Abstract: Described are a method and device for controlling a temperature of a sample. The sample may be a rheometer sample. A thermal control system comprising a geometry element, heat conductor element, heater element, cooling device and thermal resistance layer is used. The cooling device may be a Peltier element. The heat conductor element is disposed adjacent to and in thermal communication with the geometry element. The heater element is in thermal contact with the heat conductor element. The thermal resistance layer is disposed between and in thermal contact with an element surface of the heat conductor element and a cooling surface of the cooling device. The heater element is operated to cause heat to flow to the geometry element and the cooling device is operated to cool the cooling surface to a temperature that is less than a temperature of the element surface.

Abstract: A flow inspection method includes: a flow step of making powder resin flow in a housing portion of a flow tank; a viscosity measurement step of measuring a viscosity of the powder resin flowing in the housing portion; and a judgment step of judging whether or not an estimate of a bulk density of the powder resin flowing in the housing portion is less than or equal to a bulk density permissible value, the estimate being obtainable from a correlation, calculated in advance, between the bulk density and a viscosity of the powder resin flowing in the housing portion, and a measured value of the viscosity obtained in the viscosity measurement step.

Abstract: Some aspects of what is described here relate to analyzing a well cement slurry. In some aspects, a well cement slurry is mixed in a mixer under a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions correspond to a plurality of distinct Reynolds number values for the well cement slurry in the mixer. Power number values associated with mixing the well cement slurry in the mixer under the plurality of conditions are identified. Each power number value is based on an amount of energy used to mix the well cement slurry under a respective one of the plurality of conditions. Values for parameters of a functional relationship between power number and Reynolds number are identified based on the power number values and the Reynolds number values for the plurality of conditions.

Abstract: A rheometer apparatus and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the rheometer includes a sleeve having an interior space; a cylindrical bob disposed within the interior space of the sleeve and coupled to a first end of a bob shaft; a cross-spring pivot coupled to a second end of the bob shaft; an arm coupled to and projecting radially from the cylindrical bob; and a linear actuator coupled to the arm. In some embodiments, the rheometer apparatus may facilitate more accurate gel shear strength measurements and/or may be correlated with existing rheometer measurements.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of characterizing a material. A sample of a material to be characterized is placed into a thermomechanical analyzer (TMA) instrument, the material sample being a cylindrically- or rectangularly-shaped pellet having parallel top and bottom faces. The TMA has a measurement probe with a single buffer rod intermediate an ultrasound transducer and the top face of the material sample. Ultrasound waves are transmitted through the buffer rod and the top face of the material sample. Signals from the ultrasound waves passing through the material sample are received using a receiving sensor below the bottom face of the material sample. The TMA instrument is then used to control the temperature and forces applied to the material sample and to measure changing length of the material sample. Finally, the ultrasonic attenuation and velocity properties of the material are calculated as a function of the material sample length measurement and received ultrasound signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the method disclosed regard use of a torque sensor (e.g., transducer) and using the measured torque to detect the different fluid and mixing properties, conditions, and abnormalities in a mixing process. The torque produced in the mixing process relates to different fluid properties such as viscosity and density. It also relates to different mixing conditions such as presence of obstacles and changes or issues with gas sparging. Moreover, torque measurements enable determination of power transmitted to fluid by actual measurement, in contrast to using solely empirical impeller power number and speed, and allowing for actual mass transfer determination (i.e., gas transfer calculations).

Abstract: Some aspects of what is described here relate to analyzing a well cement slurry. In some aspects, a well cement slurry is mixed in a mixer under a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions correspond to a plurality of distinct Reynolds number values for the well cement slurry in the mixer. Power number values associated with mixing the well cement slurry in the mixer under the plurality of conditions are identified. Each power number value is based on an amount of energy used to mix the well cement slurry under a respective one of the plurality of conditions. Values for parameters of a functional relationship between power number and Reynolds number are identified based on the power number values and the Reynolds number values for the plurality of conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking a need for maintenance of a viscometer measuring consistency of suspension comprises a rigid rod and an elongated cavity in a measuring arm of the viscometer. The rigid rod is matched with the cavity for the rod to be movable in the cavity. The cavity is configured to become mismatched with respect to the rod in response to a bending of the measuring arm, the mismatch indicating a need for maintenance of the viscometer.

