Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the yield stress of a non-Newtonian fluid in real time are provided. A pressure loss and/or liquid rise technique, an ultrasonic technique, and/or a penetrometer technique can be used to determine the yield stress of a non-Newtonian fluid. The ultrasonic technique can include a longitudinal wave approach and/or a shear wave approach. The methods and systems are non-invasive and only require slight modifications to the piping containing the non-Newtonian fluid in order to measure the yield stress.

Abstract: An apparatus to perform tests on fluid flow and configured to operate at field conditions includes one or more vessels and one or more sets of fluid injecting devices corresponding to respective ones of the one or more vessels. Each set of fluid injecting devices includes one or more fluid injecting devices each configured to inject a respective fluid through its respective vessel. The apparatus further includes one or more measurement devices operatively coupled to respective ones of the one or more vessels and configured to measure data associated with fluid flow of the one or more fluids injected into its respective vessel. The measured data comprises one or more of pressure gradient data and flow rate data. The apparatus is in communication with at least one processor configured to calculate a model based on the measured data. In calculating the model, the at least one processor is configured to infer one or more parameters for the model from the measured data.

Abstract: A system for investigating rheological properties of grease, the system including grease sample preparation arrangement for preparing a grease sample with a predetermined quantity of grease, at least two sample holder plates for holding the grease sample by sandwiching the grease sample between the sample holder plates, wherein at least one of the sample holder plates is transparent, and a loading system for generating a predetermined force acting on the grease sample sandwiched between the sample holder plates by pressing on the sample holder plates such that a spot formed by the grease sample on the sample holder plates is expanded. The loading system can include at least one transparent portion enabling a continuous observation of the expansion of the spot while the predetermined force is acting on the grease sample.

Abstract: Rheometry apparatus comprises a block of substantially rigid material having an external surface and at least a first internal flow channel, the first internal flow channel being arranged inside the block and substantially in a plane and the block further comprising a plurality of holes, each hole communicating with the first internal flow channel at a respective position along the first internal flow channel and extending from the respective position to said external surface so as to provide access to the first internal flow channel from the external surface, the plurality of holes comprising a first hole communicating with a first said position, for connection to pumping means to drive fluid flow along said first internal flow channel, a second hole communicating with a second position and in which a sensor may be located to measure a property of fluid at the second position, and a third hole communicating with a third position and in which a sensor may be located to measure a property of fluid at the third

Abstract: A method for determining the viscosity of a medium with a Coriolis mass flowmeter having at last two measuring tubes through which a medium can flow, comprising: exciting the measuring tubes; and determining at least the viscosity of the medium by evaluation of measured values obtained from the measuring device. The measuring values comprise the amplitude of torsional oscillation reached, wherein the amplitude of torsional oscillation reached is evaluated for determining the viscosity of the medium at a set excitation intensity of the measuring device and using the damping coefficient of the medium.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a change in pressure proportional to fluid viscosity is disclosed herein. The system can comprise a first pilot stream, a second pilot stream, and a pressure sensing device that reads a differential pressure across a first junction on the first pilot stream and a second junction on the second pilot stream. The first junction is between a first section having a first predominant pressure loss characteristic, and a second section having a second predominant pressure loss characteristic. Similarly, the second junction can be between a third section having a third predominant pressure loss characteristic and a fourth section having a fourth pressure loss characteristic.

Abstract: A capillary bridge viscometer (120), comprises at least two at least generally balanced bridge arm conduits (R1, R2) a bulkhead supporting structure (122,134) supporting removable connection portions for each of a plurality of the arms in a bridge configuration, a bridge supporting structure (124,136) supporting the bridge arm conduits (R1,R2) and supporting two further removable connection portions (132) for each of the bridge arm conduits, wherein each of the further removable connection portions (132) supported by the bridge supporting structure are positioned to mate with a corresponding one of the removable connection portions (130) supported by the bulkhead supporting structure concurrently to hydraulically connect the bridge arm conduits in the bridge configuration; and a balance detector having hydraulic connections for connection between first and second differential detection points in the bridge when the removable connection portions on the bridge are mated to corresponding ones of the removable co

