RheoSense microVISC viscometer

The portable and small-sample microVISC viscometer from RheoSense is suitable for industries such as bio/pharmaceuticals, chemicals, coatings and paints, petrochemical, electronics, food and beverages, and OEMs. The viscometer has a user-friendly interface and makes measurements in only 90 s. There is no need to clean the device and results are accurate and repeatable.

VROC (viscometer/rheometer-on-a-chip) systems are a hybrid of microfluidic and MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technologies. Microfluidic devices offer several advantages: they only require a small sample volume of fluid; they can impose high deformation rates without entering strongly inertial flow regimes; they completely enclose the fluid which prevents evaporation; and they can be used as a simple flow-through device. The hybrid technology enabled the development of small, smart and fast micro-scale sample viscometers that can measure fluids in extreme environments.

The product characterises flows completely, quantifying ‘true’ flow properties as opposed to ‘apparent’ properties. Other advantages include: high throughput analysis for R&D and production; ability to integrate virtually anywhere; good temperature control; closed system is easily sterilised, with minimal solvent evaporation and contamination.

The product has an enhanced dynamic range, with enhanced analysis throughput with serial or parallel arrays. There are multiple functions in the one chip. VROC sensors can be used as a flow rate sensor if the viscosity of the liquid is known.

Applications include: microlitre-scale sample R&D; high shear rate R&D and QC; online QC; custom applications; portable QC; viscosity indexing; high throughput analysis.