Viskometer Brookfield
Viskometer Brookfield
Viskometer Brookfield
MODEL DV-E
Operating Instructions
SPECIALISTS IN THE
MEASUREMENT AND
CONTROL OF VISCOSITY
I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 3
I.1 Components .................................................................................................................. 3
I.2 Utilities ......................................................................................................................... 4
I.3 Specifications ............................................................................................................... 4
I.4 Set-Up .......................................................................................................................... 4
I.5 Safety Symbols and Precautions .................................................................................. 5
I.6 Instrument Controls ...................................................................................................... 6
I.7 Cleaning ....................................................................................................................... 6
The principle of operation of the DV-E is to rotate a spindle (which is immersed in the test fluid)
through a calibrated spring. The viscous drag of the fluid against the spindle is measured by the
spring deflection. Spring deflection is measured with a rotary transducer which provides a torque
signal. The measurement range of a DV-E (in centipoise or milliPascal seconds) is determined by
the rotational speed of the spindle, the size and shape of the spindle, the container in which the
spindle is rotating, and the full scale torque of the calibrated spring.
Spring Torque
Model dyne-cm milli Newton-m
LVDV-E 673.7 0.0673
RVDV-E 7,187.0 0.7187
HADV-E 14,374.0 1.4374
HBDV-E 57,496.0 5.7496
The higher the spring torque, the higher the measurement range. The viscosity measurement range
for each spring torque may be found in Appendix A.
All units of measurement are displayed according to either the CGS (cP) system or the SI
(mPa•s) system.
1. Viscosity appears in units of centipoise (shown as “cP”) or milliPascal-seconds (shown
as “mPa•s”) on the DV-E display.
2. Torque appears in units of dyne-centimeters or Newton-meters (shown as percent “%”
in both cases) on the DV-E display.
The equivalent units of measurement in the SI system are calculated using the following conver-
sions:
SI CGS
Viscosity: 1 mPa•s = 1 cP
Torque: 1 Newton-m = 107 dyne-cm
References to viscosity throughout this manual are made in CGS units. The DV-E Viscometer
provides equivalent information in SI units (see Section II.4 AUTORANGE).
I.1 Components
1) DV-E Viscometer
2) Laboratory Stand: Model A
3) Spindle Set with Case (4 spindles for LVDV-E; 6 Spindles for RV, HA and HBDV-E).
4) Power Cord
5) Guard Leg (LVDV-E and RVDV-E only)
6) Carrying Case
7) Shipping Cap
Please check to be sure that you have received all components, and that there is no damage. If you
are missing any parts, please notify Brookfield Engineering or your local Brookfield agent
immediately. Any shipping damage must be reported to the carrier.
Brookfield Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 3 Manual No. M/98-350-D0902
I.2 Utilities
I.3 Specifications
Speeds: 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 10, 12, 20, 30, 50, 60, 100
Accuracy: ±1.0% Full Scale Range in Use (See Appendix D for details)
Electrical Certifications:
Conforms to CE Standards: BSEN 50081-1: Emission Standard - Light Industrial
BSEN 50082-1: Immunity Standard - Light Industrial
BSEN 50081-2: Emission Standard - Industrial
BSEN 50082-2: Immunity Standard - Industrial
BSEN 61010-1: Safety requirements for electrical
equipment, for measurement, control
and laboratory use
This product has been certified to the applicable CSA and ANSI/UL Standards, for use
in Canada and the U.S.
I.4 Set-Up
1. To assemble the Model A Laboratory Stand, place the upright rod into the base (refer to
assembly instructions in Appendix E). The rack gear and clamp assembly should face the
front of the base. The upright rod is held in place with the jam nut which is attached from
the bottom of the base. Tighten this nut with a suitable wrench (spanner). Attach leveling
feet.
3. Adjust the Viscometer to be as close to level as possible while tightening the clamp screw.
Tighten the VS-41Y clamp screw.
4. The Viscometer must be leveled. The level is adjusted using the three leveling screws on
the base. Adjust so that the bubble level on top of the DV-E is centered within the circle.
5. Remove the Viscometer shipping cap from the pivot cup. This cap is designed to protect the
Viscometer spindle coupling nut during shipment. Do not attempt to operate the Viscom-
eter with the shipping cap in place!
