Abstract: A rheometer instrument with radiant heating of sample fluid with use of emissive/absorbing spaced surfaces of a sample container and an interior surface and of a chamber surrounding the sample container in part that is in a heating unit and controls for reliably reaching and maintaining target sample temperatures. The sample fluid can be pressurized.

Abstract: A technique facilitates estimation of the viscosity of heavy oil. The method comprises evaluating a sample of oil by using an infrared spectrum sensor to obtain a reference temperature based on infrared absorbance. The reference temperature can then be used to determine viscosity data on the sample at a given temperature or temperatures.

Abstract: A viscosity measurement device includes a flexible membrane, an actuation heating element, and a displacement sensor apparatus. The actuation heating element is on and spaced in from an outer periphery of the flexible membrane. The displacement sensor apparatus is coupled to the flexible membrane and measures and outputs a displacement signal representative of a viscosity of a fluid in contact with the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A viscometer assembly includes a first plate with a rail configured to constrain fluid thereon between its edges by surface tension. A second opposing plate has a surface spaced from the rail by a predefined gap of constraining fluid to the rail by surface tension when the rail is inclined and gravity pulls the fluid along the rail. The kinematic viscosity of the fluid is determined as a function of the predetermined gap and the time it takes the fluid to flow along the rail.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing pressure-volume-temperature testing on fluids include: a portable environmental control chamber 14, a first pressure vessel 12A disposed inside the portable environmental control chamber, a second pressure vessel12B disposed inside the portable environmental control chamber, the second pressure vessel in hydraulic communication with the first pressure vessel, a viscometer 18 configured to measure the viscosity of fluids flowing between the first pressure vessel and the second pressure vessel, and an optics system 22 configured to measure optical properties of fluids flowing between the first pressure vessel and the second pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method is used to determine the viscosity of a fluid. The method includes arranging a body (11) in a fluid-leading channel, with which vortices form in the flow direction (10) therebehind, which are detected with regard to measurement technology. Also, the flow speed in the channel, at which vortices arise for the first time or barely just continue to exist, is determined, and this speed is used as a measure for the viscosity of the through-flowing fluid.

Abstract: A method establishes rheometric parameters of samples using a rotational rheometer. A thickness of a measurement gap delimited by measurement parts is measured by a measuring unit and a predetermined thickness value is adjusted, readjusted or kept constant when the measurement temperature is changed or set to a predetermined measurement temperature setpoint value. Accordingly, starting at a time at which at least one region of a measurement part has reached the predetermined measurement temperature, measurement values to be established, more particularly continuously, at predetermined measurement times and/or for predetermined time intervals delimited by predetermined measurement times, for the changing thickness of the measurement gap and/or for the rate of change in thickness or readjustment of thickness, and for the measurement of the rheological parameters only to be commenced once these measurement values have dropped below a specific predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing flow through an inflow control device includes, producing or injecting fluid through an inflow control device, measuring temperatures near or at the inflow control device over time while producing or injecting fluid therethrough, and attributing temporal changes in temperature to changes in the fluid that is produced or injected.

