®

SC H O T T I NST RU M E NT S VISCOSY STEM AVS

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®
ViscoSystem AVS
Viscosity measuring systems suitable
for every user’s application

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 ViscoSystem ® AVS 350, 360, 450
Method of measurement

Contents Page The most accurate method to Units of the ViscoSystem® range Where as the optical system
ViscoSystem ® 3 determine the viscosity of liq- can measure flow-through recognizes the liquid meniscus
ViscoSystem ® AVS 350 4 uids is by using viscometers. times with an accuracy of using optical fibres, the TC vis-
ViscoSystem AVS 360
® 5 The ViscoSystem ® range uses 0.01 %. cometers utilize the effect of
WinVisco 8 this method. What is actually different thermal conductivity
ViscoSystem ® AVS 450 10 measured is the time a defined In all devices, the liquid menis- of air and fluids.
Transparent thermostats 12 volume of liquid requires to cus in the viscometer can be
Flow-through cooler 15 flow through a capillary tube of measured in two different ways:
Measurement stands 15 a specific length and width. opto-electronically or using
Order information 16 TC sensors.

This entire measurement system

comprises the individual components

AVS 350/360, thermostat CT 54,

measurement stands and viscometers.

3
ViscoSystem ® AVS 350: ViscoSystem ® AVS 360.
from a single measuring station to a PC-controlled Vacuum for accurate results
sample station with 8 samples

The ViscoSystem® AVS 350 vis-
cosity measuring unit deter-
mines the flow times of liquids
in capillary viscometers with
crystal accuracy and a resolu-
tion of 0.01 s. Because it can
utilize two different sensory sys-
tems (opto-electronically or TC
sensors) for meniscus detection,
the AVS 350 system is suitable
for an extremely wide range of
applications and enables trans-
parent,black or even completely
opaque liquids to be measured.
The ViscoSystem®
AVS 350 automatical-
ly repeats the measurements
and saves the measured values.
Not only can it be installed as a
stand-alone device, it can also
be connected to a PC.
A total of 8 units can be linked
together in a daisy chain to
only one RS-232C interface.
Measurement operation and
data evaluation are then con-
trolled by the computer allow-
ing the units to operate paral-
lel.
The available PC software Win-
Visco is both versatile and user
friendly. It allows the control
and evaluation of up to 8
ViscoSystem® AVS 350 units.
The single measuring
station
ViscoSystem® AVS 350 is the
inexpensive starter model for
automatic viscosity measure-
ments of black liquids using TC
viscometers. If opto-electronic
sensors are preferred, the
appropriate measuring stand is
used.
The AVS 350 is easy
to operate as the
automatic sequence of the
measuring process reliably elim-
inates subjective error sources.
Measurements are initiated by
pressing a button and the rest
is automatic. After the pre-set
temperature equilibration time
has elapsed, the specified num-
ber of measurements are car-
ried out. The measured values
are displayed digitally and
saved in the unit’s memory. At
the touch of a button, all values
of a measurement sequence
can be viewed in a scrolling
mode and are available until
the start of a new measurement
series.
The automatic viscometer
cleaner AVS 26 cleans and dries
the viscometer after a measure-
ment series without removing
from the thermostat bath.
Usually the single station works
without being connected to a
PC. However, upon request, the
AVS 350 can be controlled by
a PC which then also evaluates
the measurement results.
The multiple sample mea-
suring station – PC con-
trolled multi-tasking
When up to 8 units are con-
nected, the measurements for a
number of samples – both
black and transparent – can be
taken in parallel, either all the
identical ones together or all
samples in a random sequence,
then the results can be evaluat-
ed and documented.
A PC can be used to control
and evaluate the measure-
ments. The Schott Software
WinVisco supports fast viscosity
measurements, calculations and
their documentation. Users
without any previous computer
experience can learn to use
the programme quickly and
easily. More details are available
on pages 8 and 9.
Hardware and software of the
ViscoSystems® AVS 350 com-
bine ease of use in the labora-
tory with Schott’s experience
in capillary viscometry.
A high degree of safety
with critical and highly
viscous samples
The viscometers ViscoSystem®
AVS 350 and ViscoSystem® AVS
360 use the same methods of
measurement, measuring in
capillary viscometers. This is the
most accurate method for
determining the viscosity of
Newtonian liquids.
There are differences in terms
of the working principles
between the two viscometers
(pressure or vacuum), the
pumps used for the measure-
ment process as well as the
ability to connect automatic or
semi-automatic rinsing and
cleaning units.
Comparison between viscometers
AVS 350 and AVS 360
AVS 350 AVS 360
Working principle pressure vacuum
Pump type Oscillating membrane Oscillating membrane
pressure pump vacuum pump
Pump pressure 0.04 ... 0.1 bar -0.01 ... -0.4 bar
controlled automatically controlled automatically
Automatic cleaning Connection of only upon request!
viscometer cleaner AVS 26

