Viscometer BVM 1.1

Benefits

  • Continuous in-line viscosity measurement with fast response time
  • All wetted parts are made of PTFE or PFA
  • Interface with a variety of display and control capabilities
  • Easily mounted in any direction, pipe line, or bypass stream
  • Operates in a wide range of pressure and flow values
  • No mechanical wear reduces downtime and maintenance costs
Pricing Information

in-line viscometerLevimetrix has developed a unique, rotational, in-line viscometer, based on the principle of magnetic levitation.

A rotor is suspended and driven by the magnetic field of a motor/bearing stator through the walls of the viscometer casing without making any mechanical contact (Figure 1). This patented Levimetrix technology provides for a direct measurement of fluid viscosity. The viscometer rotor, which contains a rotor magnet, and the viscometer casing are fabricated from chemical-resistant, high-purity fluorocarbon resins suitable for demanding environments.

How it works

Specifications

Downloads

FAQ

Software

How It Works

How the in-line viscometer works

A typical rotational viscometer consists of one cylinder rotating inside another stationary cylinder. A fluid occupies the gap in between the two cylinders which will in turn resist rotation. The torque required to maintain speed is correlated with viscosity.

The BVM 1.1 behaves in a similar manner. Since the BVM 1.1 is a rotational, in-line viscometer, it was designed to continuously replenish the sample in the “measurement gap” with new process fluid. The magnetic field continuously changes to cause the rotor magnet to spin. As there are no bearings or seals to speak of, viscosity measurement is a direct correlation between fluid friction and applied torque.

To ensure that the fluid sample is always representative of the current process, the rotor creates a vortex or “sink” which pulls some of the mainstream fluid into the center of the rotor magnet, out through the measurement gap and back into the mainstream.

Specifications

  BVM 1.1 BVM 1.2
Viscosity Range*:
0.5 - 100 mPa.s 100 – 2000 mPa.s
Accuracy*:
1 % FS      (At specified fluid density)
Repeatability:
0.3 % FS   (0.2% of Reading with filtering)
Flow*:
0.5 – 20 Liter/min 10 – 100 mL/min
Pressure Drop:
< 0.15 bar
Max. Pressure*:
2.5 bar 1.5 bar
Installation:
in any orientation
Temperature Sensor:
PT-100 encapsulated in PTFE body and integrated in sensing element.
Fittings**:
1/2” FlareTek 3/8” FlareTek
Wetted Parts:
PTFE, PFA
Input Voltage:
24 VDC
Interface:
PLC, RS232, Control Panel, handheld Simultaneous Viscosity and Temperature analog output.
* Contact Levimetrix for special requirements. ** Other connector options, such as NPT, available.

Downloads

Viscometer Brochure

PDF File Viscometer Technical Brochure
REVOLUTIONARY MAGNETICALLY LEVITATED ROTATIONAL VISCOMETER - Levimetrix has developed a unique, rotating, in-line viscometer based on the principle of magnetic levitation.
Version: Technical Brochure Viscometer Rev06

Viscometer Manual(s)

PDF File Viscometer Calibration Procedure
This manual is provided to help users properly calibrate the Levimetrix BVM 1.1
Version: BVM 1.1 Cal Version 1.0
PDF File

User Manual for BVM 1.1
This manual contains information necessary for the safe and proper use of the In-Line Viscometer BVM 1.1. Included are specifications and instructions regarding its use, installation, operation and adjustment.
Version: User Manual for BVM 1.1 Version 1.2





FAQ

  1. Are there any hardware changes to accommodate a wide viscosity operating range?
    No hardware changes are required when measuring viscosity. One rotor can cover the entire viscosity range.
  2. What shear rates do you measure at, and can you do others?
    We may accommodate various shear rates. Please contact us for more detail
  3. Can the viscometer measure Non-Newtonian fluids accurately?
    With proper on-site calibration, yes it can.
  4. How often do I need to change the rotor?
    It is not necessary to change or replace the rotor.
  5. Why do you recommend only 1 LPM through the viscometer?
    To achieve high levels of repeatability, we recommend an internal flow of 1 LPM. At much higher levels of flow, the viscometer can be installed in a slip-loop configuration (by-pass), by branching off from the main supply.
  6. Can I control the viscometer with my existing PLC?
    You can achieve basic control of the viscometer through the PLC, mainly on/off and reset.
  7. Is the presence of bubbles in the flow a problem?
    The viscometer can tolerate a small amount of bubbles (consistency of carbonated drinks), however, we recommend using the purging function of the viscometer to minimize any bubbles present.
  8. How can I clean the viscometer?
    The unit can be cleaned in-place by flushing it with cleaning agents, hot water, steam or solvents. If dry cleaning is necessary, the interior of the unit can be accessed by removing the lid.
  9. How does it work?
    Click here to learn how Viscometer BVM 1.1 works.

Software

Benefits

  • Complete sensor and/or system control
  • Export a Microsoft® Excel compatible file
  • Predicts viscosity for different fluid temperatures

Viscometer System Software (VSS) is a complete control and data acquisition application for use with our products.

Our controllers make it simple to add additional sensor signals and analyze data by exporting a Microsoft® Excel compatible file. VSS is capable of controlling viscosity by targeting and monitoring viscosity changes. VSS also predicts viscosity for different fluid temperatures. VSS can also control Levitronix® BPS series pumps.


Viscometer System Software Screens