Operators Manual
50 Pages
Preview
Page 1
VM2 Viscometer
OPERATING MANUAL Models covered:- VM2-L, VM2-R, VM2-H.
ASTM D standards 789, 1824, 2196, 2393, 2669, 2983, 4878. ISO 1652, 255
Sheen instruments VM2 Issue D 2007
0. Contents 0. Contents ...2 2. Important rheological notes ...3 3. Basic rules for correct measurements ...3 1. Presenting the VM2 Viscometer ...6 1.1 Delivery ... 6 1.2 Environmental conditions ... 6 1.3 Maintenance ... 7 Setting up the equipment ... 8 1.4 Description of the instrument... 9 1.5 The keyboard and display ...10 4. Main menu ...12 5. Configuration menu ...12 5.1 Configuration main display ...12 5.2 Changing the language (submenu Language) ...13 5.3 Changing the time and date (submenu Clock)...13 5.4 Changing the units...14 5.5.1 Viscosity calibration ...16 5.5.2 Temperature calibration...17 5.6 Plotter submenu ...18 5.7 RESET submenu...19 6. Measurement configuration menu...20 6.1 File submenu ...20 6.2 Plotter submenu ...21 6.3 Submenu for selecting the measuring parameters...21 6.4 Measuring display...23 7. Memories menu ...24 7.1 Option: using a memory...24 7.2 Option: writing a memory...25 8. Autotest menu ...25 9. PC connection ...26 10. Accessories ...27 10. 1. Low viscosity adapters LCP and LCP/B...27 10.1.1 Building up ...28 10.1.2 Taking apart and cleaning...29 10.1.3 Technical specifications of the LCP Adapter ...29 10.2.1 Building up ...30 10.2.2. Taking apart and cleaning...31 10.2.3 Technical specifications of the APM...31 10.3 HELDAL UNIT - Helix Drive Unit ...32 Table 1 Compatibility model / spindle...37 Table 2 Standard spindles selection: VM2 - L...38 Table 3 Special spindles selection: VM2 - L ...39 Table 4 Adapter LCP with VM2 - L...40 Table 5 Standard spindles selection: VM2 - R ...41 Table 6 Special spindles selection: VM2 - R ...42 Table 7 Adapter LCP with VM2 - R ...43 Table 8 Standard spindles selection: VM2 - H ...44 Table 9 Special spindles selection: VM2 - H ...45 Table 10 Special HELDAL spindles selection for VM2 - L...46 Table 11 Special HELDAL spindles selection for VM2 - R ...47 Table 12 Special HELDAL spindles selection for VM2 - H ...48 Table 13. Characteristics of the special spindles...49 Appendix A. ‘Datalogger’ software for the PC. ...49
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
2
2. Important rheological notes To get accurate measuring results it is necessary to know the most important rheological properties of the sample: Newtonian fluids (e.g. water): The viscosity of these fluids does not depend on shear rate i.e. at any speed the viscosity is the same. Only the temperature affects the viscosity, 1 °C temperature change means up to 10 % of viscosity change. Time independent non-Newtonian fluids: At a certain shear rate and temperature the viscosity reading is always the same. There is no change in viscosity when the sample is held under constant shear rate for a long time. Changing the shear rate also changes the viscosity. Shear thinning, pseudoplastic behaviour (e.g. coatings, shampoos): high shear rate means low viscosity Shear thickening, dilatant behaviour (e.g. starch dispersions): high shear rate means high viscosity Time dependent fluids: Even under constant shear rate and temperature the fluid shows a change in viscosity over time. Thixotropic behaviour (e.g. Ketchup, pastes, crèmes): viscosity decreases in time under shearing Rheopectic behaviour (e.g. latex dispersions, surface-active agents): viscosity rises in time under shearing Please note that high shear rates could also lead to a warming of the sample, which could be misinterpreted as a time dependent behaviour. Also, turbulent flow could lead to falsely high viscosity reading; Turbulence is caused by too high speed in relation to the sample viscosity. As with any measurement, in addition to the rheological properties of the sample also instrument related variables influence the results: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Sample temperature (repeatability should be better than 0.1 °C, 0.2 °F) Sample container diameter / spindle-chamber geometry Filling level of container / immersion of spindle Viscometer model Spindle used (guard leg attached or not) Test speed (for non-Newtonian fluids) Duration of test (for time dependent fluids)