6. Make sure that the AC power switch at the rear of the DV-E is in the OFF position. Connect
the power cord to the socket on the back panel of the instrument and plug it into the
appropriate AC line.
The AC input voltage and frequency must be within the appropriate range as shown on
the name plate of the viscometer.
Safety Symbols
The following explains safety symbols which may be found in this operating manual.
Indicates hazardous voltages may be present.
Refer to the manual for specific warning or caution information to avoid personal injury
or damage to the instrument.
Precautions
If this instrument is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the instrument may be impaired.
In case of emergency, turn off the instrument and then disconnect the elecrical cord from
the wall outlet
The user should ensure that the substances placed under test do not release poisonous,
toxic or flammable gases at the temperatures to which they are subjected to during the
testing.
MOTOR ON
AUTO RANGE
Presents the maximum (100% torque) viscosity attainable using the selected spindle at the selected
speed. This value is referred to as full scale range. The allowable error for the viscosity
measurement is ± 1% of full scale range.
Note: Pressing and holding the AUTO RANGE key during power on will enable the
viscosity display to be read in either CGS (cP) or SI (mPa•s) units.
SPEED/SPINDLE SWITCH
Sets the viscometer in either speed select or spindle select (see Table C1 in Appendix C) mode.
When set in the left position, the operator may select speed of rotation. When set in the right position,
the operator may select spindle.
Note: This is a three (3) position switch. We recommend that the switch be set to the
middle position when finished with spindle or speed adjustment. This will
prevent an accidental change of parameters during a test.
SELECT KNOB
This knob is used to scroll through the available speed or spindle selections (see Table C1 in
Appendix C). This knob is active when the switch is set to the left (speed) or right (spindle) position.
Rotate the knob clockwise to increase value and counter-clockwise to decrease value.
I.7 Cleaning
Instrument and Keypad: Clean with dry, non-abrasive cloth. Do not use solvents
or cleaners.
Immersed Components (spindles): Spindles are made of stainless steel. Clean with non-
abrasive cloth and solvent appropriate for sample mate-
rial that is not aggressive to immersed components.
When cleaning, do not apply excessive force which may result in bending
spindles.
Brookfield Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 6 Manual No. M/98-350-D0902
II. GETTING STARTED
II.1 Power Up
Turn the power switch (located on the rear panel) to the ON position. This will result in the following
screen display:
BROOKFIELD DV-E
RV VISCOMETER
Figure II-1
BROOKFIELD DV-E
VERSION: 1.00
Figure II-2
After a short time, the display will clear and the default screen is displayed:
cP
1ØOFF % S01
Figure II-3
LVDV-E Viscometers are provided with a set of four spindles and a narrow guardleg; RVDV-E
Viscometers come with a set of six spindles and a “wider” guardleg; HADV-E and HBDV-E
Viscometers come with a set of six spindles and no guardleg. (See Appendix D for more
information on the guardleg.)
The spindles are attached to the viscometer by screwing them to the male coupling nut. Note that
the spindles and coupling have a left-hand thread. The lower shaft should be held in one hand
(lifted slightly), and the spindle screwed to the left. The face of the spindle nut and the matching
surface on the coupling nut shaft should be smooth and clean to prevent eccentric rotation of the
spindle. Spindles can be identified by the number on the side of the spindle coupling nut.
The DV-E must have a Spindle Entry Code number to calculate viscosity values. The DV-E
memory contains parameters for all standard Brookfield spindles and the two digit entry code for
each spindle (the complete list of spindle entry codes may be found in Appendix C).
Note: The DV-E will display the Spindle Entry Code which was in use when
power was turned off.
Setting the SPEED/SPINDLE switch to the right position will allow the operator to adjust the
spindle selection. The SELECT knob can be rotated until the desired spindle number is selected.
Once the desired spindle number is shown on the display, set the SPINDLE/SPEED switch to the
middle position.
The DV-E will begin to calculate using the new spindle parameters after the spindle number is
shown in the display.
Please see Brookfield publication, “More Solutions to Sticky Problems” (Chapter 3), for informa-
tion on how to select a spindle.
There are 18 rotational speeds available on the DV-E Viscometer. These speeds correspond to the
standard LVF, LVT, RVF, RVT, HAT and HBT models, and they are combined sequentially. See
Table 1 below.