Abstract: A system includes a shaft and a light path surface coupled to or integrated with the shaft. The light path surface is displaced as a function of twist angle at a point along the shaft. The system also includes a sensor configured to measure the light path length that varies according to displacement of the light path surface. The system also includes a processing unit that determines a twist angle value for the point along the shaft based on the measured light path length.

Abstract: A rotational rheometer for measuring powdery or granular materials has a measuring container for receiving the product to be measured and a cover for the measuring container. A measuring body is held by a measuring shaft. The measuring body and the container are rotatable relative to one another. The measuring shaft is guided through the cover with low friction, or without contact altogether. An evaluation unit is arranged outside the measurement container to evaluate the measured values received by the measuring shaft. To seal the bearing gap or the passage of the measuring shaft in or through the cover in the measuring container, both a fluid seal with a sealing fluid inlet and at least a geometric seal cooperating with the fluid seal are provided as a powder barrier.

Abstract: A black photosensitive resin composition includes (A) pigment dispersion including at least two kinds of carbon black having different oil absorption from each other; (B) a binder resin; (C) a photopolymerizable monomer; (D) a photopolymerization initiator; and (E) a solvent. A light-blocking layer can be formed using the same.

Abstract: A method for the simultaneous measurement of proteolylic enzyme generation and clot strength in plasma or whole blood or any appropriate biological sample derived from blood. The measurement method encompasses the use of a detectable substrate which includes a moiety that can be released upon reaction with the targeted proteolytic enzyme, and elements for measurement of an increase in viscosity of clot strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a specimen consisting of a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bar in tension while embedded in hardened concrete and subjected to long term environmental exposure. The apparatus includes a steel channel defined by two longitudinally extending parallel steel plates and a pair of unitary plates with one unitary plate at each of the channel. Each of the unitary plates include a U-shaped opening while a forward one of the unitary plates also defines four threaded openings and four bolts passing therethrough for increasing strain on the specimen. A pair of steel tube grips attached to the FRP bar with epoxy are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus to test a property of a fluid is provided. The apparatus includes a suspended member to be submerged in a fluid and a control device. The control device is coupled to the suspended member and is configured to pull the suspended member through at least a portion of the fluid to test a property of the fluid.

Abstract: The application discloses a biosensor system (1) comprising: a biosensor cartridge (30), a first biosensor magnet assembly (10) for generating a magnetic field in the biosensor cartridge comprising two magnetic subunits (20a, 20b) each having a core (22a, 22b) with a top surface (24) separated by a gap (25), and wherein the sensor surface comprised by the biosensor cartridge is arranged above the top surfaces of the cores, wherein the two subunits are adapted to generate a magnetic field between the first subunit and the second subunit with magnetic field lines essentially in parallel to the sensor surface to exert forces at magnetic particles in the cartridge. By employing the system for controlling the movement of magnetic particles in immunoassays, more reliable test results are achieved.

Abstract: Provided are a modified Na-montmorillonite and a preparation method thereof, wherein the content of Na+ in the modified sodium-montmorillonite, calculated as Na2O, is not less than 2.0%. The modified Na-montmorillonite has more reasonable microstructure, higher performance, and better quality. Also provided are a method for preparing a modified nanometered Na-montmorillonite from the modified Na-montmorillonite, and the modified nanometered Na-montmorillonite obtained by the method. Also provided are uses and a pharmaceutical composition of the modified Na-montmorillonite or modified nanometered Na-montmorillonite.

Abstract: Viscometer (150) with a rotor (108) connecting a magnet holder (62) which penetrates a sealed movable piston (96) and rotatable by a coupling magnet (58) and a driving magnet (64) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (42) mounted on a bob shaft (30) supported via a pair of bob shaft bearings. A spiral spring (140) restricts the rotation of bob shaft (30). Magnetometer (10) measures the angular position of a top magnet (142) connected to the top of bob shaft (30). This angular position information is further converted to the viscosity of the tested fluid.