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for screening a liquid composition. The system includes (a) a test cell having a top portion and a bottom portion, the test cell comprising (i) a test panel removably mounted to the top portion of the test cell at an angle of between about 10 to about 45 degrees to the horizontal of the test cell; (ii) a reservoir for holding the liquid composition; and (iii) a means for applying a substantially uniform coating of the liquid composition from the reservoir to at least a portion of the test panel; (b) a means for heating the test panel according to a first temperature control program; (c) a means for heating the reservoir according to a second temperature control program; and (d) a means for supplying an oxidizing gas to the test cell.

Abstract: A device for automatically taking out a sample liquid contained in a reservoir and measuring the viscosity of the liquid is described herein. In one embodiment, the device includes a base body and a transferring part provided on the stage of the base body for taking the sample liquid out of the reservoir and supplying the sample liquid to a viscosity measuring part. The viscosity measuring part is provided on the stage for measuring the viscosity of the sample liquid supplied from the transferring part. The device also includes a control part for controlling operations of the transferring part and the viscosity measuring part. Additionally, the device includes a display part for displaying the results measured by the viscosity measuring part.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a transport and storage system for a slurry comprising: a main container; and a test container, the main container and the test container being exposed to the same environmental conditions, the main container and the test container containing a slurry from the same batch, wherein the test container is designed to determine the viscosity of the slurry.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a viscometer for measurements of both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. In one embodiment, the viscometer comprises (i) a storage reservoir to store a test fluid, (ii) at least one drain tube assembly comprising a capillary drain tube, (iii) a collector for collecting said test fluid, and (iv) a detector. In addition, its novel viscosity equations suitable for the described viscometers are provided and illustrated for the application to Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (Oscosurvismeter) for measuring osmotic pressure, surface tension, viscosity and conductance. Oscosurvismeter is made of Borosil glass material for measuring osmotic pressure, specific conductance, viscosity and surface tension of solutions. Solutions of different strengths are taken in two cells/compartments, partitioned by semi permeable membrane (SPM), respectively. Concentration gradient makes the solvent move towards concentrated solution to establish equilibrium that measures osmotic pressure. The Oscosurvismeter saves time and material, and enhances accuracy and precision in measurements, the instrument consists of six parts: Survismeter, Osmometer, Electrode, Metallic clamp, Semipermeable membrane (SPM), and High Potential metallic springs. The high accuracies data are noted with the instrument.

Abstract: A bridge viscometer for measuring specific viscosity, ?sp(t), includes four capillaries, a delay volume, and a pressure transducer. The pressure transducer generates a signal indicative of a pressure differential, ?p(t), as a sample is introduced into the bridge viscometer. The specific viscosity, ?sp(t), of the sample is calculated based on the pressure differential, ?p(t), and a predetermined internal pressure, IP0.

Abstract: A thermally controlled stage is connected within one arm of a bridge of a capillary bridge viscometer so that the bridge can be balanced in situ to provide accurate measurement signals. The thermally controlled stage includes a tuning capillary tubing portion that is wrapped around a thermally conductive core. A resistance heater or a Peltier thermoelectric device is located in close proximity to the capillary tubing portion. The heater or Peltier device and the capillary tubing portion are located within a thermally insulated housing. The heater or Peltier device varies the temperature of the capillary tubing portion to cause a corresponding change in the flow impedance of the tuning capillary tubing portion of the arm of the bridge in which the thermally controlled stage is connected. The temperature of the tuning capillary tubing portion is monitored and adjusted until any pressure differential across the bridge is eliminated, whereby to trim in the balance of the bridge.

Abstract: A microfabricated, a nanoliter capillary viscometer includes a first channel that is defined by a first channel-defining surface in a first substrate and a second channel defining surface in a second substrate. The progress of liquid through this first channel is monitored and used to determine viscosity. Viscosities in the range of 1 cP to 1000 cP are easily measured. Self-calibrating versions of the viscometer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or pressures, other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.