0.3 10
0.5 12
0.6 20
1.0 30
1.5 50
2.0 60
2.5 100
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
Setting the SPEED/SPINDLE switch in the left position will allow the operator to adjust the speed
selection. The SELECT knob can be rotated until the desired speed is selected. Once the desired
speed is shown on the display, set the SPINDLE/SPEED switch to the middle position.
The viscometer will rotate the spindle at the selected speed when the motor switch is in the ON
position. A motor on condition is indicated on the display by RPM shown beside the speed. When
the motor switch is in the OFF position, OFF will be displayed beside the speed.
(MOTOR ON)
cP
12OFF % S01
(MOTOR OFF)
Figure II-4
Note: When the motor switch is in the ON position, any change to the selected speed
will be effective immediately. When collecting data at multiple speeds, you may
wish to leave the SPEED/SPINDLE switch in the left position to facilitate speed
changes.
To make a viscosity measurement, follow the instructions in Sections II.2 and II.3. Allow time
for the indicated reading to stabilize.
Note: At speeds of 1 RPM and lower, additional time may be required to allow for
complete deflection of the torque sensor.
The time required for stabilization will depend on the speed at which the Viscometer is running
and the characteristics of the sample fluid. For maximum accuracy, readings below 10% should
be avoided. Additional information on making viscosity measurements is available in Appen-
dix B or the Brookfield publication “More Solutions to Sticky Problems” .
The DV-E Viscometer will remember the selected speed and spindle when power is turned off.
On start-up, the Viscometer will be set to the previously selected spindle and speed.
The AUTO RANGE key allows you to determine the maximum calculated viscosity (full scale reading)
possible with the current spindle/speed setting. Pressing the key at any time will cause the current
viscosity display to change and show that maximum viscosity. The screen torque display will now
display “%100” to indicate this special condition. This maximum viscosity and %100 value will
be displayed for as long as the AUTO RANGE key is depressed. Figure II-5 shows the AUTO
RANGE function for the situation where the No. 1 RV spindle is rotating at 10 RPM. The full scale
range is 1000 cP (or 1000 mPa.s).
cP 1000
10RPM %100 S01
Figure II-5
The DV-E will retain the unit selection when the viscometer is turned OFF.
CGS SI
Viscosity: cP mPa.s
1 cP = 1 mPa•s
The DV-E gives indications for out of specification or out-of-range operation. When % (Torque)
readings exceed 100.0 % (over-range), the display changes to that shown in Figure II-6:
cP EEEE
10RPM %EEEE S01
Figure II-6
You must change either speed or spindle to correct this condition. If you operate at spindle speeds
that produce % (Torque) below 10.0 % (under-range), the DV-E displays both % (Torque) and cP
(Viscosity) with flashing unit designations. The parameters of % (Torque) and cP (Viscosity) will
also flash prior to one complete spindle revolution. It is not recommended that readings are taken
while parameters are flashing.
cP 9.0
10RPM % 9.0 S01
Figure II-7
cP ----
10RPM %-1.0 S01
Figure II-8
II.6 Operation
The following procedure is outlined for making a viscosity measurement in a 600 mL low form
Griffin beaker.
1. Mount the guardleg on the DV-E Viscometer (LV and RV series). Be sure that the motor is OFF
before attaching the spindle. Select a spindle and attach it to the lower shaft. Lift the shaft
slightly, holding it firmly with one hand while screwing the spindle on with the other (note left-
hand thread). Avoid putting side thrust on the shaft.
3. To make a viscosity measurement, select a speed and follow the instructions in Sections II.2 and
II.3. Allow time for the indicated reading to stabilize. The time required for stabilization will
depend on the speed at which the Viscometer is running and the characteristics of the sample
fluid. For maximum accuracy, readings below 10% should be avoided. Additional information
on making viscosity measurements is available in Appendix B or the Brookfield publication
“More Solutions to Sticky Problems”.
4. Switch the MOTOR ON/OFF switch to turn the motor “OFF” when changing a spindle or changing
samples. Remove spindle before cleaning.
5. Interpretation of results and the instrument's use with non-Newtonian and thixotropic materials
is discussed in the booklet, “More Solutions to Sticky Problems”, and in Appendix B, Variables
in Viscosity Measurements.