Abstract: A method for determining a viscosity parameter of a motor oil in an internal combustion engine, wherein a plurality of operating parameters characterizing an operating state of the internal combustion engine are detected and/or determined for an electronic engine control. Several parameters allowing at least a rough prediction on the viscosity of the motor oil are each evaluated for an individual prediction on the viscosity of the motor oil at different times from these operating parameters, and changes in the individual predictions for comparable working points of the internal combustion engine relative to a state of new motor oil are detected. The viscosity parameter is determined from the changes in the several individual predictions. A corresponding control device for the electronic engine control is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a probe for measuring an oil viscosity are provided. In one embodiment, the probe includes a housing, a magnetoelastic ribbon, an electromagnetic coil, a temperature sensor and an electrical board. The housing is mounted to an oil containing member. The magnetoelastic ribbon is fixed to an inside of the housing through a first insert member at one end and is at least partially immersed in the oil at an opposite end. The electromagnetic coil is disposed in the housing to surround the magnetoelastic ribbon. The temperature sensor is mounted to the housing for measuring a temperature of the oil. The electrical board is electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Device and method for determining a rheological property, such as viscosity or threadability, of mucus comprising a housing having a circumferential surface defining an opening for receiving a quantity of the mucus, a probe extending within the housing and having a tip for contacting at least a portion of the quantity of mucus, a displacement mechanism for displacing the tip of the probe with respect to the housing, and a measurement unit for measuring a displacement of the tip of the probe. The device and method are especially suitable for determining the rheological property of mammal cervical mucus for determining female fertility.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing a viscosified fluid containing particulate indicate when the particulate is in suspension within the fluid and when it is not. The apparatus and method stir the fluid and particulate mixture for a time during which the viscosity of the fluid changes such that during a first period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate remains suspended in the fluid and during a second period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate settles out of suspension in the fluid. A signal is generated during the first and second periods such that the signal has a characteristic that changes from the first period to the second period to indicate the change in particle carrying ability of the fluid. Other characteristics, including crosslinking time, can also be determined. A test chamber includes projections extending from the inner surface of a cup receiving the fluid and from an axial support extending into the fluid in the cup.

Abstract: A viscosity measurement device includes a flexible membrane, an actuation heating element, and a displacement sensor apparatus. The actuation heating element is on and spaced in from an outer periphery of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A test sample heating apparatus and method includes a heating jacket that applies heat to a sample vessel containing a test sample. The heating jacket has a vessel-receiving recess that is sized and shaped to allow the sample vessel to be placed within the recess with limited annular spacing between at least part of the sample vessel exterior surface and at least part of the heating jacket recess interior surface. Proximate surfaces of at least one of the heating jacket and the sample vessel may be coated with a dark coating to enhance heat transfer.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to further improve a device for measuring the viscosity of plastic melts in such a manner that it comprises as few parts as possible, can be used as universally as possible, is economical to operate and, in particular, that the measurement path limiter can be changed in an easy and simple manner. To this end, the device comprises a melt channel (3) and a measurement path (7?) provided between two surfaces (9, 9?) arranged in a plane-parallel manner. A replaceable measurement path limiter (6) is arranged in a plane-parallel manner between said two surfaces (9, 9?) and comprises the measurement path (7?) in the form of a slot (7).

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a fluid includes sensing a property of the fluid and the temperature of the fluid at the time the property is sensed, then determining the status of the fluid from the sensing. The sample volume may be small in comparison to the total fluid volume.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a rheometer for measuring properties of a sample is disclosed. It can include a first part having a drive portion operatively connected to an actuator and having a contact surface for contacting the sample. The rheometer also includes a second part that has another contact surface for contacting the sample. A first heater is positioned to heat the first part, a second heater is positioned to heat the second part, and a heat pump can heat and cool both the first and second parts.

Abstract: A couette viscometer used to determine the rheological properties of Newtonian or non-Newtonian solid-laden or non-solid-laden fluids used as completion or treatment fluids in oil and/or gas wells. The instrument is capable of measuring the properties of a heated, e.g., 600° F./316° C., and pressurized sample, e.g., 30,000 psig/207 MPa, at a variety of temperatures, pressures, and shear rates. The pressure vessel is mounted in the chassis of the instrument and the vessel plug containing the viscometer components and sample may be removed as an assembly. This arrangement reduces the mass of the plug assembly, eliminating the need to transport the pressure vessel and assists in separating the sample from the pressurizing fluid. Ultimately, this arrangement improves the usability, convenience and maintenance associated with operating the instrument.

Abstract: The viscosity of a heavy oil is estimated according to a power law equation which relates the heavy oil viscosity to a function of the assumed, measured, or estimated glass transition temperature of the heavy oil and the measured temperature of the heavy oil.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that monitors and controls the condition of an expandable mixture before injecting it in a mold and that maintains the conditions for filling so as to make a casting mold having a uniform strength. The method comprises (a) a step of measuring the temperature of the expandable mixture, (b) a step of determining each reference value of the one or more characteristic parameters that show a characteristic property of the expandable mixture based on the measured temperature and the predetermined relationship between a characteristic property of an expandable mixture and its temperature, (c) a step of measuring the one or more characteristic parameters that show the condition of the mixing of the expandable mixture, (d) a step of determining whether each characteristic parameter is within the corresponding reference value, and (e) a step of determining whether the expandable mixture has been made under the normal condition or if it needs to be adjusted.

