designed to be stored and operated in the following conditions: Operating temperature +10 to +35°C (+50 to 95°F) Storage temperature -20 to +50°C (-104 to +122°F) Humidity 10 to 90% (non-condensing) Altitude Up to 2000m Pollution degree Mains supply voltage ±10% of nominal voltage fluctuations Visco 88 Page C-3...

  • Page 68: Space Required

    Appendix C Site requirements Storage Store the viscometer in a dry place. Store all measuring systems in the case pro- vided. Space required Provide enough space to allow easy access to the system. If using the viscometer on its stand, allow 230mm (width) x 245mm (depth) of bench space.

  • Page 69: Regulatory Statements

    Regulatory statements Visco 88 Page D-1...
  • Page 70 Appendix D Regulatory statements Page MAN 0378...

  • Page 71: Index

    Constant sets Installing the software changing summary table COSHH Key components Cup and bob constants to use described LO shown on display fitting and loading 2-4, 6-4, B-2 Loading the sample 3-10 Low bat on display Visco 88 Page i...
  • Page 72 Index Visco 88 Low viscosity samples Reporting residual motor torque Residual torque Maintenance adjustment Making a measurement Residual torque adjustment software Residual torque high Measurement system Rheological data optimising calculating selecting Rotation but no recorded deflection Measuring mode ranges Rotational speed...
  • Page 73 Visco 88 Index tRAP on display Viscosity curve Troubleshooting Warnings Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) safety sample handling User login screen Weight User setup (software only) Wide gap 2-6, 2-9, 3-6 Wrong temperature displayed Values show zero VISCOMETRY button Zero values...
  • Page 74 Index Visco 88 Page iv Visco 88...

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