UL Adapter
Viscosity
Viscosity (cP)
(cP)
UL Shear Rate
Spindle (1/SEC) LVDV-E RVDV-E HADV-E HBDV-E
YULA-15 or 15Z 1.224N 1.0 - 2 K 6.4 - 2 K 12.8 - 2 K 51.2 - 2 K
Viscosity
Viscosity
(cP)(cP)
DAA Shear Rate
Spindle (1/SEC) LVDV-E RVDV-E HADV-E HBDV-E
Spiral Adapter
Viscosity
Viscosity (cP)
(cP)
DAA Shear Rate
Spindle (1/SEC) LVDV-E RVDV-E HADV-E HBDV-E
SA-70 0.68 - 68 100 - 98 K 1M-1M 2M-2M 8 M - 8.4 M
(1-100 RPM)
In taking viscosity measurements with the DV-E Viscometer, there are two considerations which
pertain to the low viscosity limit of effective measurement.
1) Viscosity measurements should be accepted within the equivalent % Torque Range from
10% to 100% for any combination of spindle/speed rotation.
2) Viscosity measurements should be taken under laminar flow conditions, not under turbulent
flow conditions.
The first consideration has to do with the accuracy of the instrument. All DV-E Viscometers have
a full scale range accuracy of (+/-) 1% of any spindle/speed rotation. We discourage taking readings
below 10% of range because the potential viscosity error of (+/-) 1% is a relatively high number
compared to the instrument reading.
For the following geometries, we have found that an approximate transition point to turbulent flow
occurs:
Turbulent conditions will exist in these situations whenever the RPM/cP ratio exceeds the values
listed above.
Rheological Properties
Fluids have different rheological characteristics that can be described by viscometer measurements.
We can then work with these fluids to suit the lab or process conditions.
Newtonian - These fluids have the same viscosity at different Shear Rates (different
RPM’s) and are called Newtonian over the Shear Rate range they are
measured.
Non-Newtonian - These fluids have different viscosities at different shear rates (different
RPM’s). They fall into two groups:
1) Time Independent
2) Time Dependent
Time Independent means that the viscosity behavior does not change as a function of time when
measuring at a specific shear rate.
Time Dependent means that the viscosity behavior changes as a function of time when
measuring at a specific shear rate.
Thixotropic - A thixotropic material has decreasing viscosity under constant shear rate.
If you set a viscometer at a constant speed recording viscosity values over
time and find that the viscosity values decrease with time, the material is
thixotropic.
Brookfield publication, “More Solutions to Sticky Problems”, includes a more detailed discussion
of rheological properties and non-Newtonian behavior.
Most fluid viscosities are found to be non-Newtonian. They are dependent on Shear Rate and the
spindle geometry conditions. The specifications of the viscometer spindle and chamber geometry
will affect the viscosity readings. If one reading is taken at 2.5 rpm, and a second at 50 rpm, the two
viscosity values produced will be different because the readings were made at different shear rates.
The faster the spindle speed, the higher the shear rate.
1) Test temperature
2) Sample container size (or spindle/chamber geometry)
3) Sample volume
4) Viscometer model
5) Spindle used (if using LVDV-E (#1-4) or RVDV-E (#2-7) attach the guard leg)
6) Test speed or speeds (or the shear rate)
7) Length of time or number of spindle revolutions to record viscosity.
Table C-1
Table C-2
Container size: For Viscosity Standards < 30,000 cP, use a 600 ml Low Form Griffin Bea-
ker having a working volume of 500 ml.
Conditions: The DV-E should be set according to the operating instructions. The water bath
should be stabilized at test temperature. Viscometers with the letters “LV” or
“RV” in the model designation should have the guard leg attached.
Normal 25°C Standard Fluids High Temperature Standard Fluids for use
Viscosity (cP) Viscosity (cP) with Thermosel Accessory
5 5,000 HT-30,000
10 12,500 HT-60,000
50 30,000 HT-1000,000
100 60,000
500 100,000 Calibrated at three viscosity/temperatures
1,000 25°C, 93.3°C, 149°C
Refer to Brookfield catalog for more information.
We recommend that Brookfield Viscosity Standard Fluids be replaced on an annual basis, one year
from date of initial use. These fluids are pure silicone and are not subject to change over time.