3. Basic rules for correct measurements These instructions help to get reliable and comparable measurement results. Keep a record - always take down the following data for each measurement: VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
3
• • • • • • • •
viscometer model spindle type accessory (small sample adapter, low viscosity adapter, helix drive unit) if used rotational speed volume or dimensions of sample container sample temperature sample preparation procedure (if any) whether or not the spindle guard was used
Only measurements performed under identical conditions can be compared, therefore it is very important to know these data. Check the spindles and use the spindle guard Check each spindle before using it. Severe corrosion or damages - such as bent shafts that may affect the spindle dimensions can cause an erroneous viscosity reading. It is recommended to buy a new spindle in case of damage. The spindle guard (part of the standard supply of all models) influences the measurement results, especially for the spindles no. 1 and 2. If operating the viscometer without the guard make a note of this fact in the measurement record. How to select a spindle and a speed For tests according to existing specifications or routines use the specified spindle and speed. Just make sure that the viscometer is the correct model. If performing a new test the optimum spindle/speed combination is best found by trial and error. One should get a display reading between 15 and 95 % of full range of scale. •
If the reading exceeds the 100 % the viscometer gives an error message and a warning sound. In that case select a slower speed and/or a smaller spindle.
•
For readings lower 15 % of full-scale range the viscometer just makes a warning sound. Select a higher speed and /or a larger spindle.
If the approximate sample viscosity is known, the correct spindle/speed combination can be determined by using the selection tables in the operator handbook. When performing multiple tests use the same spindle/speed combination for all tests. For tests that require measurements at different speeds choose a spindle that permits readings within the limits (between 15 and 95 % of full scale range) at all desired speeds. It is recommended to use the Low Viscosity Adapter for exact measurements if the following applies: • Viscometer L model, sample viscosity of less than 15 cP • Viscometer R model, sample viscosity of less than 100 cP Hint: Generally the following rule can be applied to NEWTONIAN FLUIDS: • Increase of RPM
increase of reading accuracy
• Decrease of spindle no.
increase of reading accuracy
(In non-Newtonian fluids the viscosity depends on the shear rate, i.e. the rotational speed.)
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
4
Select a sample container / sample container correction factor The inner diameter of the sample container should be 83 mm or larger. The usual vessel for measurement is a beaker with a filling volume of 600 ml. Hint: If using a smaller vessel the viscosity readings will increase (showing an apparently higher viscosity), especially with the spindles no. 1 and 2. •
If it is necessary to employ a container different to the specified one, some correction factors have to be established in order to obtain an exact measurement.
•
To calculate a correction factor for a range, a spindle and a container, just measure a substance of known viscosity (at the specified temperature in the range and using the desired spindle and container) and take down the viscosity. The relationship between this measured viscosity and the actual viscosity of the product is the correction factor for the measurements done with this spindle in this beaker.
•
•
The readings made from small containers and/or without the spindle guard can only be used as comparative measurements and not as absolute measurements of viscosity unless the above mentioned correction factors are used with every spindle and container.
