While vibrational viscometry technology was conceived many years ago, the resonant torsional vibration method wasn’t perfected until Hydramotion figured it out about 25 years ago when they developed the revolutionary XL7 inline process viscometer, based on resonant vibration principles that result in better performance and reliability than any other technology.
The XL7 itself is in use by thousands of customers in more than 80 countries, and Hydramotion has since added other resonant viscometers for process, lab, portable, PVT and other applications. While many are in use in North America, the Hydramotion technology may be the best-kept secret in some industries seeking workable viscosity measurement and management solutions. Hydramotion has created the products that define modern industrial viscometry. Nelson Systems and Hydramotion together are working to make these cutting-edge viscometers more accessible.
Vibrational viscometers work by creating waves within the liquid, and there are many types of waves that can propagate in a liquid, but the specific type is critical. Viscosity is a shear measurement that can only be truly assessed under shear conditions, so the Hydramotion technology uses shear waves. Other types of vibrational waves are avoided since they can behave unpredictably in real-world process environments.
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That may sound complex, but in operation these units are simplicity itself. In the most common configuration, the solid stainless steel cylindrical sensor is submerged in the fluid and vibrated at its natural frequency around the long axis. The dissipated energy from the fluid’s resistance is measured electronically and equated to viscosity. All the action takes place near the sensor surface, which means these instruments aren’t affected by pipe or tank sizes, flow, or any of the things that limit other techniques. This brings huge benefits: high accuracy, robustness and virtually no maintenance.
This is done at very high shear rates, which has some key advantages – especially for non-Newtonian fluids, where viscosity is a function of shear rate. One great advantage is the high in-process repeatability, normally achieved only in Newtonian fluids. Another is that true viscosity changes are measured – some low-shear devices (including rotational viscometers) can impart sufficient shear energy to alter the effective viscosity of the fluid.
Vibrational Viscometers are used in a variety of industries:
- Mineral Processing
- Oil & Gas
- Pharmaceuticals
- Polymers
- Process Industries
- Pulp & Paper
- Resin & Glue
- Waste & Water
- and more!
Why Choose Nelson Systems?
We are North America’s trusted source for innovative, top of the line Hydramotion viscometers. What you can expect from us:
- Superior customer service
- Many years of engineering and viscometry experience
- Knowledgeable, experienced and friendly sales staff that will guide through every step of the decision making/ordering process
- Ask about our Rental program – try before you buy!
- Need a repair or calibration? We can help with that too
- Backed by Hydramotion’s commitment to high quality and safety standards
We would be glad to assist you and answer any questions you may have! Please use the Contact page or contact us at sales@nelsontech.com or call us at 530-272-7956.