However, exposure to outside contaminants through normal use requires replacement on an annual
basis. Contamination may occur by the introduction of solvent, standard of different viscosity or
other foreign material.
Viscosity Standard Fluids may be stored under normal laboratory conditions. Disposal should be
in accordance with state, local and federal regulations as specified on the material safety data sheet.
Brookfield Engineering Laboratories does not recertify Viscosity Standard Fluids. We will issue
duplicate copies of the Certificate of Calibration for any fluid within two years of the purchase date.
Brookfield Viscosity Standard Fluids are reusable provided they are not contaminated. Normal
Brookfield Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 19 Manual No. M/98-350-D0902
practice for usage in a 600 ml beaker is to return the material from the beaker back into the bottle.
When using smaller volumes in accessories such as Small Sample Adapter, UL Adapter, Thermosel
or Spiral Adapter, the fluid is normally discarded.
1) Place the viscosity standard fluid (in the proper container) into the water bath.
2) Lower the DV-E into measurement position (with guard leg if LV or RV series viscometer is
used).
3) Attach the spindle to the viscometer. If you are using a disk shaped spindle, avoid trapping air
bubbles beneath the disk by first immersing the spindle at an angle, and then connecting it to the
viscometer.
4) The viscosity standard fluid, together with the spindle and guard leg (if supplied), should be
immersed in the bath for a minimum of 1 hour, stirring the fluid periodically, prior to taking
measurements.
5) After 1 hour, check the temperature of the viscosity standard fluid with an accurate thermometer.
Fluid must be within ± 0.1°C of the specified temperature, normally 25°C. Allow longer soak
time if required to come to test temperature.
6) If the fluid is at test temperature, measure the viscosity and record the viscometer reading.
Note: The spindle must rotate at least five (5) times before readings are taken.
7) The viscosity reading should equal the cP value on the viscosity fluid standard to within the
combined accuracies of the viscometer and the standard (as discussed in the section entitled,
Interpretation of Calibration Test Results).
When a Small Sample Adapter is used, the water jacket is connected to the water bath and the water
is stabilized at the proper temperature:
1) Put the proper amount of viscosity standard fluid into the sample chamber. The amount
varies with each spindle/chamber combination. (Refer to the Small Sample Adapter instruc-
tion manual.)
3) Put the spindle into the test fluid and attach the extension link, coupling nut and free hang-
ing spindle (or directly attach the solid shaft spindle) to the DV-E.
4) Allow 30 minutes for the viscosity standard, sample chamber and spindle to reach test
temperature.
Note: The spindle must rotate at least five (5) times before a viscosity reading is taken.
B) Evaluate the Viscometer with the Thermosel according to the procedure decribed below.
When a Thermosel is used, the controller stabilizes the Thermo Container at the test tem-
perature.
1) Install the tube end cap and put the proper amount of HT viscosity standard fluid into the
HT-2 or HT-2DB sample chamber. The amount varies with the spindle used. (Refer to
the Thermosel instruction manual).
3) Put the spindle into the test fluid and attach the extension link, coupling nut and free
hanging spindle (or directly attach the solid shaft spindle) to the DV-E.
4) Allow 30 minutes for the viscosity standard, sample chamber and spindle to reach test
temperature.
Note: The spindle must rotate at least five (5) times before a viscosity reading is taken.
When a UL Adapter is used, the water bath should be stabilized at the proper temperature:
1) Install the tube end cap and put the proper amount of viscosity standard fluid into the UL
Tube. (Refer to the UL Adapter instruction manual).
2) Attach the spindle (with extension link and coupling nut) onto the DV-E.
4) Lower the tube into the water bath reservoir, or if using the ULA-40Y water jacket, connect the
inlet/outlets to the bath external circulating pump.
5) Allow 30 minutes for the viscosity standard, sample chamber and spindle to reach test
temperature.
Note: The spindle must rotate at least five (5) times before a viscosity reading is taken.
When a DIN Adapter is used, the water bath should be stabilized at the proper temperature:
1) Put the proper amount of viscosity standard fluid into the UL Tube. (Refer to the DAA
instruction manual).
2) Attach the spindle (with extension link and coupling nut) onto the DV-E.
4) Lower the tube into the water bath reservoir, or if using the ULA-40Y water jacket, connect the
inlet/outlets to the bath external circulating pump.