Abstract: A method of determining rheological properties can include dispensing a fluid into a rheometer including a stator having at least one helical blade, measuring torque (T) due to relative rotation between the stator and a rotor of the rheometer at different rotational speeds (RPM's), calculating shear stress (SS) as follows: SS=T?/K, and calculating volume averaged shear rate (VASR) as follows: VASR=k1*RPM?, where K, k1, ? and ? are experimentally-derived coefficients. A method of mixing fluids and performing a rheological test on the admixed fluids can include dispensing a fluid into a rheometer, then dispensing another fluid into the rheometer, then mixing the fluids with at least one helical blade of the rheometer, and then measuring torque due to relative rotation between a stator and a rotor of the rheometer. A rotary rheometer can include a rotor, and a stator having at least one helical blade.

Abstract: A parallel-plate system collects data used to determine viscosity. A first plate is coupled to a translator so that the first plate can be moved along a first direction. A second plate has a pendulum device coupled thereto such that the second plate is suspended above and parallel to the first plate. The pendulum device constrains movement of the second plate to a second direction that is aligned with the first direction and is substantially parallel thereto. A force measuring device is coupled to the second plate for measuring force along the second direction caused by movement of the second plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid testing device which utilizes a small, cross-section fluid interface to separate a test fluid chamber from a drive and measuring chamber. The test fluid chamber contains the test fluid and a paddle-type fluid test assembly. The drive and measuring chamber contains a second fluid and assemblies for moving the paddle and for determining the resistance movement. The two chambers are connected together by a narrow cross-section passageway allowing for continuous testing while test fluids are flowed through the test chamber and for successive testing of different samples without breaking down the device between tests. A pair of coaxial shafts extends between the test fluid chamber and the drive and measuring chamber. The shafts are connected together by a spring located in the drive chamber whereby the resistance to movement is determined by measuring the deflection in the spring. The shafts are magnetically coupled to a motor to rotate the shafts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing rheological measurements of interfaces located at the top of fluid sub-phases. In one configuration, a rotating rheometer is provided with a chamber wall whose inner surface defines an outer chamber radius and an inner cylinder disposed within the cylindrical chamber and having an inner chamber radius. The rotating rheometer is configured to hold a liquid sub-phase and interface layer that can be probed using a circular ribbon that is concentric with and suspended between the inner cylinder and chamber wall. The ratio of the ribbon radius, inner chamber radius, and outer chamber radius is designed to yield an average shear rate in the inner region that is the same as an average shear rate in the outer region. In one configuration, an interface-pinning feature is provided on at least one of the inner cylinder and the chamber wall.

Abstract: A device for determining the viscosity of fluids. The device includes an injector, which has a piston and a hollow cylinder with a nozzle. The device further includes a cannula. The device also includes a forward-feed device with the aid of which the piston is displaceable at a uniform speed.

Abstract: A sensor for making rheological measurements takes the form of a ferromagnetic bob alternately driven through a sample fluid in opposite directions by magnetic force from two alternately driven coils. The bob's position affects the mutual inductance between the coils, so it can be inferred by sensing the signal that current flowing in one coil induces in the other, and rheological properties are determined from the relationships among the bob's motion, the coil current, and the sensor geometry. Some such measurements' accuracies are enhanced by computing bob acceleration and suppressing inertial effects thereby detected.

Abstract: A rheometric system includes an optical encoder coupled to a rotating shaft and configured to detect a rotational position of the shaft with respect to a reference. The rotational information is forwarded to a program or memory. An optical rotation plate is mechanically fastenable to the rotating shaft. A laser is provided to probe optical properties of a fluid sample proximate to the optical rotation plate. The system includes a detector system for measuring laser light scattered or transmitted through the sample chamber. The detector system is coupled to a memory that stores optical data collected after light impinges on the optical plate. Experimental fluid sample optical data and background optical data are each stored as a data structure that creates a point by point map of rotational position of the sample plate with the optical data collected thereat.