Sample conditions The sample fluid should be free from air bubbles. Remove such bubbles by gently rapping the container on the table or with a vacuum device. • The sample temperature should be constant and homogenous for the entire filling volume. After correctly immersing the spindle and guard into the sample wait for temperature equilibrium of these parts and the sample before starting measurement. If using a 600 ml beaker it is recommended to wait at least for 30 minutes. For optimum equilibration let the instrument turn at the speed you intend to measure at. • The sample consistency must be homogeneous, too. This applies especially to samples consisting of two components (e.g. emulsions). By stirring the sample the components can be kept from separating. The sample to be measured should not contain particles with a tendency to clot or settle at the bottom, particles that could be deformed by the shear stress, be decomposed into smaller particles or be oriented in the flow stream. • Samples under test should not be submitted to chemical or physical changes. Avoid chemical or physical reactions in the sample while testing it. Flow conditions Viscosity measurements should be taken under laminar flow conditions, not under turbulent ones. Else the turbulent flow will cause false readings, showing a viscosity value higher than the actual sample viscosity. The higher the used speed and the lower the sample viscosity, the more this effect will influence the readings results. If readings with absolute viscosity are required, it is recommended to use cylindrical geometry spindles (with Small Sample Adapter, Low Viscosity Adapter or with models L) with which this effect is reduced. VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
5
Laminar flow means that all particle movement happens in layers directed by the shearing force. It is comparatively easy to predict and the mathematics of the viscometer base on linear flow conditions. In turbulent flow the motion of particles is random which is why the flow cannot be analysed with standard mathematical models and faulty readings occur. Hint: The below values serve for orientation of the user. These are the approximate limits where the sample flow changes from laminar to turbulent. For the indicated spindles turbulent flow will occur if the speed/viscosity ratio is greater than the below values (speed in rpm, viscosity in mPa.s or cP). • L1 spindle:
• R1 spindle: • Low viscosity adapter:
15mPa.s at 60rpm 100mPa.s at 50rpm 0.85mPa.s at 60rpm
limit: 60/15 = 4 (max.) limit: 50/100 = 0.5 (max.) limit: 60/0.85 = 70.6 (max.)
1. Presenting the VM2 Viscometer 1.1 Delivery 1. When you receive the package containing the equipment, check the delivery note and contents. If you find any damage or discrepancy, notify your local representative or supplier immediately. 2. Figure 1 shows the position of each component in the transport case. Keep the transport case in a safe place. If you need to transport the equipment or store it for a long period of time, always use the transport case, positioning each component as shown in Figure 1. If a component is damaged as a result of transporting the equipment badly, this is not covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee. 3. Check that the model delivered is the one you ordered. 4. Read the instructions for use very carefully. 5. All modifications to the equipment, removal of parts or lack of maintenance to any
component is against the directive for use 89/655/CEE and the manufacturer is therefore no longer responsible for any damage, which may occur as a result.
1.2 Environmental conditions • • • • • • •
Internal use Altitude to 2000 meters Room temperature: from +5 to 40ºC Maximum relative humidity 80% up to 31ºC, lowering to 50% relative humidity at 40ºC. Electrical supply fluctuations cannot exceed ±10% nominal tension Installation category II Pollution level II
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
6
It should be noted that due to the precision manufacture of this instrument every care has been taken to ensure total reliability in use, however, contaminated conditions or corrosive atmospheres must be avoided.
1.3 Maintenance Due to the precision manufacture this instrument and depending on the frequency of use and environmental conditions, the Viscometer may require preventative maintenance checks/cleaning and calibration. In this case, contact Sheen Instruments or your local supplier.
Sheen Instruments, 2 Gatton Park Business Centre, Wells Place, Redhill, Surrey, U.K. Tel +44 (0)1737 649300 Fax +44 (0)1737 649301 Email [email protected]
Regular maintenance is important. We recommend checking your viscometer annually.
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
7
Setting up the equipment •
Remove all parts from the carrying case. Refer to the below figure.
•
Make sure the feet (B) are fixed to the Y shaped stand (A).
•
Mount the vertical holding rod (C) with the fixing nut (D) in the stand (A).
•
Mount the block (F) on the vertical holding rod and tighten the nut of the block.
Note: The following procedure must be done carefully to avoid any damage to the viscometer’s shaft. •
Insert the small horizontal rod of the measuring head (E) in the boss head of the block (F).
(Fig. 1)
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
8
1.4 Description of the instrument Front view of the instrument (Fig. 3).
1
6
7 2
8 3
4 9
5
1. 3. 5. 7. 9.
Softkeys Toothed Rod Feet for levelling Power Switch (at rear) Spindle
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
2. 4. 6. 8.
