Abstract: A method of measuring millisecond-scale blast and impact characterization in soft materials includes embedding one or more sensors in soft material, wherein the one or more sensors have mechanical properties approximately matching the soft material; applying a constant current to the one or more sensors; subjecting the soft material to a shock or impact event; measuring a response as a change in voltage; and converting the measured voltage to strain or pressure.

Abstract: Methods of detecting, characterizing, and mapping an environmental subsurface PFAS-stabilized viscoelastic non-Newtonian light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL), including collecting an environmental sample that is a fluid sample, or is collected as a solid that is subsequently extracted with water to generate a fluid sample; and where the environmental sample is associated with a location where it was collected; analyzing the fluid sample using one or more rheological methods; and correlating the rheological characteristics with a presence or an absence of the non-Newtonian LNAPL at the location where the environmental sample was collected.

Abstract: Measurement of pressure of a fluid in a vessel using a cantilever spring in the vessel; a magnet connected to the cantilever spring in the vessel; an electromagnet outside of the vessel operatively connected to the magnet and the cantilever spring in the vessel, wherein the electromagnet induces movement of the magnet and the cantilever spring in the vessel, and wherein the movement is related to the pressure of the fluid in the vessel; a receiving coil operatively positioned relative to the magnet, wherein movement of the cantilever spring and the magnet in the vessel creates an electromotive response in the coil; and a controller analyzer connected to the receiving coil, wherein the controller analyzer uses the electromotive response in the coil for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: A fluid is received into a sample tube. A processor causes an energy to be applied to the sample tube to induce vibration in the sample tube at a resonant frequency of the sample tube containing the fluid. The processor stops the supply of energy to the sample tube. The processor monitors an amplitude of the vibration of the sample tube as the amplitude of the vibrations diminish over a period of time. The processor uses the monitored amplitude to calculate an RF of the sample tube containing the fluid. The processor uses the calculated RF to calculate the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: The rheological probe generally has a base; an inner member fixedly connected to the base and extending away from the base, the inner member having in succession a base portion proximate to the base, and a tip away from the base, and a deformable portion located between the base portion and the tip; a shell member covering the inner member, the shell member having a proximal portion being pivotally connected to the base for pivoting about a pivot axis when subjected to a resistance pressure imparted by a relative movement of the probe in a rheological substance, and a distal portion, the distal portion being engaged with the tip, the shell member having mating features being pivotally engaged with corresponding features of the base, the mating features being located on transversally opposite sides of the proximal portion; and a deformation sensor mounted to the deformable portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing prion protein having an aggregated conformation by contacting native conformation prion protein with aggregated conformation prion protein in a liquid preparation and subjecting this to at least one cycle or to a number of cycles of application of shear-force for fragmenting aggregates of prion protein, wherein the shear-force applied is precisely controlled. In addition to this process for amplification of aggregated state prion protein from native conformation prion protein, the invention relates to the aggregated state prion protein obtained by the amplification process, which aggregated state prion protein has one conformation, which is e.g. identical within one batch and reproducible between batches, e.g. as detectable by proteinase resistance in a Western blot.

Abstract: A fluid is received into a sample tube. A processor causes an energy to be applied to the sample tube to induce vibration in the sample tube at a resonant frequency of the sample tube containing the fluid. The processor stops the supply of energy to the sample tube. The processor monitors an amplitude of the vibration of the sample tube as the amplitude of the vibrations diminish over a period of time. The processor uses the monitored amplitude to calculate an RF of the sample tube containing the fluid. The processor uses the calculated RF to calculate the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus includes: a polishing table 12 for holding a polishing pad; a first electric motor 14 that rotationally drives the polishing table 12; a first rotary joint 40 that has a rotating body 41 that is rotationally driven by the first electric motor 14, a housing 42 provided around the rotating body 41, and a seal portion 44 that seals between the rotating body 41 and the housing 42; a second current sensor 31 that detects a current which is correlated with driving load of the first electric motor 14; a friction detecting unit 50 that detects sliding friction in the seal portion 44 of the first rotary joint 40; and an end point detecting apparatus 60 that detects a polishing end point of the polishing target on the basis of the current and the sliding friction.

