Posted on Thu, Apr 19, 2012
Boston-Viscosity Management: A leading Boston drug pioneer is using viscosity information to help advance early stage research and development of a groundbreaking new class of medicines. The biotech company is developing innovative therapeutics—based upon a breakthrough discovery 
known as RNA interference or RNAi—for the treatment of genetically defined diseases.
Viscosity is a critical parameter in the drug development process, impacting the effectiveness of drug delivery and as well as its manufacturability. Researchers at the Boston-area company are using Cambridge Viscosity’s micro-sample viscometer, VISCOlab 5000, a sensor that requires just 75 microliters of sample, to provide viscosity data at a very early point in the discovery process. While efficacy will determine the final concentration at a later stage, researchers are using the data to determine how concentration affects delivery, and to make modifications early on. The viscosity system also provides valuable input as to the manufacturability of alternative RNAi samples, critical in estimating flow characteristics.
“The drug researchers are gathering viscosity data early in the discovery process to help select the best drugs for further development. Only limited amounts of these formulations are available in tehse early stages. Cambridge’s viscometer allows them to use a very small amount of sample to measure viscosity,” says Cambridge Viscosity President, Robert Kasameyer. “It is of great benefit to their development process.”
Posted on Thu, Apr 05, 2012
Cambridge Viscosity has developed a new Modbus Interface to provide access to more viscometer data than previously available. Modbus Version 4.0 is fundamentally different from all previous versions.
The Modbus input registers are now configured to store multiple viscometer values and the Modbus Holding registers are also configured to hold various data, including alarms, Temperature Compensation values, diagnostics, etc., settable through the Modbus Version 4.0.
On the power up, Modbus Version 4.0 polls the Cambridge viscometer for all the values it needs to store in the holding registers. During operation, if any holding register value is changed, this change is sent to the viscometer, i.e. the Modbus Version 4.0 will detect change in any holding register value and update the viscometer accordingly.
“This Modbus upgrade is very beneficial for both new and existing customers. The Interface combines the reliability of version 3.0, with expanded access to the most popular VISCOpro viscometer features”, explains Cambridge Director of Engineering Daniel Airey.
Cambridge Viscosity is a worldwide leader in small sample viscosity. Cambridge specializes in viscometers for the oil & gas, refining, exploration, coating, and life science industries. Cambridge has recently been purchased by PAC, of Houston, TX. If you would like more information on either Modbus Version 4.0, or PAC; please e-mail info@cambridgeviscosity.com.
Posted on Thu, Mar 08, 2012
Boston—Cambridge Viscosity compressor viscometers have become the refrigerant industry 
standard worldwide. Compressor manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve their products and enhance energy efficiency, while also using more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Viscosity is an important metric, as the ideal refrigerant blend allows for optimal output of the compressor.
Each time a company designs a new compressor, they must consider the refrigerant they will use, the lube oil that lubricates it, and the compressor design itself when trying to achieve proper energy efficiency. A change to any one of these requires the company to perform testing to ensure proper energy efficiency as well as the longevity of the compressor used. Too much lubricant could prevent the compressor from cooling properly, whereas too much refrigerant will cause more wear, resulting in a shorter compressor lifespan.
“The thicker the oil, the better the lubricity,” explains Cambridge Viscosity Asia Pacific Sales Manager Ken Mann. “But thicker oil means more power is needed to rotate the compressor. Ultimately users are looking for the perfect balance of lubricity and energy efficiency.”
Cambridge Viscosity miniature viscometers have long been the standard viscosity measurement solution in the compressor industry. Cambridge has hundreds of installations for various compressor and lubricant applications in the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea and China.
CVI offers micro process viscometers that are small enough to be installed directly in the compressor sump.
Japan Controls Company (JCC) works with many of the world leaders in compressors in Japan for several years. JCC Operations Manager Mikio Yanagisawa says, “Viscosity is a critical parameter that is used by compressor companies to determine the health of their compressors. In testing, these companies must measure the oil/refrigerant mix while the system is running, as pulling samples and taking them to the lab will not give the same viscosity measurement as under operating conditions. Cambridge Viscosity’s miniature viscometer and lube oil viscometer have provided a great solution to many of our customers. The sensors are small, accurate, reliable and very rugged.”
About JCC
Japan Controls Company has been a Cambridge Viscosity agent for over 20 years. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, JCC specializes in selling viscometers to the compressor, coatings, inks, life sciences, automotive, paints and chemicals industries. In 2010, they were named Cambridge Viscosity Agent of the Year.
