Rotational viscometer:
ViscoQC

A.1 Which model should I choose for my sample?

• ViscoQC 100/300 - L for low-viscosity samples. Typical samples: solvents, oils, juices, mouthwash
• ViscoQC 100/300 - R for medium-viscosity samples. Typical samples: paints, dairy products, shampoo, lotion
• ViscoQC 100/300 - H for high-viscosity samples. Typical samples: pastes, mayonnaise, peanut butter, ointments

A.2 What information is displayed on ViscoQC?

* Up to approx. 200 BU for ViscoQC 100/300 – H (depending on measuring system)

** Manual input of reference density possible, no density measurement available.

A.3 Which spindle/measuring system should I choose?

It depends on the available sample volume and viscosity of the sample. Here are some recommendations:

A.3.1 Sample volume

If large sample volumes (~500 mL) are available, both relative measuring systems (L1-L4 spindle, RH1-RH7 spindle, vane spindles V71-V75, T-Bar spindles), or absolute measuring systems (concentric cylinder, double-gap, small sample adapter, ultra-low viscosity adapter) can be used. If sample volume is limited ( <20 mL), an absolute measuring system (cylinder, double-gap, small sample adapter, ultra-low viscosity adapter), or a small vane spindle (V74, V75) is required.

A.3.2 Surface area

General rule of thumb for measuring systems: The lower the viscosity, the larger the surface area.

• Surface area decreases from L1 to L4
• Surface area decreases from RH1 to RH7
• Surface area decreases from CC26 to CC12
• Surface area decreases from V71 to V74
• The largest surface area is provided by the double-gap and the ultra-low viscosity adapter system. Hence, samples with a viscosity around 1 mPa.s (like water) can be measured with DG26 or UL26 and ViscoQC 100/300-L.

A.3.3 Viscosity ranges per measuring system/spindle and torque model

The following tables give you an overview of the theoretical (calculated) viscosity range per measuring system.

L model
Min. and max. viscosity are calculated values for L standard speeds (0.3 rpm to 60 rpm)

R model
Min. and max. viscosity are calculated values for RH standard speeds (0.5 rpm to 100 rpm)

H model
Min. and max. viscosity are calculated values for RH standard speeds (0.5 rpm to 100 rpm)

A.3.4 Small Sample Adapter Spindles

Viscosity ranges are shown in [mPa.s] or [cP], respectively. For each cell containing “-“, viscosity ranges are not applicable due to historical reasons. Nevertheless, it is possible to use the measuring systems with the instrument models as well and they will automatically calculate the viscosity. Please contact your local Anton Paar representative if you require any information on the viscosity range.

M = 1 million, K = 1 thousand, N = RPM, Shear rate calculation for spindle SC4-18: 1.32 (SRC) ×10 rpm= 13,2 s^-1

A.3.5 T-Bar Spindles

The below ranges are applicable for ViscoQC 100/300 and are shown in [mPa.s] or [cP], respectively. T-bar spindles are used to measure paste-like materials (e.g. wall putty, lotions, creams, mayonnaise) together with the Heli-Plus (a motorized stand that moves the viscometer head down- and upwards). A low rotational speed between 0.1 rpm to 2 rpm should be chosen for measurement. Results are valid for half a rotation of the T-bar spindle in the sample material (0.2 rpm = target time of 150s; 2 rpm = target time of 15 s).

K = 1 thousand / M = 1 million

A.3.6 Vane spindles

Vane spindles (V71-V75) are available for ViscoQC 100/300. In general, they can be used to measure paste-like samples (gels, ointments, …) at rotational speeds below 10 rpm.

L model
Min. and max. viscosity are calculated values at 10 rpm.

R model
Min. and max. viscosity are calculated values at 10 rpm.

H model
Min. and max. viscosity are calculated values at 10 rpm.

A.4 What is the difference between relative and absolute measuring systems?

Relative measuring systems are designed according to ISO 2555/ISO 1652. There is no exactly defined gap (so-called “infinite gap” systems) and therefore the measured viscosity is relative. Relative measuring systems are most frequently used in beakers, such as in a 600 mL (glass) beaker. If something in the setup changes (like beaker size, immersion depth of the spindle, etc.), the viscosity value will also change. Relative measuring systems for ViscoQC 100/300 are L1-L4 and RH1-RH7. On the other hand, absolute measuring systems (concentric cylinders, double-gap, small sample adapter, ultra–low viscosity adapter) deliver absolute viscosity values, since they have a defined gap. They are designed according to the standards DIN 53019-1 and ISO 3219. These viscosity values can be compared to any other instrument that measures the absolute viscosity. Absolute measuring systems for ViscoQC are CC12, CC18, CC26, and DG26. A bigger gap than specified in DIN 53019-1 and ISO 3219 is available for CC12/D18, a different (bigger/smaller) gap with slightly different spindle geometries is used in SC4-18, SC4-21, SC4-25, SC4-27, SC4-28, SC4-29, SC4-31, SC4-34.

A.5 How do I connect/disconnect the spindle?

Every spindle of ViscoQC 100/300 is equipped with a magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling is also contained in the standard instrument delivery for each L and RH spindle. Hence, an easy and fast one-hand removal/attachment is ensured. Keep in mind that the spindles should always be removed sidewards, using a slight angle of around 10° to 45°.

A.6 What are Newtonian, shear-thinning (pseudoplastic), and shear-thickening (dilatant) flow behavior?