Abstract: A rheometer is disclosed that includes rheometry logic that is responsive to a material selection control, to an objective selection control, to material property storage, and to process parameter storage, and is operative to assist the user with a measurement using the rheometer. In another general aspect, a rheometer includes sample history storage operative to store a history that spans a plurality of different operations performed by the rheometer on a same sample.

Abstract: A method of determining viscosity of structurally viscous fluids or beverages containing small pieces, fibers, pulps, fruit cells, cereals, particles or the like, for processing in filling, fruit juice preparation, dairy or brewery process plants, includes providing a tube rheometer having an at least substantially horizontal, straight meter tube with an inner diameter over a length of the meter tube length. At least two different volume flows are generated, exclusively gravimetrically, in the tube rheometer. The at least two different volume flows are adjusted to be substantially constant so as to determine a flow index and a consistency factor of the at least two volume flows. Pressure losses of the at least two volume flows are measured. The viscosity is determined based on the flow index, the consistency factor and the pressure losses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the viscosity of a fluid, said method comprising the following steps: (a) providing a flow of said fluid in a laminar state inside a channel (14, 24) having a characteristic transverse dimension D, and in which an elongate member (12, 22) having a characteristic dimension d is placed substantially along the longitudinal direction of said channel and substantially at the center of the channel, and has a portion of the length l thereof submerged in said channel; (b) measuring the friction force (f) applied by said fluid on the walls of the elongate member; and (c) calculating the dynamic viscosity (?) of said fluid based on the equation (1) f=??lU where U is the average flow rate and ? is a geometric factor.

Abstract: Predicting subterranean formation damages from deformable additives in treatment fluids may include measuring exponential shear values for samples comprising a base fluid and at least one deformable additive. Then the relative pore plugging propensity of the deformable additives may be determined by comparing the exponential shear values or rheological values derived therefrom from either two or more deformable additives to each other or from one or more deformable additives to a pore plugging propensity scale.

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: 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 composition that will automatically flow (auto-flow) and form a fillet (self-fillet) will have a yield stress within the range of 1.8 Pa to 10 Pa (20 dynes/cm2 to 100 dynes/cm2). Such a composition can be designed by using an appropriate choice of filler, regardless of the resin system used in the composition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing drilling fluids laden with LCM (Lost Circulation Material) and other solid materials are disclosed. A test cell for analyzing a fluid is provided with a first conical inner portion and an axial positioning device positioned along an axis of the test cell. A first conical plug is coupled to the axial positioning device and is movable in and out of the first conical inner portion along the axis of the test cell. A fluid inlet is positioned at a first location on the test cell and a fluid outlet at a second location.

Abstract: A method of determining viscosity of structurally viscous fluids or beverages containing small pieces, fibers, pulps, fruit cells, cereals, particles or the like, for processing in filling, fruit juice preparation, dairy or brewery process plants, includes providing a tube rheometer having an at least substantially horizontal, straight meter tube with an inner diameter over a length of the meter tube length. At least two different volume flows are generated, exclusively gravimetrically, in the tube rheometer. The at least two different volume flows are adjusted to be substantially constant so as to determine a flow index and a consistency factor of the at least two volume flows. Pressure losses of the at least two volume flows are measured. The viscosity is determined based on the flow index, the consistency factor and the pressure losses.

Abstract: A rigid, planar, non-resonating boundary is introduced parallel to the surface of the piezoelectric resonator in a measurand chamber in order to both reduce the separation space (l) between the resonator and confining wall and confine the measurand fluid between those surfaces in order to reliably measure acoustic viscosity independently form the mass density (?) of the measurand fluid. The hypothesis is that when the penetration depth (?) is comparable to the separation distance (l) between the resonator and the confining wall, then resonator perturbation is a sensitive function of the abbreviated separation space. Variations in the spacing between the resonator and confining wall are accomplished by adjusting the rigid, planar, non-resonating boundary, or confining wall, with a means for lateral movement. The ability to accurately adjust and control small spaces thereby enables MEMS versions of viscometers and associated types of fluid sensors.