Spindle protector Stand Base Display (LCD) Temperature Probe
9
Rear view of the instrument (Fig. 4).
2
3 1 4
5
1. Type plate with the serial number (see Fig. 5) 2. Power switch and connector for the power supply cable 3. RS232 interface for connecting a PC 4. I2C interface for connecting a temperature controller 5. Interface for connecting a plotter (i.e. pen recorder) Type plate showing the serial number (Fig. 5)
3
1
2 4
1. 2. 3. 4.
Viscometer model Viscometer code Serial number Supply voltage, frequency and power consumption
1.5 The keyboard and display Before starting up the instrument, take some time to familiarize yourself with the features. The instrument has 6 softkeys (see position 1, Fig. 3) and a 4-line text display (see position 6, Fig. 3). The softkeys and display are located on the front of the instrument.
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
10
The display shows the operation carried out as well as the measurements performed by the instrument. Using the keyboard and display, the user can move freely within all menu levels, select different options and create configurations for the viscosity measurements. The different menu options are described in detail in later chapters of this handbook. Each of the 6 softkeys has a basic function, which is explained below: Softkey ‘∆’ ‘∇’ ‘TAB’ ‘ENTER’ ‘QUIT’ ‘ON’
Function Go to the previous option / increase a value Go to the next option / decrease a value Change the input field in the configurations Accept or select Cancel or leave Stop/start the motor during measurements / access to special functions.
In some menu options, a different function may be assigned to a softkey. The following sections describe the functions of the softkeys in more detail.
Start up Switch on the instrument with the power switch at the rear. If the instrument does not start: •
Ensure that the power cable is connected to the VM2 (see position 2, Fig. 4) and the power supply.
When the instrument works, the following message appears on the display: Sheen Inst V.1.0 VM2 English This start display shows the version and model of the instrument and the language selected. After a few seconds, the start display disappears and the instrument main menu is shown as below. > Measurement Test Profiles Auto test Instrument Setup
The instrument is preset to English language, and cP as the unit of viscosity. These parameters can be changed to suit the user. This is described in the following sections.
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
11
4. Main menu The instrument is equipped with a system of menus, which allow the user to control the instrument simply and rapidly. The basic actions in the menus are: • Move through the options (softkeys ‘∆’ and ‘∇’), • Select an option (softkey ‘ENTER’) • Move to the previous menu (softkey 'QUIT'). The main menu appears after the start display after switching on the instrument. It contains the menus for creating a measurement profile (‘Measurement’) For calling or storing a measurement profile (‘Test Profiles’), the Autotest function (‘Autotest’) and the menu for configuring the equipment (‘Instrument Setup’). The display shows: > Measurement Test Profiles Auto Test Instrument Setup
The option ‘Measurement ’ is selected and highlighted by default. You can move up and down in the menu using the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys. Press ENTER to select an option. This takes you to the appropriate submenu. When using the instrument for the first time, it is advisable to first proceed to the option ‘Instrument Setup’ to establish values for certain parameters, such as language and measuring units. To get to this submenu, press the ‘∇’ softkey 3 times until the option ‘Instrument Setup’ is marked with an arrow ‘→’. Press ENTER to accept this selection.
5. Configuration menu 5.1 Configuration main display The ‘Instrument Setup’ menu contains some functions, which change the status, and/or function of the instrument. When this option is selected the following menu appears: Instrument Setup >Language Adjust Clock Plotter Units Reset…. Move up and down through the menu using the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys and select a submenu by pressing ENTER. In this submenu you can change the language, the time and date, choose the measuring units (see sections 3.2 to 3.4), select the spindle type and Poise value, perform a calibration on the instrument, configure the plotter and initialise the instrument. The language, measuring units and main control functions should be selected and entered by the user before starting work with the instrument so it will perform correctly during use.
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
12
Pressing the QUIT softkey will stop the selection and return you to the main menu. The following sections describe the submenus of the ‘Instrument Setup’ menu.
