The State of the Art in Viscosity Monitoring
Ensuring proper fluid viscosity is a key success factor in process environments, Achieving this requires an accurate, reliable, and durable in-line viscometer capable of monitoring fluid resistance without requiring a lot of operator involvement. Cambridge’s VISCOpro 1600 viscometer is an ideal viscometer for this application because of its accuracy and reliability, and inherent ruggedness.
The VISCOpro1600 viscometer can be used alone or in a multi-channel configuration controlled by a touch-screen display. This digital viscometer provides round-the-clock monitoring you can rely on.
The VISCOpro 1600 digital viscometer is a compact workhorse instrument for applications where minimal operator involvement is desired.
This digital viscometer features built-in optional LCD display with readout in centipoise, cSt, or SSU for monitoring of critical fluid conditions. It also can be connected to a PLC controller for seamless integration into a proprietary data management system. The unit’s sensor and electronics are encased in an explosion-proof housing for durability and reliability.
Thanks to Cambridge Viscosity’s patented technology, only a very small amount of fluid (1 ml) is required to assure an accurate reading. Because of the small sample size and its automatic operation, the VISCOpro 1600 helps to maximize the efficiency of your process line and minimize waste. In addition, it works with any Cambridge Viscosity in-tank or in-line 300 series or 500 series sensor, giving you the flexibility to choose from a range of high-quality, maintenance-free options.
Optional Display
The optional explosion-proof display (right) clearly shows viscosity and temperature readings for each line or tank.
VISCOpro 1600 Features
- Continuous monitoring of viscosity and temperature
- Two 4-20mA outputs for remote recording
- Two analog outputs and RS485 communication
- Compact, explosion-proof system
- Automatic self-cleaning
- Readout in centipoises, cSt, or SSU
- Optional LCD display
Key Features and Benefits
Innovatively designed, the VISCOpro 1600 has a lot to offer. Among its key features and benefits are:
Automatic self-cleaning: With only one moving part, a piston, the VISCOpro 1600 is almost completely maintenance-free. Samples are automatically kept fresh and clean by the constant piston motion that scrubs the sensor chamber. This assures maximum uptime and high return on investment.
Standard outputs for data capture: The VISCOpro 1600 includes two 4-20mA outputs for remote recording to data acquisition and control systems. This makes it easy to interface the digital viscometer unit with Cambridge Viscosity or third-party PLC systems.
Factory settings: No programming is needed – Cambridge Viscosity did it all for you so you can just install it and begin operation quickly. The VISCOpro 1600 can be set to measure viscosity in centipoises, cSt, or SSU.
Built-in temperature detector: Changes in temperature within the process line can affect the viscosity of the fluid. The VISCOpro 1600 has a built-in temperature detector that senses the actual running temperature of the fluid.
Explosion-proof: Coupled with the appropriate sensor, the ViscoPro1600 is rated to to Class 1 Div 2 Group 1 & 2 by FM, and ATEX – EExdIIC, [EEx d IIC T4,-20C<Ta<95C(For SPL Models), EEx d IIC T2, -20C<Ta<190C (For SPL Models)]
Small size: The ViscoPro1600 electronics in its explosion-proof enclosure fits in a space that is about the size of a cantaloupe.
Technical specifications:
| Power input |
12 VDC, 12 W |
| Outputs |
(2) 4-20mA; 1 RS485 |
| Accuracy |
± 1.0% of full scale (correlates to ASTM D445) |
| Repeatability |
0.8% |
| Ranges |
0.2-20,000cP (0.2-2cP, 0.25-5cP, 0.5-10cP, 1-20cP, 2.5-50cP, 5-100cP, 10-200cP, 25-500cP, 50-1,000cP, 100-2,000cP, 250-5,000cP, 500-10,000cP, 1,000-20,000cP) |
| Wetted components |
Standard 316L/430 Stainless Steel Optional: Hastalloy and Sanitary Components |
| Temperature range |
-40°C to 190°C (375°F) |
| Maximum operating pressure |
1000 psi (70.3 bar) |
| Optional operating pressure |
2000psi (140.2 bar) |
| Temperature sensor type |
4 wire Platinum RTD |
| Certifications |
FM, 3A, CE, ATEX – EExdIIC, [EEx d IIC T4, -20C<Ta<95C (For SPL Models), EEx d IIC T2, -20C<Ta<190C (For SPL Models)] Factory Mutual - Class 1 Div.1, Group C, D:T3 NEMA4, IP-66 (Sensor model 571 OILSENSE™ - only CE certified. Ranges differ, call factory) |
Installation
Its flexible design allows the VISCOpro 1600 to be installed in any position. The first diagram below depicts an in-line installation of a VISCOpro 1600 with an SPC 311 sensor. The second diagram depicts an in-tank installation of a VISCOpro 1600 with an SPC 321 sensor.