About Cambridge Viscosity
Cambridge Viscosity, a leader in small sample viscometer systems for laboratory and process environments. CVI viscometers are used worldwide for petroleum, exploration refining, coatings and life sciences. Cambridge Viscosity’s sensors and viscometer systems conform to ASTM, DIN, JIS and ISO standards, with a range of models designed to meet specific industry and application needs.
Posted on Wed, Mar 07, 2012
Cambridge Viscosity (CVI) is pleased to announce that it is
now part of PAC, a leading global provider of advanced analytical instruments for laboratories and online process applications. With a product portfolio of over 200 instruments, PAC serves industries such as refinery, petrochemical, biofuels, environmental, food & beverage and pharmaceutical. Cambridge Viscosity joins other PAC brands, including AC Analytical Controls®, Antek, Alcor®, PetroSpec, PSPI, ISL and Walter Herzog.
We see this as a positive move for our customers. The combined PAC-CVI technology and distribution base is a substantial plus. PAC has extensive capabilities in viscosity as well as in other areas of significance to our customers which we can now more readily provide. In addition, there are a number of regions of the world where customers need our products, but where we do not have effective sales or service. This will be vastly improved through PAC’s substantial worldwide presence.
"Cambridge Viscosity will continue to advance our technology, products, and services to meet the needs of our customers while capitalizing on PAC’s global reach and technology base,” stated Robert Kasameyer, President of CVI. “CVI will be joining a company with passion for growth through product and market development, with a long history of product innovation, and a constant challenge to take the company to the next level,” he added.
We are also planning to bring our product expertise to PAC. We look forward to providing product guidance to other brands at PAC for tuning other products for markets where we have a leadership position.
Jeroen Schmits, PAC President, also commented, “We are pleased to welcome Cambridge Viscosity to the PAC family, where their proven technology and leadership in their field will complement PAC’s wide range of analytical resources for our global customers. We’re excited that their expertise will now be available to our customers as part of PAC’s comprehensive portfolio of solutions.”
We see this as an excellent opportunity for us, PAC, and our customers. Combining with PAC enables us to grow much more quickly to support our customers than otherwise while still providing great service to our customer base.
Posted on Tue, Feb 28, 2012
Boston—Automating the process of producing biodiesel was a challenge
for researchers at the
University of Central Florida’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Engineers at Cambridge Viscosity implemented an in-line viscometer to help the researchers reach their goal of an efficient way to produce biodiesel.
To produce biodiesel, oil is mixed with alcohol to produce fatty acid methyl esters. The reaction, known as transeterfication, produces glycerol as a waste by-product. The viscosity of the glycerol is a key parameter, as high viscosity content can lead to potential problems such as clogged fuel filters or fuel pressure drops.
The researchers used a Cambridge Viscosity VISCOpro 1600
digital viscometer to monitor the viscosity of the glycerol by-product. Using potassium hydroxide as the catalyst for the transeterfication process, the team removed the glycerol by-product that sank to the bottom of the mixing chamber and routed it through pipes leading to the viscometer. If the glycerol’s viscosity reading was more than 6 mPas, the glycerol was directed to a waste container. After washing the biodiesel, the wastewater was also directed to the viscometer, and if viscosity was lower than 3 mPas, was discarded.
University researcher Kevin Brachle said the viscometer was simple to operate and produced accurate results. “The digital measurements we obtained from the VISCOpro were easy to integrate with our microcontroller and allowed us to determine if the biodiesel was on target. By monitoring the viscosity of the glycerol we were able to consistently produce quality biodiesel fuel,” says Brachle.
“By using the Cambridge viscometer, Kevin has provided the research team with the data required to tune their process while minimizing human exposure to hazardous chemicals,” says Cambridge Viscosity Regional Sales Manager Jonathan Cole.
Learn more about the study results:
click here.
About Cambridge Viscosity
Cambridge Viscosity, a leader in small sample viscometer systems for laboratory and process environments, designs automated viscometers used worldwide in petroleum, exploration and refining applications to ensure accurate viscosity in both lab and operations. Cambridge’s worldwide reach is important for providing application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed. Cambridge Viscosity’s sensors and viscometer systems conform to ASTM, DIN, JIS and ISO standards, with a range of models designed to meet specific industry and application needs.
Posted on Mon, Feb 13, 2012
Boston—One of the largest US refineries has installed Cambridge Viscosity
process viscometers at their diesel refinery in Texas. The company is using three
VISCOpro 2000 viscometers, combined with 372 sensors, to monitor the quality of the viscosity of a diesel formulation that includes sulfur. The refinery has plans to use the viscosity system for full control of the process in the near future.