5) Allow 30 minutes for the viscosity standard, sample chamber and spindle to reach test
temperature.
When a Helipath Stand and T-Bar spindles are used: it is not recommended to use T-bar
spindles to check calibration.
Remove the T-bar spindle and select a standard LV(#1-4) or RV,HA,HB(#2-7) spindle. Follow the
procedures for using LV and RV,HA,HB Brookfield spindles outlined on page 18.
T-Bar spindles should not be used for verifying calibration of the DV-E Viscometer.
1) Place the viscosity standard fluid (in the proper container) into the water bath.
2) Attach the spindle to the viscometer. Attach chamber (SA-1Y) and clamp to the viscometer.
3) Lower the DV-E into measurement position. Operate the viscometer at 50 or 60 RPM until the
chamber is fully flooded.
4) The viscosity standard fluid, together with the spindle, should be immersed in the bath for a
minimum of 1 hour, stirring the fluid periodically (operate at 50 or 60 RPM periodically), prior
to taking measurements.
5) After 1 hour, check the temperature of the viscosity standard fluid with an accurate thermometer.
6) If the fluid is at test temperature (+/- 0.1°C of the specified temperature, normally 25°C),
measure the viscosity and record the viscometer reading.
Note: The spindle must rotate at least five (5) times for one minute, whichever is greater
before readings are taken.
7) The viscosity reading should equal the cP value on the viscosity fluid standard to within the
combined accuracies of the viscometer and the standard (as discussed in the section entitled,
Interpretation of Calibration Test Results).
When verifying the calibration of the DV-E, the instrument and viscosity standard fluid error
must be combined to calculate the total allowable error.
The DV-E is accurate to (+/-) 1% of any full scale spindle/speed viscosity range.
Brookfield Viscosity Standards Fluids are accurate to (+/-) 1% of their stated value.
Brookfield Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 22 Manual No. M/98-350-D0902
EXAMPLE: Calculate the acceptable range of viscosity using RVDV-E with RV-3 Spindle at 2
RPM; Brookfield Standard Fluid 12,500 with a viscosity of 12,257 cP at 25°C:
2) The viscosity standard fluid is 12,257 cP. Its accuracy is (+/-)1% of 12,257 or
(+/-)122.57 cP.
4) Therefore, any viscosity reading between 11,634.4 and 12,879.6 cP indicates that the viscom-
eter is operating correctly. Any reading outside these limits may indicate a viscometer problem.
Contact the Brookfield technical sales department or your local Brookfield dealer/distributor
with test results to determine the nature of the problem.
The guard leg was originally designed to protect the spindle during use. The first applications of the
Brookfield Viscometer included hand held operation while measuring fluids in a 55 gallon drum. It
is clear that under those conditions the potential for damage to the spindle was great.
The current guard leg is a band of metal in the shape of the letter U with a bracket at the top that
attaches to the pivot cup of a Brookfield Viscometer/Rheometer. A guard leg is supplied with all LV
and RV series instruments, but not with the HA or HB series. It’s shape is designed to accommodate
the spindles of the appropriate spindle set; therefore, the RV guard leg is wider than the LV due to
the large diameter of the RV #1 (optional) spindle. They are not interchangeable.
The calibration of the Brookfield Viscometer/Rheometer is determined using a 600 ml Low Form
Griffin Beaker. The calibration of LV and RV series instruments includes the guard leg. The beaker
wall (for HA/HB instruments) or the guard leg (for LV/RV instruments) define what is called the
“outer boundary” of the measurement. The spindle factors for the LV, RV, and HA/HB spindles were
developed with the above boundary conditions. The spindle factors are used to convert the
instrument torque (expressed as the dial reading or %Torque value) into centipoise. Theoretically,
if measurements are made with different boundary conditions, e.g., without the guard leg or in a
container other than 600 ml beaker, then the spindle factors found on the Factor Finder cannot be used
to accurately calculate an absolute viscosity. Changing the boundary conditions does not change the
viscosity of the fluid, but it does change how the instrument torque is converted to centipoise.
Without changing the spindle factor to suit the new boundary conditions, the calculation from
instrument torque to viscosity will be incorrect.
