Hi, I am looking to build a prototype that will be able to measure viscosity using a stirring device. A general idea to this process is that the liquid will first be cooled to approximately 30 degrees celcius and then using a stirring device, the viscosity of the liquid will then be calibrated. I would like to ask is there any form of device that will be able to carry out this process?
As a zero-order guess: Viscosity will correlate to torque and torque will correlate to current into the motor.
If you have speed control (feedback using an encoder, for example), you can probably deduce viscosity from the current measurement.
You'll need to calibrate the system with liquids of known viscosity to understand how to map current to viscosity. It's probably a non-linear relationship so be prepared to gather lots of data points.
will it be more accurate than using a flow rate sensor that calculates the viscosity using the time of flow? given the liquid that is used is quite viscous
Blackfin:
As a zero-order guess: Viscosity will correlate to torque and torque will correlate to current into the motor.If you have speed control (feedback using an encoder, for example), you can probably deduce viscosity from the current measurement.
You'll need to calibrate the system with liquids of known viscosity to understand how to map current to viscosity. It's probably a non-linear relationship so be prepared to gather lots of data points.
will it be more accurate than using a flow rate sensor that calculates the viscosity using the time of flow? given the liquid that is used is quite viscous
I am not expert to built the system but I used both type of system which measure the viscosity with rotation (metal ball rotating inside liquid with magnetic field) and flow based viscos meter (flow passed through narrow plates and two sensor which detect the liquid and calculate the viscosity based on time) .
Both have almost same results. With second type of viscometer temperature can maintain easily and less quantity required to done the job.
Ghulamfarid:
I am not expert to built the system but I used both type of system which measure the viscosity with rotation (metal ball rotating inside liquid with magnetic field) and flow based viscos meter (flow passed through narrow plates and two sensor which detect the liquid and calculate the viscosity based on time) .Both have almost same results. With second type of viscometer temperature can maintain easily and less quantity required to done the job.
I see.
In terms of building it, which one is more complicated and requires a higher skillset?
I did a photo shoot for an oil analysis manufacturer a few years ago. One of the measurements, of course, was viscosity. The instrument used a constructed tube and measured the pressure before and after the constriction.
I am actually considering using the flow rate sensor to calculate the viscosity. My question is will it be accurate relative to the viscometers that are out in the market right now? If not, how far off is the flow rate sensor?
jeremychan98:
I am actually considering using the flow rate sensor to calculate the viscosity. My question is will it be accurate relative to the viscometers that are out in the market right now? If not, how far off is the flow rate sensor?
Try measuring fluids of known viscosity with the flow rate sensor, the known viscosity will have been measured with a lab grade instrument.
You are not measuring non-Newtonian fluids are you?
If you are building something designed to compete with existing products then I don't think that using an Arduino is going to magically make it cheaper to build. The main cost is in the sensors, motors, power supply, mechanical construction, certification etc.
However, it wouldn't surprise me if the vast majority of existing products were designed at least 10 years ago and therefore there may be a market for something with more up to date networking features and a fancy user interface on a big screen. Whether a microcontroller is the best choice for doing this kind of thing is another matter.
For example, if you look at modern car audio systems you'll find a $70 Android tablet bolted to a box containing a bunch of electronics. I have a suspicion that this is going to be the future for lab type gear.
jeremychan98:
I see.
In terms of building it, which one is more complicated and requires a higher skillset?
It may help you :
MiniVisc 3000
See that video after 03:00 min
Hi,
Is there any ultrasonic or laser viscometer in the market or someone made or tried?
Is there any possibility to measure the viscosity without touching the liquid?
Any idea?
Hi jeremychan98,
I am planning to make viscometer via DIY. Based on Torque and current. Can anyone guide me on this topic?