5.2 Changing the language (submenu Language) The first option in the ‘Instrument Setup’ menu is the ‘Language’ option (marked with >). The languages can be selected and displayed by using the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys: To change the language, press ENTER. The following display appears:
Select a language: English
Languages available: English French German Spanish Portuguese Italian Japanese Catalan Dutch With the desired language selected, press ENTER. The language is changed automatically in all the menus. To leave the menu without changing the language, press QUIT.
5.3 Changing the time and date (submenu Clock) When you select the option ‘Clock’ in the ‘Instrument Setup’ menu the following display appears:
Time hh:mm:ss Current: 00:00:00 New: 00:00:00
The third line (Actual) is the time set for the instrument. This line cannot be changed. The fourth line (New) can be changed to the desired time. The first digit corresponding to the hour (hh) in the “New” line blinks. Using the ‘TAB’ and ‘ENTER’ softkeys, the selection made will be highlighted, the value of this digit can be changed using the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys to increase or decrease the value. To change the value of the second digit, (mm) press TAB. The blinking square moves along to the second digit, which can be changed as above by pressing ‘ENTER’ and
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
13
using the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys to increase or decrease the value of the selected digit. Press ENTER to confirm the value. To move to the second’s field (ss), use the TAB softkey. Press ‘ENTER’ and the first digit blinks when selected. Proceed as above. Pressing QUIT aborts the change and restores the previous value set in the field. After the desired hours, minutes and seconds have been set, confirm the new time by pressing the ‘ON’ softkey. If you do not wish to change the time, simply press ON. The display for changing the date appears. The steps for changing the date are the same as described above for changing the time. Confirm the changes in the date by pressing the ’ON’ softkey. This returns you to the main menu; Pressing QUIT aborts the changes and restores the previous value.
5.4 Changing the units The VM2 allows you to change the measuring units for viscosity and temperature. Selection options for the dynamic viscosity are: SI units (Pa·s or mPa·s) or CGS units (Poise or centiPoise). (The measuring units for kinematic viscosity cannot be changed: these are given in cSt or Stoke and are used when the user enters a density value greater or less than 1 for the sample). The options for the temperature are Centigrade (ºC) and Fahrenheit (ºF). To change the measuring units, select the submenu ‘Units’ using the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys and press Enter. The following display appears:
>
Viscosity Temperature
Select ‘Viscosity’ or ‘Temperature’ using the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys and press ENTER. If you select ‘Viscosity’, the following display appears:
Select the units CP/P (cgs)
Use the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys to select either SI units or CGS units and then press ENTER. Pressing the QUIT softkey aborts the selection and restores the previous setting. Pressing ‘ENTER’ after a selection or aborting a selection returns you to the unit selection display. From the unit selection display, select ‘Temperature’ and press ENTER. The following display appears:
Select the units ºC
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
14
Choose between degrees Centigrade and degrees Fahrenheit using the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys and press ENTER. Pressing QUIT aborts the selection and restores the previous setting. Pressing ENTER after a selection or aborting a selection returns you to the unit selection display. Pressing QUIT again returns you to the main configuration display.
5.5 Adjust (Calibration) submenu This submenu contains the options for recalibrating viscosity and temperature. IMPORTANT: It must be understood by the user that without the correct equipment, (temperature controlled water bath, digital thermometer with an accuracy of 0.001°C and the require calibration oils) the calibration or a re-calibration of the instrument should not be attempted as all preset calibration data will be overwritten and lost. The VM2 when purchased has a default calibration which was performed in the manufacturing process and is stored in the viscometer. Therefore, the instrument does not need to be calibrated prior to being used for the first time. However, quality norms recommend recalibrating the instrument once a year. However it is possible for the user to recalibrate the instrument without returning it to Sheen instrument or your local agent, but due consideration must be taken to the information above.
Sheen Instruments is not responsible for measurements performed after the instrument has been recalibrated by the user.
