Viscosity measurement has been interesting, complex, wonderful, and has almost always included a manual component for all the years I’ve been in automation…but now we are beginning to see some fallout from the research into small sensor systems that the government has been quietly funding for the past twenty years.
So, here’s something new…a tiny solid state viscosity sensor!
BiODE, Inc. is introducing ViSmart,™ a solid-state viscosity sensor designed to provide instantaneous sample and/or continuous, real-time, in-process viscosity measurements for process control in a robust cost-effective package weighing just 4 oz.
The ViSmart™, with integrated temperature measurement capability uses semiconductor technology and has no moving parts. It is unaffected by vibration or flow conditions and does not need field calibration. The ViSmart™ integrates to BiODE’s eCup™ handheld reader or their ViscNet™ control hub where on board-electronics then transmit viscosity and temperature readings in real-time using standard communications protocols. eCup and ViscNet let users create a continuous audit trail to help control operating costs and maintain quality standards.
The ViSmart™ viscosity sensor measures 1.3 in x 1.1 in x 0.4 in and is hermetically sealed for complete immersion in fluid stream for process control environments or embedded OEM applications. The ViSmart™ measures viscosity of fluids from 10 to 10,000 cP and rated for temperatures up to 135˚C in the standard package, with custom options available for specific industry applications and process requirements.
The ViSmart™ is designed for integration into OEM machines to enable viscosity and temperature measurements even in manufacturing environments that previously presented a challenge due to space limitations or a need for in-process measurement. Applications include oil and lubricants, coatings, chemicals and processing fluids.