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.
Posted on Wed, Dec 21, 2011
Boston—Cambridge Viscosity’s
in-line viscometer, VISCOpro 2000, is being used by
Zhejiang Metong Machinery Company, a leading producer of road construction and maintenance equipment.
The company’s primary products include truck-mounted asphalt systems sold worldwide, asphalt melting equipment and the largest emulsified asphalt plant in China.
Metong’s MT-AR50 Portable Reaction Tank is specially designed for reaction, storage and transportation of rubberized asphalt. Used to pave asphalt roads, the waste tire rubber powder and rubberized asphalt mixture improves pavement function, extends service life and reduces the environmental pressure caused by waste tires. Rubberized asphalt meets the national policy of building a conservation-minded society and developing a cyclic economy.
Metong uses Cambridge’s in-line viscometers to monitor and control asphalt viscosity for their truck-mounted systems. Viscosity is key in monitoring the quality of the rubberized asphalt. In the tank, the asphalt’s viscosity changes according to temperature and the length of time it is contained. The sensors help to maintain constant viscosity by adapting the temperature as needed to obtain a more consistent spray pattern, allowing an even coating to be sprayed onto the road for a higher quality result.
“Viscosity is one of the most important
parameters for providing consistent spray patterns for our asphalt application,” explains Technical Engineer Mr. Yang. “We considered several other technologies such as rotational and vibrational viscometers but found the Cambridge viscometer to be the best choice for us due to its compact size, simple design and rugged construction,” says Technical Director Mr. Feng.
About Cambridge ViscosityCambridge Viscosity is the leading supplier of automated viscometers used by oil exploration and refining, coating, chemical and life science companies to optimize product and process performance. 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.
Type certifications include ATEX, CE and FM. CSA certification is available upon request. Cambridge's global reach provides application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed.
Posted on Fri, Dec 09, 2011
Boston—
Danfoss Compressors is using a Cambridge Viscosity small sample viscometer to test refrigerant and oil mixtures at their Tianjin, China factory.
The viscometer includes the Cambridge VISCOpro2000 electronics and SPL 571
lube oil viscometer sensor with multiple piston ranges to test compressor performance using new combinations of lube oils and refrigerants. The lower the viscosity of this mixture, the more efficient the compressor is. However, if viscosity is too low, the compressor can wear out prematurely. By achieving the optimal balance of efficiency and lubricity, the company can improve compressor performance while using more environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Danfoss engineers cite the viscometers’ ease-of-use, robust functionality and high degree of accuracy among the chief reasons for their use. The VISCOpro2000 enables users to monitor critical fluid processes and capture real-time data. The addition of the 571 sensor—used extensively for compressor, used oil analysis, on-engine and hydraulic fluid applications—provides for installations where form factor and small sample volume are important. “Danfoss was restricted in the amount of area they had, and Cambridge’s miniature lube oil viscometer is the perfect choice when limited to tight spaces,” explains Cambridge Viscosity China Agent Miker Wang of Suzhou TAIEN.
Cambridge’s viscosity management technology is based upon a simple and reliable electromagnetic concept. Two coils move the piston back and forth magnetically at a constant force. Proprietary circuitry analyzes the piston’s two-way travel time to measure absolute viscosity. A built-in temperature detector (RTD) senses the actual temperature in the sampling chamber. Constant in and out motion keeps samples fresh, mechanically scrubs the sampling area and provides excellent viscosity tracking.
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.
Posted on Tue, Nov 22, 2011
Boston—Cambridge Viscosity has developed a new rugged, RTJ-flange
d in-line process viscometer for a leading global oil company’s Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) application in the
North Sea. Cambridge designed the SPL-393 viscometer for use offshore, where safety and reliability are not just a priority but also a necessity. The new viscometer meets all electrical, plumbing material, pressure and temperature requirements for use on a platform where environmental conditions can reach extremes.
The sensor connects into a pipeline using a standard ANSI class 900/1500 2" RTJ round flange. The rugged 316SS construction can withstand up to 2200 PSI and 190 degrees C, and has long penetration for large diameter pipes. The SPL 393 satisfies ASME PTC 19.3 Thermowells requirements. The new sensor is designed for highly accurate, repeatable viscosity readings and clean-in-place simplicity. Coupled with Cambridge's standard
VISCOPro 2000 or
Digital Viscometer: VISCOPro 1600 electronics, the sensor has sophisticated multi-shear compatibilities.
Cambridge President Robert Kasameyer says, "We are very excited to introduce this product designed to meet the specific needs of the petroleum industry. The initial application of the SPL-393 sensor in EOR oil production improves production efficiency while withstanding harsh offshore drilling conditions. Our customer is achieving repeatable, reliable viscosity measurements that contribute to better control of EOR operations.”
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.
To learn more visit
www.cambridgeviscosity.com.
Posted on Thu, Nov 10, 2011
Coating Viscosity Measurement Improves Molding Compound Process
Boston—Cambridge Viscosity’s advanced sensor technology is helping
Cytec Engineered Materials streamline production of composite materials used in aerospace, high-performance industrial and
other extreme-demand environments.
