Viscotek Offers Unique Automated Approach for Dilute Viscometry

Viscotek, a Malvern company, is unique in providing fully automated, temperature-controlled measurement of polymer dilute solution viscosity (DSV), a parameter widely used for molecular weight determination. A closed solvent loop in the Viscotek DSV system provides high levels of safety while automation eliminates the errors associated with manual instruments, improving precision and accuracy. The system is of value to both biopharmaceutical and polymer scientists, for QC and product development.

DSV is used increasingly for the characterization of macromolecules such as hyaluronic acid, which is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for its unique viscosity properties. Similarly, in the bulk polymer industry, intrinsic viscosity data are used to determine or verify the average molecular weight of many bulk polymers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being a prime example. The speed, convenience and robustness of the Viscotek DSV system make it a clear alternative to conventional techniques that use glass apparatus, which is time-consuming both to use and to clean.

The DSV system incorporates a dual capillary viscometer and also Viscotek’s Vortex automated sample preparation and injection system. It operates with a pump-driven closed loop to minimise solvent exposure, reduce sample size and cut associated solvent costs.

With a dual capillary viscometer, viscosity is determined by comparing the pressure drop induced over a capillary by solvent and sample solution. Measurements are made according to ASTM approved, Method D 5225-92.

Malvern Instruments acquired Viscotek in January 2008.