CALIBRATION NORMS: • To perform a viscosity calibration, you need two standard calibration oils and a thermostatically controlled water bath to keep the calibration oils at a constant temperature (to within 0.1°C of the temperature recorded for the calibration oil) • If you do not have this equipment, you will not be able to perform a reliable calibration, do not proceed further. Sheen Instrument can supply standard oils and equipment to perform this calibration, please enquire. • To perform a temperature calibration, there are two options: The first requires a thermostatically controlled water bath to maintain fluids at 0º and 100º (this can be supplied by Sheen, Please enquire.) The second option requires a complete simulator calibration set which simulates the exact function of the PT100 probe, which is then connected instead of the PT100 probe.
From the ‘Instrument Setup’ menu, select the option ‘Adjust’ and press ENTER. The following display appears:
>
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
Viscosity Temperature
15
5.5.1 Viscosity calibration Select the ‘Viscosity’ option and press ENTER. The following display appears for L models:
Spindle L1 v 100.0 cP
And for the R models the display is as follows:
Spindle R1 v 100.0 cP
On entering this display, the field ‘Spindle’ blinks. Use the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys to select the spindle number, Press ENTER to select which spindle should be calibrated. Confirm the selection of the spindle by pressing ENTER. Pressing QUIT aborts the selection. The list of spindles which can be calibrated depends on which model of Viscometer you are using (model L, R or H). The spindles available for each model are listed in the tables at the rear of this manual. After selecting the spindle go to the viscosity field (using TAB) and pressing ‘ENTER’ and using ‘∆’ , ‘∇’ and ‘TAB’ softkeys enter the viscosity of the standard oil used for the calibration. (the viscosity values are stated on the calibration certificate supplied with the Sheen calibration oil) Once the value of the standard oil is confirmed by pressing ‘ENTER’, press the ‘ON’ softkey to continue with the calibration process. The following display appears: ATTACH THE SPINDLE AND PRESS <ENTER> After attaching the spindle and pressing ‘ENTER’ the screen will shows:
Delay time: 00h 00m 00s
Enter the length of time to elapse (Delay) between giving the calibration command and the start of the calibration. This time is usually used to ensure that the spindle and the sample reach the required constant temperature before the calibration is started. To set
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
16
each time, press the ‘Enter’ key to select each segment, when selected (Hours) the segment will flash, using the ‘∆’ and ‘∇’ softkeys and the enter key to select each group, pressing the ‘Tab’ key moves you to the next segment (minutes) and the same procedure should be followed for the seconds, when this delay time is complete immerse the paddle into the calibration oil and press the ‘ON’ softkey, this starts a countdown to zero before the calibration starts. When the countdown reaches zero, the viscometer begins the calibration sequence. During the calibration, the following display appears:
Calibrating... 1/11
NOTE: The calibration process takes approx 30 minutes and consideration should be made for the calibration oil to be maintained at a constant temperature and held to ±0.1°C of the stated temperature during this calibration, failure to maintain this requirement will render the instrument inaccurate in subsequent readings.
Once the calibration method is finished, the viscometer displays the linearity error (%). Pressing ‘ENTER’ to accept it.
Pressing ‘QUIT’ during the calibration process, the calibration stops immediately without saving any data, and the following screen will be displayed again, to re-start the process if it is necessary:
>
Viscosity Temperature
5.5.2 Temperature calibration Select the ‘Temperature’ option in the ‘Calibration’ submenu and press ENTER. The following display appears:
Unplug the PT100 probe and connect the 0°C gauge press <ENTER> The display gives instructions on performing the calibration of the temperature probe. Connect the PT100 simulator (called "0°C gauge") which simulates the parameters equivalent to a PT100 at 0°C. After connecting the simulator press ENTER. The following display appears:
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
17
Calibrating...
After a few seconds, a second display appears with the following information: Replace the 0°C gauge with the 30°C gauge press <ENTER> Now, connect the simulator equivalent to a PT100 at 30°C ("30°C gauge"). After pressing ENTER the following display appears again:
Calibrating...