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: The invention relates to a piezo-rheometric measuring cell for shear or compression measurement, essentially comprising two sample holder plates, with the sample for analysis between the same in solid, liquid or intermediate form, piezoelectric ceramic elements on the faces of the plates opposite to the faces in contact with the sample and a construction forming the housing and compressing the arrangement of plates and ceramic elements, one or more ceramics called emitter, being connected to one of the two plates or the emitter plate and subjecting the same to shear or compression vibrations by means of an excitation signal and one or more ceramics, called receiver, being connected to the other plate or receiver plate and converting the forces to which the same is subject into a measured signal.

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: An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) a receptacle having a cylindrical side wall enclosed by a bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving a fluid to be tested; (b) an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, whereby relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) at least one inward projection extending inward from an inside surface of the receptacle; (d) at least one outward projection extending outward from the axial support; and (e) at least one projection for directing fluid flow that has at least one major surface angled or curved upward. A method of testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) placing a sample of the fluid and the particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; and (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more bulk Theological properties of a particle laden fluid comprising providing a system comprising a vessel, a pump coupled to the vessel, and a flow-through apparatus coupled to the pump and the vessel, wherein the flow-through apparatus comprises a flow chamber, a bob rotatably disposed within the chamber, wherein the bob comprises an outer geometry adapted for continuous laminar flow in an axial direction, and a gap between the chamber and the bob, pumping the particle laden fluid into the flow-through apparatus, shearing the particle laden fluid within the gap of the flow-through apparatus, and collecting data from the bob and observing the particle laden fluid to determine one or more bulk rheological properties of the particle laden fluid.

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: A rheometer die with a groove configuration for reducing sample slippage in a rheometer chamber is provided. The rheometer die includes a surface and at least one radial groove extending into the surface. The groove defines at least a portion of a sample-holding chamber constructed to hold a sample. The groove may include a first zone and a second zone with a transition zone therebetween. The groove may also include a substantially wedge-shaped portion with sidewalls which taper generally towards the center of the rheometer die such that imaginary extensions of the sidewalls intersect before reaching the center of the die. A plurality of grooves may extend into the rheometer die. The rheometer die may be incorporated into a rheometer for testing process characteristics of a material.

Abstract: Device for measuring the rheological properties of a viscoelastic material, formed of an upper rotating plate (10) and of a lower rotating plate (20) which are able to press against the opposite faces of a sample S of the material to be measured. The axes of rotation (a1 a1? and a2 a2?) of said plates are arranged parallel to one another in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the plates, and offset from one another by a distance d. Two independent motors (12, 22) drive respectively the upper plate (10) and the lower plate (20) at the same speed of rotation ?, without giving rise to any angular displacement between the two plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) a receptacle having a cylindrical side wall enclosed by a bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving a fluid to be tested; (b) an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, whereby relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) at least one inward projection extending inward from an inside surface of the receptacle; (d) at least one outward projection extending outward from the axial support; and (e) at least one projection for directing fluid flow that has at least one major surface angled or curved upward. A method of testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) placing a sample of the fluid and the particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; and (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an on-line rotational/oscillatory rheometrical device inserted in the barrel of an extruder (1), composed of a main body (2), a cleaning ring (5) and a lower support (6), kept at a constant temperature, and a set of plates, upper (3) and lower (4) with an adjustable separation, with the upper plate being animated with a rotating or oscillating movement, via a coupling to a rotation/measuring head of a commercial controlled-stress rheometer. The rotation of the ensemble allows a sample of material to be collected from the interior of the extruder and its subsequent rheological characterisation in the device.

Abstract: A rheometer has a measuring chamber which is delimited by a measuring chamber wall in which at least one measuring component is disposed for acceptance of a sample. The measuring chamber can have a gas flowing through it whose temperature is controlled in a desired fashion by a first temperature control device. A second temperature control device is also disposed in the measuring chamber wall by means of which the wall of the measuring chamber can be temperature controlled to a desired temperature. To temperature control the sample, the gas flow in the measuring chamber can be switched off or at least highly reduced prior to measurement of the reological characteristic quantities and further temperature control of the measuring chamber is effected by means of the temperature control of the measuring chamber wall.