In Newtonian samples the viscosity of the sample does not depend on the load that is applied to it. Therefore, if different speeds are applied to a sample, it will always show the same viscosity value. Well-known examples of Newtonian liquids are water and oils. For shear-thinning and shear-thickening samples, the viscosity depends on the load applied to the sample. Therefore, the viscosity value will change with the speed. For shear-thinning samples, the viscosity will decrease as the speed is increased. Typical shear-thinning samples are coatings, adhesives, fruit/vegetable purees, and shampoo.
For shear-thickening samples, the viscosity will increase as the speed is increased. Typical shear-thickening samples are starch solutions or dispersions with a high content of solid mass.

A.7 What is included in the standard instrument delivery?

The standard delivery includes the instrument equipped with Toolmaster™ and magnetic coupling, 4 spindles (L) or 6 spindles (RH) made of highly chemical resistance stainless steel AISI 316L, stand, power supply, USB cable, V-Collect data collection software, printed SOP, and instruction manual.

B.1 What is recommended for cleaning the measuring systems?

Conventional detergents (like dish-washing agent) mixed with warm water, organic solvents like acetone, ethanol, or petroleum benzine can be used for cleaning the measuring systems. In general, cleaning of the Toolmaster™ chip should be avoided.
If the Toolmaster™ chip comes in contact with sample, please gently wipe off the sample with a soft tissue that may be wetted with water, dish-washing agent, ethanol, isopropanol, or petroleum benzine. Do not immerse the Toolmaster™ chip in solvent and do not dry it in an oven.

B.2 What is recommended for cleaning the housing of the instrument?

Water or conventional detergents like dish-washing agent mixed with warm water are recommended to clean the housing.

C.1 Can I perform a calibration oil measurement on my own?

Yes, a calibration oil measurement can be performed by every user. Be sure that the calibration oil is stored at the right temperature and is used before its expiry date. Ideally check the temperature with an external thermometer like our MKT 50 and MKT 10 thermometers and proceed according to the delivered manual. If the viscosity value is out of range, a spindle correction factor can be stored on Toolmaster™.
Anton Paar recommends carrying out a calibration oil measurement at least once a year.
If you do not want to calibrate the instrument on your own, please get in touch with us via the live chat or our contact form.

C.2 Can I perform a temperature calibration on my own?

Yes, a temperature calibration can be performed with a Peltier temperature device (PTD 80 or PTD 175) and ViscoQC 300 easily on your own. Ideally check the temperature with an external thermometer like our MKT 50 and MKT 10 thermometers and proceed according to the delivered manual. The MKT can be connected to ViscoQC 300 via Ethernet crossover cable and this allows you to perform an automatic temperature calibration guided through the software of ViscoQC 300.

C.3 Do I need to check ViscoQC 100/300 on a regular basis?

To evaluate the performance of your ViscoQC 100/300, please perform TruSine™ (the bearing check) regularly. Anton Paar recommends a maximum of 6 months between checks.

D.1 What is included in the ViscoQC 300 basic model?

The ViscoQC 300 basic model already has the functionality of measuring multiple points (Speed Scan, Time Scan; if PTD 80/PTD 175 in use: Temperature Scan). Furthermore, speed- or shear-rate-controlled measurements can be performed. For shear rate control and displaying of the value, a DIN spindle (concentric cylinder, double-gap), small sample adapter system (SC4-xx), or an ultra-low viscosity adapter system (UL26) is necessary.
Further functionalities on the stand-alone instrument can be added by upgrading it with the software packages V-Curve and/or V-Comply.

D.2 What is included in V-Curve?

V-Curve is available as a 30-day trial on each basic model. Activation is possible any time.

V-Curve has the following software functionalities:

• The possibility to see live measurement data in a graph
• Programmability: Create up to 50 steps (sample preparation as separate step possible)
• A yield method to determine the yield stress with vane spindles
• Mathematical models (IPC Paste, Power Law, Bingham, Herschel-Bulkley, Casson, NCA/CMA Casson, shear thinning index, thixotropy breakdown coefficient, post data averaging, unique best fit feature functionality). Please note: For mathematic regression models such as Bingham, Herschel-Bulkley, Casson, and NCA/CMA Casson DIN spindles are required.
• Methods to determine the low-temperature viscosity of samples with the Peltier temperature device PTD 175
• Possibility to define heating/cooling rates to perform temperature ramps (needs PTD 175)

D.3 What is included in V-Comply?

The V-Comply package is delivered with Anton Paar’s unique Pharma Qualification Package and fulfills the requirements of GMP 4 Annex 11 & 15, GAMP 5, and 21 CFR Part 11. It includes the following software functionalities:

• User management, customizable users/user groups
• Audit trail (logbook of all events)
• Electronic signature (2- or 3-step signing, substitute signing)
• Advanced data integrity mode (archiving must be performed of users, audit trails, measurements (measured data), adjustment data; Deletion is no longer possible)
• VNC mode (operate ViscoQC 300 via LAN by an external PC)
• Value visibility mode (see results always or during measurement or only when measurement is finished)
• Non-storage mode (system stores no measurements or adjustments)
• Increased security functions (date and time stamp, password access and password complexity, restrict use of spindles through Toolmaster™, disable USB memory devices, and more)

D.4 How can I upgrade to V-Curve and/or V-Comply?

To upgrade, simply contact us via live chat or our contact form.
V-Curve is also available on our webshop.