After a few seconds, a third display appears with the following information: Replace the 30°C gauge with the 100°C gauge. press <ENTER>
Connect the simulator for 100°C and press ENTER. The display showing “Calibrating...” appears again. After a few seconds, the main calibration display appears. To return to the main ‘Instrument Setup’ display, press QUIT.
5.6 Plotter submenu This menu contains the options for adjusting the plotter (pen recorder). The plotter can transfer the curve of the viscosity over time onto paper. To use the plotter it is first necessary to perform a plotter calibration. (Detailed information on using a plotter can be found in later sections). NOTE: The plotter is not supplied with the VM2 Viscometer. Select ‘Plotter’ in the main ‘Configuration’ display and press ENTER. The following display appears: Connect the plotter and press <ENTER>
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
18
To continue with the adjustment follow the instructions given in the display. Connect the plotter to the corresponding interface at the VM2 (position 5, Fig. 3). Press ENTER. The following display appears:
Adjust the zero level of plotter press <ENTER> Perform a zero point adjustment for the plotter, varying the position of its offset. IMPORTANT: Do not manipulate the gain control to make this adjustment. After the zero point adjustment is completed, press ENTER. The following display appears: Adjust the full scale of plotter press <ENTER> Now adjust the full-scale range using the gain control of the plotter. IMPORTANT: Do not manipulate the control of the offset to adjust the full-scale range. When the adjustment is finished, press ENTER. This completes the adjustment of the plotter and returns you to the main ‘Configuration’ display.
5.7 RESET submenu This submenu contains the RESET options for the instrument. Resetting the instrument restores the calibrations which were set when the VM2 left the factory, i.e. the original viscosity and temperature calibrations. In this submenu, the following display appears: ATTENTION: Instrument RESET <ENTER> <QUIT> If you wish to proceed with the reset, press ENTER. If you do not wish to proceed, press QUIT. If you decide to continue with the reset, a second display appears asking you to confirm: Are you sure? <ON> <QUIT> If you press ‘ON’, the factory calibrations are restored and the main ‘Instrument Setup’ display appears. If you press QUIT, the configuration is not changed and the main ‘Instrument Setup’ display appears.
VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
19
This is the last submenu within the ‘Configuration’ menu. To return to the main menu, press QUIT.
6. Measurement configuration menu The measurement configuration menu gives access to the basic function of the instrument: viscosity measurement of liquids. In the main menu, select the option ‘Measurement’ and press ENTER. The following display appears: Output > File Plotter
No No
This display gives you additional options for storing the viscosity and temperature measurement data. There are three possible destinations for the measurement data: • Display: The data is shown only on the display. (both ‘File’ and ‘Plotter’ = ‘No’) • File: When selected to File = ‘Yes’, the file records the measurements for later transfer to a PC using the program Datalogger (supplied with the VM2 Viscometer see Appendix A). • Plotter: When selected to Plotter = ‘yes’, the instrument generates an adequate voltage at the 9 way output plug to create a curve of viscosity over time on a paper plotter. NOTE: The two different output options can either be selected independently or may both be selected to ‘Yes’ as they are fully capable of transmitting data as shown on the display to the file and plotter simultaneously.
After choosing the output options (refer to the following sections) press ‘ENTER’ to proceed with the measuring process. If you wish to abandon the measuring process, press QUIT in this display.
6.1 File submenu With the ‘File’ option selected and the ‘ENTER’ softkey pressed, the following display appears. Using the ‘ENTER’ and ‘TAB’ softkey to highlight and select the h, m, and s for each of the parameters. This is the display for defining the file output: File Start 00h 00m 00s Stop 00h 00m 00s Step 00h 00m 00s There are 3 sections in the display, which are: • Start time (Start): Time from the start of the test until the obtained values are actually stored to file. • End time (Stop): Time from the start of the test until the obtained values stop being stored to file. • Time increment (Step): The difference in time between two consecutive values in the file. If the time difference is fixed to ‘00h 00m 00s’, then all the values obtained are stored in the archive. VM2 Viscometer – Iss D 2007
20