Abstract: An improved micro slit viscometer includes a combined micrometer depth rectangular slit flow channel with monolithically integrated multiple pressure sensors in the flow channels and a pumping system that injects a test sample to the channel at a desired flow rate. Pressure sensing diaphragm of the monolithically integrated pressure sensors is smooth to minimize the flow disturbance thereby measuring accurate local pressures. With the measurement of the pressures at various locations of the channel the true viscosity of test sample can be calculated. The viscometer may consist of multiple flow channels and thus the true viscosity at multiple shear rates can be measured simultaneously for a given flow rate thereby obtaining a full viscosity curve as a function of shear rate of non-Newtonian liquids in a much faster manner. The viscometer needs only a miniscule amount of sample, which minimizes a waste of test material.

Abstract: A method and a pump apparatus are provided for the generation of an adjustable, substantially constant volume flow of a fluid by means of a pump apparatus, wherein the fluid (5) is forwarded by the pump apparatus (1) from a reservoir (2) into a flow connection (4). A rotary pump (1) is used as the pump apparatus and the rotary pump (1) is operated at an efficiency which is less than half the maximum efficiency (?max) of the rotary pump (1).

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: Device and methods for rotationally mixing and rheological testing of sample liquids, such as cement particle suspensions, employ mixing blades and shear-resistant members having substantially noncoincident orbital paths. Rheology is assessed by measuring the resistance of the liquid to rotation of the device. Both rheological and calorimetric testing can be performed during mixing, which ensures uniformity of rheology and hence the accuracy of results.

Abstract: Device and methods for rotationally mixing and rheological testing of sample liquids, such as cement particle suspensions, employ mixing blades and shear-resistant members having substantially noncoincident orbital paths. Rheology is assessed by measuring the resistance of the liquid to rotation of the device. Both rheological and calorimetric testing can be performed during mixing, which ensures uniformity of rheology and hence the accuracy of results.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) including two plates (3, 4) which can be rotated in relation to each other and between which the rheological properties of a test substance (6) disposed in an intervening area (5) can be determined. At least one of the plates (3) is provided with a light inlet (2) sealed by a body (8, 10) in order to carry out an optical measurement method, e.g., infrared spectroscopy, enabling other characteristics of the test substance to be determined simultaneously. The body (8, 10) is light permeable at least in the infrared spectrum, and on its side facing the intervening area (5), the body (8, 10) terminates in a flush contour relative to the to the plate (3) in which it is provided so that undesirable interactions which might affect the measurement of the rheological properties of the test substance (6) are reliably excluded.

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: 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: In a viscoelastic characteristic value-measuring apparatus, using a split Hopkinson's bar, a first strain gauge (7) and a second strain gauge (9) are installed on an input bar (3) which is hit with a impact bar. A third strain gauge (11) and a fourth strain gauge (13) are installed on an output bar (5) which is connected with the input bar (3) through a specimen (20) put between the input bar (3) and the output bar (5). The length of the input bar is set to not less than 1000 mm nor more than 2500 mm. The length of said output bar is set to not less than 700 mm nor more than 2200 mm. The propagation speed of a strain in the input bar and the output bar is set to not less than 1200 m/s nor more than 1800 m/s.

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: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for testing the properties of chemicals in a reaction flow stream. In the method, chemicals from the reaction flow stream are directed to the apparatus for testing the physical properties of the chemicals, which is an indication of the state of the chemical reaction. Data measured by the apparatus is stored in a computer, and the computer may be used to analyze the data and to control the reaction parameters based on the analysis of the data. The apparatus used for the analysis comprises a rheometer having an actuated shaft and a concentric container, wherein the shear properties of the material sampled in the apparatus are measured when the actuator shaft is oscillated within the container. Various unique configurations of the apparatus are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring or analyzing dynamic and static sag caused by settling of weighting materials in drilling fluids or other solids bearing fluid. The apparatus comprises a tube and shear shaft assembly that allows for a controlled rate of shear to be applied to a sample of the fluid for testing. During a test, the assembly is placed on a pivotal holder at an angle. The assembly has pistons at the pivot center of the assembly which accommodate expansion and contraction of the test fluid due to changes in temperature and pressure, thereby allowing the test fluid to be heated, cooled and pressurized to simulate subterranean wellbore conditions without changing the center of mass of the test fluid. When weight material settles down the inclined assembly, the center of mass of the assembly changes resulting in changing torque or moment about the pivotal holder. The resultant moment is measured by energizing external coils arranged to provide a uniform magnetic field.