Abstract: A microfluidic system is provided for separating components of many fluid samples in a parallel fashion through an array of capillary conduits. The system includes capillary conduits for receiving fluid samples, and for effecting separation of substituents of the sample by passing the sample through a corresponding array of capillary separation conduits containing a solid separation medium. The microfluidic circuit is made of three or more substrate layers and preferably includes etched channels in different layers that are dimensioned relative to one another to provide for retaining the solid composition within the capillary separation conduits. The system also includes an array of detector flow cells in fluid communication with the capillary separation conduits, and an array of high pressure connectors for connecting discrete capillary tubes to the fluid passages in the microfluidic circuit for introducing and removing the fluid samples from the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the rheology of a coating fluid and using this information to design application equipment and formulations, particularly for non-Newtonian fluids, including measuring the entrance transition effects for the fluid at process shear rates and time frames, and detecting to presence of dilatant flow. A device for measuring these transition effects has a pressure source for the fluid and connector for a selected capillary tube. The fluid is introduced to the capillary and a pre-determined shear rate and flow rate are achieved. The resulting back pressure in the container is measured. The test parameters are changed to obtain the separate transition effect measurements to correspond to process conditions.

Abstract: A blood viscosity measuring system and methods for measuring blood viscosity monitors the change in height of one of two, oppositely-moving, columns of blood from the circulating blood of a patient and, given the dimensions of a capillary tube through which the blood flows and by detecting a single blood position of the other oppositely-moving column, determines the blood viscosity over a range of shears, especially low shears. The system includes a tube set (disposable or non-disposable) that includes a pair of riser tubes, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions that is coupled between the riser tubes (or that forms a portion of one riser tube) and a valve mechanism for controlling the circulating flow of blood from the patient into the riser tubes.

Abstract: A viscosimeter for measuring the viscosity of a solution in a solvent includes flow resistances having the smallest possible thickness and a small volume compared with all other parallel and following capillaries in a flow conduit system with two legs. The flow conduit system has three parallel flow circuits among which at least two flow circuits are connected by a differential pressure sensor or sensor for differential pressure. The arrangement includes an inlet which divides into two legs, wherein one of the two legs includes a pressure reducing element, a following branch going to a differential pressure sensor and a pressure reducing element in the feeding conduit to a junction which runs into an outlet conduit. The other leg starting from the branch point includes a pressure reducing element which is connected to the differential pressure sensor and to a resistance capillary in the conduit.

Abstract: This invention provides methodology for the measurement of both low and high levels of scattered radiation produced by decorative and barrier coatings and plastics. Measurements of low levels are especially important for coatings used in automotive applications. The method is based on the illumination of the sample with radiation and collection of only the portion of the radiation scattered from the coating before, during and after the testing step and relating the optical signal from the tested portion of the sample material to the untested portion of the material and/or a standard. Through the practice of the invention, a large number of coating samples, as in an array, may be analyzed for their optical quality, principally haze, either after coating and curing, and/or after subjection of such coatings samples to elongation stresses, and/or abrasion testing, solvent exposure, hydrolytic stability testing, and temperature exposure.

Abstract: A method for making fluid elasticity measurements using an extensional viscometer (100) is disclosed, where stress is not directly measured but is inferred from an accurate measurement of the change in the rate of flow of a liquid during passage through a vertical capillary (104). The flow rate changes when the liquid jet, also called the liquid filament, leaving a first capillary (104), is stretched by the application of vacuum forces. Steady flow is established almost instantly by using a constant liquid head (102,118) above the capillary, and the flow rate is determined by timing the interval for liquid to drain between two marks (110,112) on the liquid reservoir surface. Extensional viscosity can be calculated as a ratio of the tensile stress and stretch rate of the liquid at different axial positions.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for viscosity. A library of materials is provided. The library is contacted with at least one capillary for applying a force through the materials. The relative flow resistance of the materials is measured in response to the force; and the materials in the library are ranked based on the monitored flow resistance.