The viscometers are installed in one-quarter inch bypass lines, and set up for the final production stage to ensure quality control of their fuel-efficient diesel mixture. The VISCOpro 2000 allows for automated, continuous monitoring, as well as hands-on control, including the ability to change settings, measure different attributes, and capture and analyze real-time data. The viscometer can be programmed for up to 40 different fluid settings—enabling rapid changeovers in production processes—and features control set points and alarms (six different settings), using an easy menu-driven interface.
“The refiner chose the VISCOpro 2000 due to the sensor’s ability to precisely measure and control viscosity,” says Service Engineer Richard Suitter. “The viscometer’s rugged construction is vibration resistant, and is designed to withstand the harsh conditions and demands of the refinery environment. Our viscometers are easy to operate and low-maintenance.”
About Cambridge Viscosity
Cambridge Viscosity, a leader in small sample viscometer systems for laboratory and process environments, designs automated viscometers used worldwide in petroleum, exploration and refining applications to ensure accurate viscosity in both lab and operations. Cambridge’s worldwide reach is important for providing application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed.
Cambridge Viscosity’s sensors and viscometer systems conform to ASTM, DIN, JIS and ISO standards, with a range of models designed to meet specific industry and application needs. Certifications include ATEX Class 1, Div. 1, CE, FM and NEMA. CSA certification is also available upon request.
Posted on Tue, Feb 07, 2012
Boston—Cambridge Viscosity has introduced a new gas viscometer for the laboratory research of both gas and fluid applications. The SPC 345 sensor is particularly well suited for high pressure, high temperature environments where accurate
viscosity measurement of gases and corrosive fluids is required.
The SPC 345 features Hastelloy C-276 wetted parts, including the sensing chamber, and Hastelloy sputter-coated pistons. The sensor body is made of anodized aluminum for enhanced thermal exchange. The chamber walls and piston handle over 5000 psi and 100C.
“This sensor was developed to accurately and reliably measure fluid and gas mixtures on a vessel, where the test condition may call for elevated temperatures and pressures, even over long durations,” says Cambridge Director of Engineering Daniel Airey.
The new sensor has a 3/4-16 UNF thread for insertion directly into the sidewall of small tank or reactor. The seal is made with an o-ring, so it is easy to install and does not require any special tools. The viscometer also features pressure corrected viscosity (PCV) for exceptional repeatability.
About Cambridge ViscosityCambridge Viscosity, a leader in small sample viscometer systems for laboratory and process environments, designs automated viscometers used worldwide in petroleum, exploration and refining applications to ensure accurate viscosity in both lab and operations. Cambridge’s worldwide reach is important for providing application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed.
Cambridge Viscosity’s sensors and viscometer systems conform to ASTM, DIN, JIS and ISO standards, with a range of models designed to meet specific industry and application needs. Certifications include ATEX Class 1, Div. 1, CE, FM and NEMA. CSA certification is also available upon request.
Posted on Fri, Jan 20, 2012
Boston—NTPC, I
ndia’s largest thermal power generation company, has purchased a Cambridge Viscosity small sample viscometer, VISCOlab 4000, monitor lubrication oils. NTPC uses large quantities of a variety of oils—lube, fuel, diesel, transformer and gear oil— to operate machinery in their plant. The company will use the laboratory viscometer to verify the quality of inward petroleum material.
According to Cambridge’s India Agent Subhash Thorat of Provisco Tech Private Limited, NTPC selected the small sample viscometer primarily due to its proven, world-class technology, ease of operation and easy-to-clean, low maintenance construction. “We always welcome better technologies that are accurate, reliable and save testing time,” says NPTC Deputy Manager - Chemistry Mr. N. K. Roy.
By monitoring the viscosity of the various oils, the company can better control quality, replacing degraded oil and scheduling maintenance when required. Senior Chemical Manager Mr. G.B. P. Shrivastava says, “After seeing the viscometer in action, it seems to be user friendly. It is particularly well constructed, with no moving parts to wear out easily.”
About NTPC
India’s largest power company, NTPC was set up in 1975 to accelerate power development in India. NTPC is emerging as a diversified power major with presence in the entire value chain of the power generation business. Apart from power generation, which is the mainstay of the company, NTPC has already ventured into consultancy, power trading, ash utilisation and coal mining. NTPC ranked 341st in the ‘2010, Forbes Global 2000’ ranking of the World’s biggest companies. NTPC became a Maharatna company in May, 2010, one of the only four companies to be awarded this status.
About Cambridge Viscosity
Cambridge Viscosity, a leader in small sample viscometer systems for laboratory and process environments, designs automated viscometers used worldwide in petroleum, exploration and refining applications to ensure accurate viscosity in both lab and operations. Cambridge’s worldwide reach is important for providing application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed. Cambridge Viscosity’s sensors and viscometer systems conform to ASTM, DIN, JIS and ISO standards, with a range of models designed to meet specific industry and application needs. To learn more visit www.cambridgeviscosity.com.