Cytec supplies composite materials such as prepregs and molding compounds to companies that mold parts. The ratio of resin-to-fiber is very important, with different applications requiring different ratios. Cambridge’s
ViscoPro 2000 viscometers are used to control the viscosity of a resin solution that binds the carbon fiber. Strings of carbon fiber are run through a resin bath where they are coated, and the resin acts as a binder for the carbon fiber so that it can be molded into a part.
“The implementation of the viscometer system has enabled us to continually monitor and control the resin, which allows us to greatly reduce variation within the product,” says Cytec Engineer Troy Farry. Prior to using the viscometers, technicians were required to take measurements at certain intervals in order to determine if adjustments to the resin characteristics were necessary.
This method created a delay in reaction time, resulting in a great deal of variation that made it harder to remain within customer requirements. According to Farry, “not only have the viscometers allowed for a more consistent product, they have reduced the error and scrap rate of our material. By streamlining the process, our technicians can now focus on other areas of development, instead of having to manually monitor the process.”
About Cambridge ViscosityCambridge Viscosity is the leading supplier of automated viscometers used by
oil exploration and
refining,
coating, chemical and
life science companies to optimize product and process performance. 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.
Type certifications include ATEX, CE and FM. CSA certification is available upon request. Cambridge's global reach provides application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed. To learn more visit www.cambridgeviscosity.com.
Posted on Thu, Nov 03, 2011
I
n developing an important new treatment for cranial aneurisms, a leading southern California biotech company faced a key challenge: How to precisely control the viscosity of their medicine for injection. To find a solution, the company turned to Cambridge Viscosity.
The company manufactures a biological liquid paste that surgeons inject into the blood stream of the affected area of the cranium when an aneurism occurs. The paste is produced in very small quantities and is quite expensive. To achieve the proper consistency, the paste’s viscosity must be very precise. If it is too thin, it will not achieve the proper blocking; if it is too thick, it cannot be safely injected. The biotech company needed an easy-to-use viscometer in order to accurately measure the smallest amount of medicine sample possible.
The company was already using Cambridge viscometers in their development lab and had firsthand experience with the sensors’ accuracy and reliability. They faced a special challenge, however, when it came to measuring the biological paste’s viscosity, as it required them to work with micro-samples of the valuable material. The company selected Cambridge’s VISCOlab 5000 micro-sample viscometer because it requires only 75 micro-liters of sample for research and manufacturing applications.
“Cambridge micro-sample viscometers are widely used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnical markets where very small amounts of fluid are available for testing, but the value of accurate information is high,” says Cambridge Viscosity President Robert Kasameyer. “It is gratifying to know that our sensors are helping to advance this exciting new method for treating cranial aneurisms.”
Posted on Mon, Oct 31, 2011
Identifying the rheological characteristics of a fluid system is typically completed in a laboratory, takes a long time, and requires large amounts of fluid. Cambridge Viscosity has developed a new multi-shear inline viscometer that changes all of this. Accurate rheological information is now available rapidly in a small sample process stream.
Cambridge’s new multi-shear viscometer is available for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, ranging from concentrated suspensions to any type of coating application. Evaluated as a rheological screening device, measurements from the controller compare well with those on the same fluids under the same conditions, as when using a rheometer. (see graph) The new Cambridge viscometer should be considered anywhere in-line rheometric knowledge is required.
Easy to clean and maintain, the device performs well throughout the viscosity range of 0.2-10,000cP. The VISCOpro automatically cycles through calibrations at three different force levels to test at low, medium and high shear rates. The system allows users to easily distinguish between Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluids, and results of the discrete steps are reported within 10-15 minutes, depending on the viscosity range.
For more information about Cambridge Viscosity please contact info@cambridgeviscosity.com.
Posted on Mon, Oct 24, 2011
Boston—Cambridge Viscosity has just released a new version 2.0 of its
well-known PVT software. The Version 2.0 release features numerous enhancements designed to make viscosity testing of oil, gas and supercritical fluids easier and more efficient. Users can now save graph images in a variety of image formats, including a “Save Window” feature; use time zoom, pause and “add comment” graph functions; and extend graphing colors and settings.
The software optimizes Cambridge’s
high pressure viscometer; the VISCOlab PVT. The VISCOlab PVT is the leading viscosity measurement system for high pressure and high temperature viscosity analysis. This system combines the VISCOpro processor with an advanced SPL440 sensor. The system employs an integrated recirculating bath that controls temperatures from -20° C to 190° C, while minimizing warm-up time and space requirements. The system also incorporates a simple three-valve plumbing configuration to control sample flow, and includes horizontal, 45-degree, and vertical configurations for ease of operation. Mercury-free, the sensor requires only 5 ml of sample. The VISCOlab PVT is used to test viscosity temperature in a variety of applications, including oil exploration, research, and recovery; gas and gas condensates; core analysis; phase behavior; supercritical fluids; and other complex applications.
Other new features include Windows 7 (32bit and 64bit) compatibility (also compatible with Windows XP), the flexibility to allow an adjustable number of decimals displayed in measurements, automatic monitor mode at bath wake-up, an enhanced bath and pressure configuration setup command on the PC interface, and logging interval adjustment on the PC.