Abstract: A micro-rheometer for measuring flow characteristics such as viscosity, elasticity, and flow rate of a sample liquid combines well defined micro-fabricated flow channels having geometry changes forming a constriction region therein to a monolithically fabricated pressure sensor arrays. The pressure sensor array positions pressure sensors to measure the viscosity of the sample liquid while flowing in a uniform length of the flow passage and to measure the extensional viscosity while flowing through the constriction region of the passage. The invention can improve the measurement accuracy of the flow rate, viscosities, or elasticities over a wide range of shear rate. The accuracy of the viscosity over a broader range of shear rate or flow rate measurement over broader range of flow rates can be accomplished by employing monolithically integrated pressure sensors fabricated with different sensitivities disposed in a known manner.

Abstract: A viscosity measurement apparatus, or viscometer, including a fluid flow channel, a heating element disposed at least around an exterior portion of the fluid flow channel near an inlet end, and a temperature sensor disposed within the fluid flow channel downstream from the heating element. The viscometer may also include a thermally insulating jacket disposed around the heating element and the fluid flow channel. A method of measuring viscosity with the viscometer includes immersing a fluid flow channel in the fluid, heating a portion of the fluid in the fluid flow channel near the inlet end of the fluid flow channel, and measuring a temperature of the fluid in the fluid flow channel at a position downstream from the inlet end of the fluid flow channel. The method further includes recording temperature changes of the fluid for a time period and comparing recorded temperature change characteristics to known fluid viscosities to determine viscosity.

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: A method and a device are proposed for measuring the viscosity of a liquid (12), a conclusion being reached on the temperature of the liquid (12 at the location of the viscosity sensor (20), starting from temperature measurements and/or viscosity measurements made in the past.

Abstract: A rheometer includes a holder assembly for coupling a test specimen to a motor assembly to effect rotational strain in the test specimen while enabling the determination of axial displacement effected by the test specimen normal to the direction of the rotational strain, the holder assembly having a first member coupled to the test specimen, a second member coupled to the motor assembly, and a suspension arrangement coupling the first member with the second member for simultaneous maximum resistance to relative rotational displacement between the first and second members and minimum resistance to relative axial displacement between the first and second members.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus for use in measuring a rheological property of a test sample includes a receptacle for receiving the test sample and a heat conveying member in heat transfer relation to the receptacle. The heat conveying member has internal passages extending substantially equidistantly from one another through at least a portion of the heat conveying member to provide for counter-flow circulation of a fluid. The heat transfer apparatus may include heat exchanging elements in heat transfer relation to the receptacle responsive to electric current to transfer heat to or from the receptacle.

Abstract: A rheometer includes a holder assembly for coupling a test specimen to a motor assembly to effect rotational strain in the test specimen while enabling the determination of axial displacement effected by the test specimen normal to the direction of the rotational strain, the holder assembly having a first member coupled to the test specimen, a second member coupled to the motor assembly, and a suspension arrangement coupling the first member with the second member for simultaneous maximum resistance to relative rotational displacement between the first and second members and minimum resistance to relative axial displacement between the first and second members.

Abstract: Activation energy, W, is determined from oil conductivity measurements to thereby provide engine oil condition from a known relationship between viscosity and W. Changes of W at a given temperature as the oil ages are reflective of changes in viscosity of the oil at the same given temperature, wherein changes in W at different temperatures are reflective of changes of viscosity at those respective temperatures as the oil ages. To determine viscosity, the temperature dependence of the oil's conductivity is measured to deduce the value of W at a given temperature. W is monitored as the oil ages. W may also be determined through the ratio of the oil conductivities at two different temperatures by techniques well known in the art by which the viscosity may be determined as the oil ages.