Practically speaking, the guard leg has the greatest effect when used with the #1 & #2 spindles of the
LV and RV spindle sets. Any other LV (#3 & #4) or RV (#3 - #7) spindle can be used in a 600 ml
beaker with or without the guard leg to produce correct results. The HA and HB series Viscometers/
Brookfield Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 23 Manual No. M/98-350-D0902
Rheometers are not supplied with guard
legs in order to reduce the potential prob-
lems when measuring high viscosity mate-
rials. HA/HB spindles #3 through #7 are
identical to those spindle numbers in the RV
spindle set. The HA/HB #1 & #2 have
slightly different dimensions than the corre-
sponding RV spindles. This dimensional
difference allows the factors between the
RV and HA/HB #1 spindles to follow
the same ratios as the instrument torque
even though the boundary conditions are
different.
The guard leg is a part of the calibration check of the Brookfield LV and RV series Viscometer/
Rheometer. Our customers should be aware of its existence, its purpose and the effect that it may
have on data. With this knowledge, the viscometer user may make modifications to the recom-
mended method of operation to suit their needs.
Figure E-1
Check carefully to see that all the components are received with no concealed damage.
Remove the three (3) leveling screws from the base and discard the packing material. Remove the
jam nut from the upright rod.
Screw the leveling screws into the base. Insert the threaded end of the upright rod into the hole in
the top of the base and attach the jam nut to the rod on the underside of the base. With the rod gear
rack facing forward (toward the “V” in the base), gently tighten the jam nut.
Viscometer Mounting
The VS-35Y clamp assembly should be positioned so that the word ‘front’ is facing the operator. This
will ensure the cut-away slot of the clamp assembly will align properly with the machined key ridge
of the viscometer handle. Insert the viscometer rod into the cut-away hole of the clamp assembly.
Adjust the instrument level until the bubble is centered within the target and tighten the clamp screw,
VS-26Y.
The small clamp adjusting screw (Figure E1) on the front of the clamp assembly
should be loosened or tightened as necessary to provide smooth height adjustment
and adequate support for the Viscometer.
Center the Viscometer relative to the stand base and retighten the jam nut as required. Referring to
the Viscometer bubble level, adjust the leveling screws until the instrument is level.
Operation
Listed are some of the more common problems that you may encounter while using your DV-E
Viscometer. Review these items before you contact Brookfield.
❏ Check the voltage rating on your viscometer (115V, 220V): it must match the wall voltage.
❏ Make sure the speed set knob is set properly and securely at the desired speed.
❏ Inspect viscometer coupling and spindle coupling mating areas and threads for dirt: clean
threads on spindle coupling with a 3/56 left-hand tap.
❏ Inspect threads for wear; if the threads are worn, the unit needs service (see Appendix G).
❏ Check to see if spindles rotate eccentrically or wobble. There is an allowable runout for 1/
32-inch in each direction (1/16-inch total) when measured from the bottom of the spindle
rotating in air.
❏ Check to see if the viscometer coupling is bent; if so, the unit is in need of service.
If the pointer sticks and/or does not rest at zero, the unit is need of service. See Appendix G for
details on how to return your viscometer.
Inaccurate Readings
If the unit is found to be out of tolerance, the unit may be in need of service. See Appendix H for
details on how to return your viscometer.
Warranty
Brookfield Viscometers are guaranteed for one year from date of purchase against defects in
materials and workmanship. The Viscometer must be returned to Brookfield Engineering
Laboratories, Inc. or the Brookfield dealer from whom it was purchased for no charge warranty
evaluation service. Transportation is at the purchaser’s expense. The Viscometer should be shipped
in its carrying case together with all spindles originally provided with the instrument as shown
below.
For repair or service outside the United States consult Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. or the
dealer from whom you purchased the instrument.
On-site service at your facility is also available from Brookfield. Please contact our Service
Department for details.
DATE:
BY:
TEST INFORMATION:
SAMPLE MODEL SPINDLE RPM DIAL READING FACTOR VISCOSITY SHEAR TEMP TIME NOTES
% TORQUE cP RATE °C
Page 31
Manual No. M/98-350-D0902
Please photo-
CONCLUSIONS:
BROOKFIELD ENGINEERING LABORATORIES, INC. • 11 Commerce Boulevard • Middleboro, MA 02346 • TEL: 508-946-6200 or 800-628-8139 (USA) FAX: 508-946-6262 • www.brookfieldengineering.com