ASTM Method Compliant Automated Solution Viscometer

The Y501 Automated Relative Viscometer (ARV) from Viscotek is a productive system for automated measurement of the viscosities of dilute polymer solutions.

Fully compliant with ASTM method D5225-92 (Solution Viscometry of Polymers) the Y501-ARV can typically provide accurate results on only a 1% solution making it possible to reduce sample preparation time significantly. This substantial reduction in the amount of time required to measure viscosity allows much more timely feedback on process variables, resulting in increased polymer production yields.

Based upon Viscotek's patented Y501 viscometer design the ARV system measures solvent and sample viscosity simultaneously, avoiding errors due to temperature fluctuations and solvent variations. The system provides faster analysis, greater precision and less solvent exposure when compared to the traditional Ubbelohde or Cannon-Fenske glass tube viscometers that it replaces.

To automate acquisition and processing of data Viscotek has consulted with industry users to produce the powerful and highly intuitive ARV software. Using the ARV software, users can automate control of devices involved with making solution viscosity measurements including syringe pumps, valve actuators, autosamplers and can even be set-up to support Zymark robotic sample delivery systems. ARV supports run queues, and performs automatic calculations such that it can run the viscometer unattended leaving operators free to perform other tasks. Users can select from a wide range of report formats including relative viscosity, inherent viscosity, reduced viscosity, intrinsic viscosity or absolute viscosity.

The Y501-ARV is the only solution viscometer that can automatically provide relative, intrinsic, inherent, specific and absolute viscosity as well as molecular weight information from a single experiment.

For laboratories required to test large numbers of samples - Viscotek can also provide a Semi-Automated Sample Preparation (S.A.S.P) system that assists operators by controlling the weighing and dispensing operations. The S.A.S.P system automatically compensates for impurities, temperature variations, and density variations so exact concentrations of polymer solutions can be easily and precisely prepared.

Malvern Instruments acquired Viscotek in January 2008.