Abstract: A method for assessing the deterioration of motor oil is provided, in which the oil viscosity of the motor oil is measured by a sensor, and the length of an oil-change interval is determined in an evaluating electronics having a display device. According to the present invention, it is provided that a temperature sensor for the simultaneous determination of the oil temperature is assigned to the sensor for measuring the oil viscosity, and the oil viscosity and oil temperature are measured in the cooling phase of the engine after it has been switched off.

Abstract: A device for determining the viscosity of a liquid has a temperature sensor and a heater disposed in spaced relation within a channel. When the device is immersed in a liquid, the heater heats the liquid and the temperature sensor detects the change in temperature of the liquid in response to heating of the liquid by the heater. A controller coupled with the temperature sensor receives a signal corresponding to the temperature of the liquid and determines an index value corresponding to the change in temperature with respect to time. The index value may be compared with a stored value to evaluate the relative change in viscosity, or it may be used to determine an actual value of viscosity of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and device for determining fluidity of fluid in a pack that is moving without breaking and opening the pack by locating at least two measurement points on the surface of the pack filled with the fluid, measuring the surface temperatures of the measurement points by non-contact type temperature sensors, and managing the measured values using an arithmetic control unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining a change in the viscosity of a fluid, the apparatus including means for heating a portion of the fluid so that the heated portion will rise within the fluid, means for determining the heated portion's rise time, means for determining the heated portion's average velocity as it rises through the fluid and means for determining the viscosity of the fluid based on the rise time and/or average velocity of the heated portion. The method allows for permitting the temperature and agitation of the fluid to stabilize prior to heating a portion of the fluid so that it will rise within fluid. The rise time and/or average velocity of the heated portion is determined and the viscosity of the fluid may be determined the rise time and/or average velocity to a baseline rise time and/or average velocity. An output signal may be generated that is indicative of whether there has been a change in the fluid's viscosity and/or whether the fluid should be changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the rheological properties of a polymer melt includes flowing the polymer melt from a first reactor to a device through a conduit at a predetermined flow rate, measuring a first pressure of the polymer melt at a first location in the conduit, measuring a second pressure at a second location downstream from the first location, measuring a temperature at a third location in the conduit, wherein the third location is between the first location and the second location, and calculating the rheological property of the polymer melt as it flows through the conduit. The method and apparatus do not require diversion of the polymer melt from the main process stream.

Abstract: A method and a device are proposed for measuring the viscosity of a liquid (12), a conclusion being reached on the temperature of the liquid (12 at the location of the viscosity sensor (20), starting from temperature measurements and/or viscosity measurements made in the past.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the rheological properties of a polymer melt includes flowing the polymer melt from a first reactor to a device through a conduit at a predetermined flow rate, measuring a first pressure of the polymer melt at a first location in the conduit, measuring a second pressure at a second location downstream from the first location, measuring a temperature at a third location in the conduit, wherein the third location is between the first location and the second location, and calculating the Theological property of the polymer melt as it flows through the conduit. The method and apparatus do not require diversion of the polymer melt from the main process stream.

Abstract: A heating device for heating biological specimens is comprised of an electric pressure cooker with a pressure gauge, and a temperature sensor connected to a controller with a temperature display and a temperature alert. The controller is arranged to heat the specimen at a selectable temperature for a selectable time period. The quality control process is comprised of placing in the cooker a heat sensitive pH indicating retrieval solution, and a heat and pressure sensitive steam strip. When the set temperature has been reached, the actual temperature and pressure are recorded. When the cooker is opened after heating, the pH indicating solution is checked for color change that indicates a pH change, and the steam strip is checked for color change that indicates predetermined temperature and pressure levels have been reached.

Abstract: A volatiles analyzer is disclosed that includes a source of microwave radiation that can selectively produce at least one predetermined frequency of microwave radiation. A cavity is in communication with the source. The analyzer includes an analytical pan balance with at least its balance pan in the cavity. The walls of the cavity form a polyhedron that focuses microwave energy of the predetermined frequency on the balance pan while supporting a plurality of TM and TE modes in the cavity.