Abstract: A method for the characterizing a fluid containing particles reflecting ultrasounds wherein a sample of fluid placed between two surfaces (5, 6) in a rheometer (1) undergoes stress in order to measure the rheological characteristics of the sample (8) during relative movement of the two surfaces (5,6) in relation to each other. Local ultrasound data relating to the sample (8) deformation is collected by ultrasonic-wave-measuring means (2,3,4). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A turbine viscometer for measuring the viscosity of fluid flowing through a conduit, such as a pipe or manifold. The viscometer has a viscosity turbine positionable in the pipe or manifold. The viscosity turbine has a central portion and a plurality of blades extending therefrom such that fluid flow does not induce any rotational movement of the viscosity turbine. The viscometer also has a drive device for rotating the viscosity turbine so that fluid drag on the viscosity turbine can be measured to determine the viscosity of the fluid. In one embodiment, the drive device creates a rotational magnetic field around the viscosity turbine so that it is rotated. In a second embodiment, the drive device is a drive turbine connected to the viscosity turbine and rotated by fluid flowing through the pipe or conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is a consistency transmitter for the measurement of consistency, viscosity, and other properties of matter. The transmitter consists of a measuring element, attached to a bearing-mounted shaft and rotated in the matter to be measured by a direct drive motor that is positioned coaxially with the measuring element and its shaft. The stator of the direct drive motor is integrated into the consistency transmitter body, its rotor into the shaft. The stator is coaxially attached to a first flange that transmits the torsional force of the motor with flexible elements to a second flange positioned on the shaft. The first and second flanges are attached to differential elements with which the phase angle between the flanges is measured using measuring elements located near the flanges. The shaft of the measuring element is bearing-mounted inside a tubular torsion shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for measuring interfacial stick-slip transitions (SST) and an improved constant-force shear capable of measuring interfacial SST. Some embodiments are capable of measuring SST under simple shear conditions and/or in highly entangled polymer melts. Some embodiments include the application of a constant shearing force to a polymer sample.

Abstract: An optical rheometer system includes a rheometer chamber that can retain a fluid sample to be measured. A light source is provided that creates a light beam incident on the fluid sample. A Peltier heating plate is provided that has a channel region located within the plate. The channel region is configured to substantially transmit a light beam emitted from the light source and incident on the Peltier heating plate. In one embodiment, a rotating optical plate is provided opposed to a first surface of the Peltier plate. The rotating optical plate is substantially transparent such that light from a light beam emerging from the channel region of the Peltier plate can pass through the optical plate and be recorded at a detector. Peltier elements in the Peltier heating plate are arranged to provide uniform heating of sample fluid located on the first surface of the Peltier heating plate. The Peltier elements are further arranged to permit light to pass through the channel substantially unattenuated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for monitoring the viscoelastic properties, of a liquid film (e.g. coating). The apparatus includes a substrate for supporting a liquid film and a T-bar probe that is partially submerged in the liquid film. The apparatus is designed to be attached to a conventional rheometer equipped with a means for effecting relative movement between the probe and the substrate and means for monitoring the resistance to movement of the probe in contact or partially submerged in the film to obtain a measurement of the solidification properties of the liquid film. This apparatus and method are particularly useful in comparing the effects of film formers, viscosity modifiers, solvents, and minerals on the drying rate of coatings at the early stage of film formation.

Abstract: A sensor for making rheological measurements takes the form of a ferromagnetic bob alternately driven through a sample fluid in opposite directions by magnetic force from two alternately driven coils. The bob's position affects the mutual inductance between the coils, so it can be inferred by sensing the signal that current flowing in one coil induces in the other, and rheological properties are determined from the relationships among the bob's motion, the coil current, and the sensor geometry. Some such measurements' accuracies are enhanced by computing bob acceleration and suppressing inertial effects thereby detected.

