Abstract: An electric motor (100) having a motor control system (400) including: —a current measuring means (402) for directly or indirectly measuring the electric current in the rotor windings (7) providing a rotor current value/s, —an ambient temperature measuring/estimation means (404) for measuring or estimating the ambient air temperature providing an air temperature value/s, —a rotor temperature estimation means (406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411) for estimating a rotor temperature at least based on the rotor current value/s and the air temperature value/s, and—a current limiting means (405) for preventing overheating/burning of the rotor assembly (3) by limiting the electric current to the rotor windings (7) when the estimated rotor temperature exceeds a predetermined overheating threshold (412).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is shown for determining the pumpability limit, freeze point and/or pour point of liquids, particularly fuels, at sub-ambient temperatures. A sample is placed in a viscometer which viscometer is rapidly cooled by a chiller. During cooling, after some measurements of temperature and viscosity, further temperatures and viscosity are approximated using the least squares method, which temperature and viscosity are subsequently measured to determine the pumpability limit. Continuation of the method will also give the freeze point and pour point of the sample being tested.

Abstract: Refrigerant gas can pass through hollow type plate, and this can be employed for refrigeration of a block by employment of the plate in thermal communication with the block. The block, which typically contains one or more test cells, may have a rhomboid shape.

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 object of the present invention is to provide a process for experimental determination of heavy live crude oil dynamic viscosities reliable at a constant temperature (from ambient temperature to 463 K) and pressures from 68.9 MPa to the atmospheric pressure, including the dynamic viscosity at the bubble point pressure and by below of this point, based on a simple, reliable and accurate apparatus. The apparatus used in the present invention is based on an electromagnetic concept, only using a mobile element (piston) through a fluid at a constant force. The time required for the piston to travel a fixed distance is related exactly to the dynamic viscosity of the fluid contained in a measuring chamber. When the fluid contained in the inner part of the measuring chamber is more viscous, the piston displacement will be slower.

Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for determining the viscosity of a fluid within a fluid flow path. Such method may comprise flowing fluid through the fluid flow path and past a fixed flow restriction therein. The method may also comprise first sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at a selected location upstream of the flow restriction. The method may also include limiting fluid flow in the fluid flow path upstream of such selected location. The method may further comprise second sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at such selected location after such limiting. Such method includes determining the viscosity of the fluid based, at least in part, on any pressure difference from such first and second sensing.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring viscosity includes a container in which an inlet radius of an inlet end is larger than an outlet radius of an outlet end. A fluid with a flow velocity is placed in the container. The fluid has a density value and a pressure gradient value. A pressure controller for controlling the pressure gradient value of the fluid is connected to the inlet end and the outlet end. A flow meter measures the flow velocity. A viscosity of the fluid is correlated with the density value, the pressure gradient value, the inlet radius, the outlet radius and the flow velocity. After being applied to various fluids, the present invention improves testability. Moreover, the measurement time is reduced due to simple structure. The maintenance is easy and the operation is not completed. Furthermore, less space is required, the cost is down and the measurement error is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring fluid viscosity are revealed. An inlet end of a container is larger than an outlet end of the container. A fluid flows through the outlet end at a flow rate. A volume of the fluid flowing out of the outlet end is measured by a graduated cylinder while the time taken for the fluid to flow through the outlet end is measured by a timer. The flow rate is associated with the volume and the time of the fluid and the viscosity of the fluid is obtained according to a density and a pressure gradient of the fluid, an outlet end radius and the flow rate. The apparatus has simple structure, easy operation and maintenance. Moreover, less space is required and the apparatus cost is low. Therefore, the testability is improved, the measurement time is reduced, and the convenience in use is enhanced.

Abstract: A viscometer system to determine the viscosity of a fluid utilizes an existing flow cell, which maintains a calibrated constriction that is defined by a predetermined constant value K is disclosed. The viscometer system is adapted for use with the flow cell and includes a pair of pressure transducers with one at the input of the flow cell and another at the outlet of the flow cell. During operation, particles within the fluid pass through the flow cell, whereby the positional change of the particles over a predetermined period of time allows the system to calculate the flow rate of the fluid. The system also identifies the change in pressure of the fluid as it passes through the flow cell, such that the pressure change, flow rate, and the constant value K are processed to calculate the viscosity of the fluid being analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analysis apparatus 1 comprising a resistive body 2 for giving a travel resistance to a sample, and power sources 33, 54 for giving power to cause the sample to pass through the resistive body 2. The power sources 33, 54 include a pressurizing mechanism 33 arranged at an upstream side of the resistive body 2 and a pressure-reduction mechanism 54 arranged at a downstream side of the resistive body. The pressurizing mechanism 33 and the pressure-reduction mechanism 54 are each a tube pump, for example. The resistive body 2 is provided with a plurality of minute fluid channels, for example.