5
The working principles ‘pressure’ and ‘vacuum’
The sample determines The viscometer Visco-
the principle System® AVS 360 has
The ViscoSystem® AVS 350 uses been developed for the
the traditional principle of improved measurement of
pressure, i.e. the sample to be highly viscous samples. It works
measured is pressed into the with vacuum to suction the
viscometer with an excess pres- sample into the viscometer. The
sure of up to 0.1 bar. ‘vacuum’ working principle
provides the user with a greater
degree of safety: the sample
Comparisons between preferred applications
ViscoSystem® AVS 350 and ViscoSystem® AVS 360
Highly viscous samples e.g. oils and polymers
Solvents: (examples) highly volatile
sulphuric acid
dichloroacetic acid
toluene
acetone
hexafluorisopropanol
m-cresol
Scanning of the opto-electronically*
fluid meniscus TC sensors*
PC connection (RS-232-C)
Software WinVisco Stand alone station
and up to 8 units
* with the appropriate viscometer
Automatic cleaning of the (VZ 5625) and the associated
capillary viscometer suction set (VZ 5624). The
The ViscoSystem AVS 360 unit
® semi-automatic suction unit
can be combined with a enables the viscometer to be
semi-automatic suction unit emptied in the bath and to
which includes a suction pump rinse it with the next sample.
6 7
cannot splash out of the vis-
cometer and this means the
user is not exposed to health
risks from solvents.
Due to the vacuum principle,
the ViscoSystem® AVS 360
makes it possible to achieve
greater reproducibility of the
measured values even when
AVS 350
yes
(up to approx. 3000 mm 2/s)
yes
no
no
yes
yes
no
no
yes
yes
exists
yes
The sample which has already
been measured is sucked into a
waste bottle and hence the
user no longer comes into con-
tact with dangerous solvents. A
further advantage of the semi-
highly viscous samples are Technical specifications AVS 350 AVS 360
used. An additional advantage Measurement range (time) up to 9999.99 s; resolution 0.01 s see AVS 350
of the AVS 360 is that the uni- Measurement range (viscosity) 0.35 ... 1,800 mm /s (cSt)
2
0.35 ... approx. 5,000 mm 2/s (cSt)
form formation of the ‘suspend- Tolerance of time measurement ± 0.01 % see AVS 350
ed sphere level’ is guaranteed Display tolerance ± 1 Digit (0.01 s) see AVS 350
even for the minimum sample Readout six figure LED display with see AVS 350
volumes required for Ubbeloh- floating decimal point, height = 14.2 mm;
de viscometers. additional LED display for
no. of measurements, height = 7.6 mm
Pump pressure approx. 0.04...0.1 bar, automatically controlled approx. -0.01 ... -0.4 bar,
automatically controlled
Programmable temp. equilibration time 0 ... 20 min see AVS 350
Programmable no. of measurements 1 ... 10 see AVS 350
Rinsing unit connection viscometer cleaner AVS 26 upon request
Data outputs two RS-232C interfaces see AVS 350
AVS 360 Power supply 230 V~ 50 ... 60 Hz: power consumption 30 VA see AVS 350
yes (115 V~ 50 ... 60 Hz specify when ordering)
(above approx. 3000 mm 2/s) Ambient temperature 0 ... + 50 °C see AVS 350
no Casing shielded plastic/steel casing see AVS 350
yes with chemically resistant two component
yes coating, can be stacked
yes Dimensions 225 x 155 x 395 mm (W x H x D) see AVS 350
yes Weight approx. 5.2 kg see AVS 350
yes
yes
yes
yes WinVisco-Software Stand-alone station stand-alone station
exists for Windows‚ 95 (or higher) or for multi-tasking with 2–8 units
yes Capillary viscometer The following capillary viscometers manufactured by Schott can be used to
(see separate catalogue ‘Capillary viscometers’) measure fluids without solid particles and with a viscosity between 0.35 – 10,000 mm 2/s:
Ubbelohde viscometer in compliance with DIN and ASTM, micro Ubbelohde viscometer,
Cannon-Fenske routine viscometer and Mikro-Ostwald viscometer.
automatic suction unit is that We reserve the right to make technical changes.
the viscometer no longer has ViscoSystem is a registered trademark of the SCHOTT group, Mainz, Germany
be removed and cleaned sepa-
rately.
WinVisco.
PC software for the ViscoSystem ®
User-friendly software is
a pleasure to work with.
WinVisco software for the Visco-
System AVS 350 and AVS 360
® changed