Abstract: Viscometer (80) with a rotor (51) rotatable by a coupling magnet (34) and a driving magnet (38) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (30) mounted on a bob shaft (24) supported via a pair of bob shaft bearings. A spiral spring (70) restricts the rotation of bob shaft (24). Magnetometer (10) measures the angular position of a top magnet (72) connected to the top of bob shaft (24). This angular position information is further converted to the viscosity of the tested fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a methanol concentration is provided. The apparatus is located in a pipe which supplies liquid fuel to the anode of a direct liquid feed fuel cell, and may include a vertical supporting beam located in the pipe; a horizontal plate located on the supporting beam and having an upper surface with a predetermined roughness; and a sensor fixed to a side of the supporting beam, which generates an electrical signal through a transformation of the supporting beam resulting from variations in a viscosity of the liquid fuel running through the pipe.

Abstract: A rheometer and method of making rheological measurements are disclosed, in which a sample is supported between plates and an alternating movement is applied by a driver, support rod and plate. Force and displacement measurements are taken and the property determined from those measurements. The vibrating signal which is applied is in the form of a frequency sweep signal having a monotonic group delay function. The top plate is provided with a surface which causes a meniscus to form up a side edge of the plate to reduce the spring nature of the sample when the movement is supplied to the sample, and a supporting rod which supports the top plate is preferably formed from a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion so that the gap between the plates is maintained substantially constant if the sample is heated to take measurements at different temperatures.

Abstract: A method for the characterizing a fluid containing particles reflecting ultrasounds wherein a sample of fluid placed between two surfaces (5, 6) in a rheometer (1) undergoes stress in order to measure the rheological characteristics of the sample (8) during relative movement of the two surfaces (5,6) in relation to each other. Local ultrasound data relating to the sample (8) deformation is collected by ultrasonic-wave-measuring means (2,3,4). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Viscometer (80) with a rotor (51) rotatable by a coupling magnet (34) and a driving magnet (38) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (30) mounted on a bob shaft (24) supported via a pair of bob shaft bearings. A spiral spring (70) restricts the rotation of bob shaft (24). Magnetometer (10) measures the angular position of a top magnet (72) connected to the top of bob shaft (24). This angular position information is further converted to the viscosity of the tested fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the viscosity of a fluid having a first rigid member extending from a body of semiconductor material and provided with a first conductive path and a second resiliently flexible member provided with a second conductive path and arranged in cantilever fashion over the rigid member. At least one of the conductive paths may be selectively energized to brig about relative movement between the rigid and flexible member. Subsequent deenergization of the path causes the resiliently flexible member to return to its initial position, the rate of return being measured to derive a signal representative of the viscosity. Also described are methods of carrying out the measurement and of fabricating the apparatus.

Abstract: A rheometer comprises a vessel mounted on a stand and a rotatable blade mounted above the vessel. A substance for rheometric assessment is put in the vessel. The rotor is advanced linearly into the substance while at the same time rotating. The blade is arranged with a profile such that there is substantially zero slip as it progresses, thereby minimising disturbance to the substance. The rheometric assessment is based on the axial force exerted as a result of the resistance of the substance to the progression of the blade through it.

Abstract: A rheometer and method of making rheological measurements is disclosed, in which a sample is supported between plates and an alternating movement is applied by a driver, support rod and plate. Force and displacement measurements are taken and the property determined from those measurements. The vibrating signal which is applied is in the form of a frequency sweep signal having a monotonic group delay function. The top plate is provided with a surface which causes a meniscus to form up a side edge of the plate to reduce the spring nature of the sample when the movement is supplied to the sample, and a supporting rod which supports the top plate is preferably formed from a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion so that the gap between the plates is maintained substantially constant if the sample is heated to take measurements at different temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for monitoring the viscoelastic properties, of a liquid film (e.g. coating). The apparatus comprises a substrate supporting a liquid film, a probe to contact the liquid film, means for effecting relative movement between the probe and the substrate and means for monitoring the resistance to movement of the probe in contact with the film to obtain a measurement of the solidification properties of the liquid film. This apparatus and method are particularly useful in comparing the effects of film formers, viscosity modifiers, solvents, and minerals on the drying rate of coatings at the early stage of film formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer, a parallel rheometer, and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer and the parallel rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The miniature rheometer comprises an actuating element, a sensing element and a feedback circuit to provide rebalance of the shear force applied by the sample to the sensing element, which insures an exceptional stiffness in determining the shear strain so as to allow measurements of high accuracy. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of characterizing the fluid content of chemicals in a reaction line comprises a rheometer. The apparatus can be connected to or included in a reaction flow stream, and has a retractable wall 26 that opens to provide an opening 28 that permits a portion of the reaction flow steam to enter into sampling chamber 12. The sample is isolated from the flow stream and rheometric data is obtained from the sample. In the method of the invention, data on the sample is collected and transferred to a computer. The computer is used to analyze the data, and optionally can be used to control reaction parameters in the reaction flow stream.