Posted on Mon, Jan 16, 2012
Boston—Researchers at the University of Kansas’ Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) and the Transportation Research Institute (TRI) are studying the viscosity of biodiesel to explore the effect of temperature, pressure and vegetal source on the viscosity of biodiesel. Biodiesel, as an alternative fuel, has undergone significant research, development and large-scale distribution over the past few years. However, very little research has been conducted on the viscosity change that biodiesel would undergo in a fuel injector that would be up to several hundred percent greater than the ambient-pressure viscosity.
Using a Cambridge Viscosity High Pressure Viscometer: VISCOlab PVT, researchers measured the viscosity for five different types of biodiesel under high pressures (up to 130MPa) and at four temperatures (283.15, 298.15, 313.15, and 373.15 K). The five biodiesel samples were derived from a variety of sources, including two types of soybean oil, fresh canola oil, canola oil initially used as a cooking oil, and coconut oil.
Previously, researchers used falling ball or falling cylinder sensor technology, which was time consuming and did not allow for engine pressure conditions. Associate Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Aaron M. Scurto, PhD, says the VISCOlab PVT “has enabled us to really understand what happens to biodiesel inside an engine injector, accounting for the effects of pressure and temperature. The Cambridge sensor has helped us obtain superior data by directly measuring viscosity under these conditions.”
The study is timely in light of emerging renewable fuel standards. The EPA requires that the volume of renewable fuel blended into transportation fuel be increased from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. As an alternative fuel, biodiesel has many advantages over petroleum-based fuels, including low particulate emissions and high-energy content, and can be used in conventional compression-ignition (diesel) engines with relatively little or no modification.
By having a better understanding of the viscosity of the fuel at high pressure, engine designers can properly correct for changes in line dynamics and the impact on fuel injection timing and amount in the engine. This will allow for more robust, flexible engine designs that can accommodate emerging biofuel technologies, while achieving lower emissions and higher performance. The research may also help engine designers formulate a universal injector suited for temperature, pressure and fuel conditions, accounting for varying viscosity data across a wide array of biodiesels.
To read more about their research, purchase the entire article from Kansas University here.
About Cambridge Viscosity
Cambridge Viscosity, a leader in small sample viscometer systems for laboratory and process environments, designs automated viscometers used worldwide in petroleum, exploration and refining applications to ensure accurate viscosity in both lab and operations. Cambridge’s worldwide reach is important for providing application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed. Cambridge Viscosity’s sensors and viscometer systems conform to ASTM, DIN, JIS and ISO standards, with a range of models designed to meet specific industry and application needs.
About CEBC
Researchers at the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis partner with industry experts to create clean technologies for making chemicals and fuels. With investments of more than $26 million, CEBC is accelerating the discovery of manufacturing processes that will meet society’s growing needs while protecting the environment and human health.
Posted on Fri, Jan 06, 2012
The FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) has purchased a micro-sample viscometer, VISCOLab 5000, to better characterize and detect nanoscale materials. The agency’s research involves the manipulation of biological buffers in saline solutions with tissue culture media ranging from .001 to .1 micrometer in size, and less than 1 ml of serum for total characterization.
The Cambridge viscometer was selected for its small—75 micro-liters—sample requirement, accuracy and repeatability.
With the increased use of products based on nanotechnology in food and drugs, as well as medical devices, biologics and food, the NCTR is conducting research and developing appropriate tools and methods to promote regulatory processes and public health decisions. This involves developing techniques to detect nanoscale materials in toxicological studies, as well as in biological samples. Material samples available for toxicology analysis are limited, making the micro-sample viscometer an ideal solution as it requires very small sample size.
Cambridge Regional Sales Manager William Small explains, “We were awarded the government bid for the VISCOlab 5000 because the system meets the application requirement for a very small amount of sample. It is a micro-sample viscometer that is very easy to use and produces accurate results in a timely manner.”
About Cambridge Viscosity
Cambridge Viscosity, a leader in advanced laboratory and production viscometer systems, designs automated viscometers used worldwide by pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations to ensure accurate viscosity in both their lab and process operations. Cambridge’s global reach is important for providing application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed.
Cambridge Viscosity’s sensors and viscometer systems conform to ASTM, DIN, JIS and ISO standards, with a range of models designed to meet specific industry and application needs. Certifications include ATEX Class 1, Div. 1, CE, FM and NEMA. CSA certification is also available upon request.