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: 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 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: A viscometer system to determine the viscosity of a fluid utilizes an existing flow cell, which maintains a calibrated constriction that is defined by a predetermined constant value K is disclosed. The viscometer system is adapted for use with the flow cell and includes a pair of pressure transducers with one at the input of the flow cell and another at the outlet of the flow cell. During operation, particles within the fluid pass through the flow cell, whereby the positional change of the particles over a predetermined period of time allows the system to calculate the flow rate of the fluid. The system also identifies the change in pressure of the fluid as it passes through the flow cell, such that the pressure change, flow rate, and the constant value K are processed to calculate the viscosity of the fluid being analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for determining the viscosity of a fluid within a fluid flow path. Such method may comprise flowing fluid through the fluid flow path and past a fixed flow restriction therein. The method may also comprise first sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at a selected location upstream of the flow restriction. The method may also include limiting fluid flow in the fluid flow path upstream of such selected location. The method may further comprise second sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at such selected location after such limiting. Such method includes determining the viscosity of the fluid based, at least in part, on any pressure difference from such first and second sensing.

Abstract: A means for simultaneous determination of the radial and angular vectors of rotary motion of a body relative to a single reference axis, by measurement of the common aid differential states of three position detectors and, together with an axial position detector, thus to allow the measurable modulation of magnetic devices such as to provide measurable vector forces to support that body against the vector effects of any external forces that tend to change its position relative to the reference axis, in the absence of any contact between the rotor and the combined system of sensors and magnetic devices.

Abstract: Scanning Brookfield dry block instrument component, viscometer instrument, and method of use of the instrument can employ direct refrigeration with heat provision. A thermoelectric chip substitute may be employed as well.

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 rotary rheometer having a an upper heating/cooling assembly and a lower heating/cooling assembly located opposite one another opposite a sample gap. The lower heating/cooling assembly may comprise a Peltier heater and the upper heating/cooling assembly preferably comprises a heating element that mates with a heat spreader for heating and cooling the area above the sample and providing more uniform heating and cooling across the sample gap while also minimizing any chimney effect within the rheometer and/or providing heating/cooling capability that is insensitive to changes in the gap between an upper geometry and the lower heating/cooling assembly. The upper heating/cooling assembly may further comprise a cooling channel for cooling the upper heating/cooling assembly.

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 viscoelasticity measuring instrument for measuring a viscoelasticity of a sample has a temperature detection control unit for obtaining, prior to a practical measurement operation, a measurement executable temperature range for the sample by an experimental temperature control operation and application of AC power. A main measurement control unit carries out a viscoelasticity measurement operation within the temperature range obtained by the temperature detection control unit.

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 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: Device for direct refrigeration has heat-conductable solid member with refrigerant passageway coursing through or about; and at least one test sample well in or in proximity to it, at least one solid, heat-generating member affixed or in proximity to it; and/or optional component(s) and/or feature(s). Heat-conductable solid member may have opposing refrigerant flowpaths containing conventional cooling material(s), for example, air, liquid methanol or ethylene glycol, but preferably, refrigerant for direct refrigeration. The member may be, for example, a block of copper and/or other material with a high heat-conductance, with one or more test sample well(s) for insertion of test sample cell(s) for low-temperature rotary viscometric yield stress testing of engine oils, or other testing. Heating may be employed. Dynamic temperature control can be facilitated by temperature sensor and/or controller system, with sensor(s) and/or heating element(s) strategically placed in or on the block.

Abstract: A rotational rheometer has a cylindrical outer housing into which a measuring container can be inserted substantially coaxially thereby forming a radial annular space. The measuring container has a measuring chamber for receiving a sample material. A fluid may flow through the annular space to bring the outside of the measuring container and thereby the sample material to a desired temperature. The fluid is a gas and a circulating device is provided within the outer housing for circulating the gas.

Abstract: A rotational rheometer is provided with a heat control cup located around a measuring cup having a wall thickness decreasing gradually from the bottom of the cup to its outer rim. Temperature of the heat control cup is maintained by a heat pump. The heat controlled cup has a wall thickness which is narrow at or adjacent the open end than the thickness adjacent the base of the cup.

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 rotary rheometer has a measurement motor (1) rotating a measuring shaft (16) on which an upper, and in particular a plate-shaped or conical, measuring part (4) is fastened. A measuring gap (S) is formed between the first measuring part (4) and a rotationally fixed lower, preferably plate-shaped measuring part (5). The substance (12)—in particular fluid, gel, or the like—to be tested is introduced into the measuring gap (S). The width of the measuring gap (S) can be adjusted by displacing the two measuring parts (4, 5) relative to each other. A heating or tempering unit for the lower measuring part (5) is arranged below the lower measuring part (5). To heat or cool or temper the upper measuring part (4) at least one heat pump (24), and in particular at least one Peltier block, is provided by which heat can be supplied to or removed from the upper measuring part (4).

Abstract: A rotary viscosimeter which has a rotary measuring cylinder that is disposed in a cylindrical measuring cup holding the sample to be tested in a measuring gap formed between the cylinder and the cylindrical wall of the cup. Forces required to rotate or angularly deflect the cylinder are measured and used to determine the viscosity of the sample. The temperature of the sample in the gap is maintained uniform by constructing the measuring cup of a good heat conducting material and surrounding it with a control cup, also constructed of a good heat conducting material, and the cups are configured to form an isolation gap between them. At least one heat pump in heat conducting contact with an outer surface of the heat control cup controls the heat flow to and from the heat control cup, and a good heat conducting contact area is formed between the cups at the upper ends of the measuring cup to provide a controlled heat flow to or from the measuring cup.