Abstract: A viscosimeter for measuring the viscosity of a solution in a solvent includes flow resistances having the smallest possible thickness and a small volume compared with all other parallel and following capillaries in a flow conduit system with two legs. The flow conduit system has three parallel flow circuits among which at least two flow circuits are connected by a differential pressure sensor or sensor for differential pressure. The arrangement includes an inlet which divides into two legs, wherein one of the two legs includes a pressure reducing element, a following branch going to a differential pressure sensor and a pressure reducing element in the feeding conduit to a junction which runs into an outlet conduit. The other leg starting from the branch point includes a pressure reducing element which is connected to the differential pressure sensor and to a resistance capillary in the conduit.

Abstract: A blood viscosity measuring system and methods for measuring blood viscosity monitors the change in height of one of two, oppositely-moving, columns of blood from the circulating blood of a patient and, given the dimensions of a capillary tube through which the blood flows and by detecting a single blood position of the other oppositely-moving column, determines the blood viscosity over a range of shears, especially low shears. The system includes a tube set (disposable or non-disposable) that includes a pair of riser tubes, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions that is coupled between the riser tubes (or that forms a portion of one riser tube) and a valve mechanism for controlling the circulating flow of blood from the patient into the riser tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring viscosity or related properties of fluid samples in parallel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of tubes and reservoirs in fluid communication with the tubes. The tubes provide flow paths for the fluid samples, which are initially contained within the reservoirs. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for filling the reservoirs with the fluid samples, and a device for determining volumetric flow rates of fluid samples flowing from the reservoirs through the plurality of tubes simultaneously. The disclosed apparatus is capable of measuring viscosity or related properties of at least five fluid samples simultaneously. Useful reservoirs and tubes include syringes.

Abstract: A viscosimeter for measuring the relative, intrinsic or inherent viscosity of a solution in a solvent with at least one flow resistance and one feeding point for the solution to be examined in a conduit system as well as with respective manometers on the flow resistance which are coupled with a differential amplifier, wherein the viscosimeter includes flow resistances such as disk-shaped or leaf-shaped Venturi nozzles or different KV flow resistances with the smallest possible thickness and with a small volume with respect to all other parallel and following capillaries in a flow conduit system with two legs which contains in the first leg at least three pressure reducing elements, for example capillaries, whereby behind the capillary following the branch point a pressure manometer is provided for with a connected bigger vessel, whereby behind further capillaries connected with each other with different diameters and with a big volume which corresponds to 100 to 1000 times the KV flow resistance in the second

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for automated and simultaneous determination of the viscosity of a plurality of liquids.

Abstract: A microfluidic system is provided for separating components of many fluid samples in a parallel fashion through an array of capillary conduits. The system includes capillary conduits for receiving fluid samples, and for effecting separation of substituents of the sample by passing the sample through a corresponding array of capillary separation conduits containing a solid separation medium. The microfluidic circuit is made of three or more substrate layers and preferably includes etched channels in different layers that are dimensioned relative to one another to provide for retaining the solid composition within the capillary separation conduits. The system also includes an array of detector flow cells in fluid communication with the capillary separation conduits, and an array of high pressure connectors for connecting discrete capillary tubes to the fluid passages in the microfluidic circuit for introducing and removing the fluid samples from the system.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring the viscosity of plastic materials including a heatable housing structure, enclosing a controllable material pump for generating a certain material flow, a plurality of capillaries, a melt distributor is provided in the supply line of the material from the material pump to the capillaries with which the material can be directed to either of the plurality of capillaries and each capillary is provided with a pressure and a material temperature sensor providing the values needed for determining the viscosity of the material.

Abstract: A combined oil quality and fuel contamination sensing system includes a capacitive dielectric sensor and pressure sensing arrangements for measuring the dielectric constant of the oil and the pressure of the oil, respectively, with the oil pressure being indicative of oil viscosity and contamination. The sensors take measurements as oil flows through an internal combustion engine and provide an indication of the cause of a problem with oil in an engine. The system may also include a microcomputer and circuitry for generating an indication of dielectric constant and circuitry for generating an indication of the presence of contaminants within the engine. The system may also include an additional sensor measuring the temperature of oil within the system to adjust oil dielectric constant and viscosity indications. The capacitive dielectric sensor constitute the principal restriction in the flow path between an input high pressure sensing port and an outlet low pressure port.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or pressures. other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for viscosity. A library of materials is provided. The library is contacted with at least one capillary for applying a force through the materials. The relative flow resistance of the materials is measured in response to the force; and the materials in the library are ranked based on the monitored flow resistance.