Abstract: A system that facilitates in situ determination of lubricity in a fluid comprises a multi-element sensor positioned within a machine, wherein the multi-element sensor obtains data regarding a plurality of parameters of a fluid. A component calculates lubricity of the fluid based at least in part upon the measured parameters.

Abstract: A method for measuring viscosity and shear rate at which the measurement is performed is provided, by utilizing an acoustic wave sensor, and calculating the shear rate as a function of the characteristic rate of quartz movement in response to a given power transmitted to a fluid, and the viscosity of the fluid. Related aspects of the invention provide for methods for controlling the shear rate at which a viscosity measurement is performed, and characterizing viscoelastic fluids at a plurality of shear rates.

Abstract: A rheometer has an upper measuring part and a lower measuring part, between which a measuring chamber is formed for receiving a sample of a substance to be examined, wherein the two measuring parts can be moved relative to each other and, in particular, can be rotated or pivoted. Moreover, a heating device is provided for heating at least the lower measuring part and therefore the sample. The lower measuring part comprises a support part carrying the sample which can be heated through application of an electrical voltage. The support part is preferably made from glass which is itself electrically conducting and/or which can be provided with an electrically conducting medium.

Abstract: Viscometer (80) with a sample cup (42) rotatable by a pulley (26) and a timing belt (30) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (44) mounted on a shaft (10) supported via a frictionless bearing (58), an optical distance sensor assembly (12) measures the distance to an arm (70) which is connected to the top of shaft (10). This distance information is further converted to the viscosity of the tested fluid.

Abstract: Viscometer (80) with a sample cup (42) rotatable by a pulley (26) and a timing belt (30) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (44) mounted on a shaft (10) supported via a frictionless bearing (58), an optical distance sensor assembly (12) measures the distance to an arm (70) which is connected to the top of shaft (10). This distance information is further converted to the viscosity of the tested fluid.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the viscosity of a fluid, which has an oscillator. The oscillator is dipped into the fluid. The surface of the oscillator is provided with a dirt-repellent coating.

Abstract: A viscometer for measuring liquid viscosities based upon rotational deflections of a suspended bob. The viscometer comprises a deflection indicator, a deflection reader located at a spaced relative position with respect to the indicator, a rotating element which rotates in unison with the bob and includes either the deflection indicator or the deflection reader, and a magnetic bearing assembly which prevents any substantial change in the spaced, relative position of the deflection reader with respect to the deflection indicator.

Abstract: A brief but intense magnetic impulse generated by a coil 42 is used to excite resonant bending mode vibration in a magnetically permeable cantilevered beam 2 immersed in a fluid 22. A permanent magnet 36 and a magnetically permeable circuit 44, 38, 40, 56, 32, 6, and 2 enhance the magnetic coupling between the flexible beam 2 and the coil 42. A rigid post 6, positioned close to the beam and normal to the plane of oscillation is used to substantially increase the shearing induced in the fluid and thereby the rate of viscous attenuation of the vibrating beam. Oscillation of the vibrating beam 2 is detected by the same coil 42 that initiated the vibrations. The rate of decay of the vibrations is related to absolute viscosity.