Abstract: A process and a device for determining changes in a liquid medium, in particular a liquid coating agent or its components, caused by shear stress, in which a given volume of the medium is allowed to pass repeatedly through a shear unit under reproducible conditions.

Abstract: A method for measuring the viscosity of a green compact sample includes the steps of finding a corrected value V′ of the sample volume of the green compact sample, where the corrected value V′ of the sample volume is a volume occupied by the inorganic powder in the green compact sample; finding a corrected value (dh/dt)′ of the sample deformation rate of the green compact sample, where the corrected value (dh/dt)′ of the sample deformation rate is the difference between the apparent sample deformation rate and the sample deformation rate due to sintering shrinkage; separating a temperature range X in which sintering shrinkage dominates and a temperature range Y in which plastic deformation dominates with respect to the displacement of the green compact sample; substituting the corrected value V′ of the sample volume for the sample volume V and substituting the corrected value (dh/dt)′ of the sample deformation rate for the sample deformation rate dh/dt in the Gent equation

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 curing characteristics measuring apparatus in which a sample chamber having a fixed surface and a rotation-vibrating drive surface is charged with a sample having a viscoelasticity, a torsional vibration is applied to the sample through the drive surface, a shearing stress generated in the sample is observed as a torque through the fixed surface or the drive surface, wherein mechanism is provided for reducing volume of the sample chamber following volume contraction generated in curing process of the sample.

Abstract: A method for measuring the viscosity of a green compact includes the steps of finding a corrected value V′ of the sample volume of the green compact, where the corrected value V′ of the sample volume is a volume occupied by the inorganic powder in the green compact; finding a corrected value (dh/dt)′ of the sample deformation rate of the green compact, where the corrected value (dh/dt)′ of the sample deformation rate is the difference between the apparent sample deformation rate and the sample deformation rate due to sintering shrinkage; separating a temperature range X in which sintering shrinkage dominates and a temperature range Y in which plastic deformation dominates with respect to the displacement of the green compact; substituting the corrected value V′ of the sample volume for the sample volume V and substituting the corrected value (dh/dt)′ of the sample deformation rate for the sample deformation rate dh/dt in the Gent equation with respect to the temperature ran

Abstract: A rotational rheometer has an integrating motor (1), which rotates a measuring shaft (16) supporting a first measuring element (4), there being formed between this first measuring element (4) and a further, fixed measuring element (5) a measurement gap (S), into which is introduced the substance to be tested (12), in particular fluid, the depth of the measurement gap (S) being variable by the adjustment of the two measuring elements (4, 5) relative to each other, and a device being provided to determine the distance between the two measuring elements. At least one inductive or at least one magnetic position sensor (19, 21) is supported by one of the two measuring elements (4, 5). The first measuring element (4) or a device (18) disposed on this measuring element (4) can cause the position sensor (19, 21) disposed on the other measuring element (5) to respond, or can cause the output signal, e.g.

Abstract: The process for measuring viscosity relies on the observation of the relaxation of a sample drop (A) initially flattened between two plates (7,8), normally without any contact with them due to a gas layer blown through their opposite faces (10, 11); one correlates the observed phenomenon with a relaxation model fitting each portion of the measurement curve so as to estimate concurrently the viscosity and the shear rate, then the sensitiveness of the viscosity to the shear rate by compiling the said portions. The proposed viscometer includes a variable magnetic field generator (16) to produce, using a removable screen (18), various stirring and shears in the sample (A).