Abstract: A method for measuring fluid level uses data sensed by an oil level sensor to determine the level of oil in a motor vehicle oil pan. The oil level sensor can include a receiver tube oriented upright in the oil pan of the vehicle. A level tube is disposed in the receiver tube and below the level tube is a reference tube. A circuit is electrically connected to the tubes for outputting a signal representative of oil level in the oil pan. As the engine oil level decreases within the level tube, the output of the sensor drops. The method includes providing a series of signals to the sensor and recording the output from the sensor with the sensor in a variety of configurations. This information is then processed to determine the ratio of measured oil in the oil pan to the proper operating oil level.

Abstract: A viscosimeter for measuring the relative, intrinsic or inherent viscosity of a solution in a solvent with at least one flow resistance and one feeding point for the solution to be examined in a conduit system as well as with respective manometers on the flow resistance which are coupled with a differential amplifier, wherein the viscosimeter includes flow resistances such as disk-shaped or leaf-shaped Venturi nozzles or different KV flow resistances with the smallest possible thickness and with a small volume with respect to all other parallel and following capillaries in a flow conduit system with two legs which contains in the first leg at least three pressure reducing elements, for example capillaries, whereby behind the capillary following the branch point a pressure manometer is provided for with a connected bigger vessel, whereby behind further capillaries connected with each other with different diameters and with a big volume which corresponds to 100 to 1000 times the KV flow resistance in the second

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring viscosity or related properties of fluid samples in parallel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of tubes and reservoirs in fluid communication with the tubes. The tubes provide flow paths for the fluid samples, which are initially contained within the reservoirs. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for filling the reservoirs with the fluid samples, and a device for determining volumetric flow rates of fluid samples flowing from the reservoirs through the plurality of tubes simultaneously. The disclosed apparatus is capable of measuring viscosity or related properties of at least five fluid samples simultaneously. Useful reservoirs and tubes include syringes.

Abstract: The apparatus (10) is used for determining the consistency index (k) and the power law index (n) of a Newtonian fluid or non-Newtonian power law fluid. A method is also disclosed. Accordingly, the fluid flows in a laminar manner through a first (12) and a second static mixer (14) successively connected together by means of an intermediary pipe (18). A first pressure differential (&Dgr;P1) corresponding to a pressure drop of the fluid through the first static mixer (12) is measured. Similarly, a second pressure differential (&Dgr;P2) corresponding to a pressure drop of the fluid through the second static mixer (14) is measured. Finally, the consistency index (k) and the power law index (n) are calculated using the Metzner and Otto concept generalized to static mixers. The apparent viscosity may also be calculated. This invention may be mounted directly on a main supply pipe (16) and allows the rheological properties of the fluid to be known in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring viscosity or related properties of fluid samples in parallel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of tubes and reservoirs in fluid communication with the tubes. The tubes provide flow paths for the fluid samples, which are initially contained within the reservoirs. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for filling the reservoirs with the fluid samples, and a device for determining volumetric flow rates of fluid samples flowing from the reservoirs through the plurality of tubes simultaneously. The disclosed apparatus is capable of measuring viscosity or related properties of at least five fluid samples simultaneously. Useful reservoirs and tubes include syringes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the viscosity of a sample solution which comprises an input tube for transporting a sample solution flow towards a splitter for diverting input flow into two distinct flow streams where three capillary tubes are located in the two flow streams placed downstream from the flow splitter, where each flow stream has one or two capillary tubes a delay volume, and a flow through transducer having hydraulic connections placed in one stream or in two streams used for measuring the pressure difference across the capillary tubes.