units is easy to learn and under-
stand. Up to eight viscosity mea-
suring units can be controlled
by a minimum of operator con-
trolled working steps. The
device parameters constant,
t0 running time, number of mea-
surements, temperature equili-
bration time, viscometer type,
date as well as sample descrip-
tions can be entered easily for
every measuring position.
The Method Center displays all
parameters (measuring data, sample
parameters, viscometer) which are
relevant for the viscosity determina-
tion. User-defined parameters or for-
mulas can be added, modified or
removed.
8 9
The software uses the multi-
tasking principle, i.e. during the
measurements are being taken,
◗ the screen display can be
◗ additional measurements can
be started or terminated
◗ measured values can be
printed or saved.
WinVisco supports two user
groups. Level 1 users are limit-
ed to operations such as select-
ing the viscometer and per-
forming measurements, loading
and saving methods and enter-
ing parameters. Level 2 users,
or so-called administrators, can
use all options of the software.
Every user is given a user-id, a
level and a password.
All information is available on
only 5 pages and can be called
up and scrolled through.
The menu item ‘AVS Center’ is
sub-divided into ‘Revision
Center’ and ‘Method Center’.
In the ‘Revision Center’, the
device address, status display,
sample description, start/stop
key are displayed with a maxi-
mum of 10 measured values.
The ‘Method Center’ shows the
measurement parameters on
the left and the sample para-
meters on the right. If you wish
to enter a new user-defined
parameter, click on ‘Add para-
meter’ and the formula editor
is displayed.
All information about ‘Hard-
ware’, ‘Users’ and the ‘Viscome-
ters’ used is held under ‘System
Maintenance’.
At the end of a measurement, if
required, the protocol file with
all the data of each measure-
ment position (method, mea-
sured values, standard parame-
ters, formula, results, viscome-
ters etc.) are displayed. A hard
copy of this information is avail-
able using a printer. or calculations. The current Here you can choose the viscome-
protocol file including headings ters used for the measurements.
The software is able to incorpo- can be subsequently processed. Most important here are the capil-
rate external programmes for WinVisco is installed under lary constant and the t0-value.
documentation purposes (LIMS) Windows 95 or higher.
® Moreover, the latest date of modifi-
cation as well as the old constants
resp. old t0-values are stored.
The Formula Parameter Editor is
used to enter user-defined parame-
ters and formulas respectively.
ViscoSystem® AVS 450.
Intelligent viscosity measurements, calculations, documents
State-of-the-art viscosity
measurements
The viscosity of liquids can be
determined most accurately by
using capillary viscometers. The
time required for a fixed vol-
ume of liquid to flow through a
capillary tube of known length
and width is measured. The vis-
cosity measuring unit ViscoSys-
tem® AVS 450 uses this method
and can measure the flow-
through times with an accuracy
of 0.01 %.
Operating the
ViscoSystem® AVS
450 is very easy. At the push of
a button the unit performs the
complete measuring procedure
– from correctly filling the mea-
suring bulb to the printed final
protocol. This is taken care of
by the electronically controlled
pump, the internal quartz clock
and the electronic calculator
integrated in the microcomput-
er. Independently of capillary
size and viscosity, the flow-
through times are automatically
measured accurately to one
100 th of a second up to
9999.99 seconds. Repeatability
accuracy of better than 0.1 % is
possible.
10
After the specified temperature
equilibration period has
expired, the specified number
of measurements are per-
formed and an average is
formed from the flow-through
times. In addition, the absolute
or relative viscosity can be
determined using the saved vis-
cometer constants or t0 running
periods. All measurable vari-
ables are printed out with the
appropriate units so that cor-
rect allocation is guaranteed.
The input keyboard
is automatically
locked throughout the measur-
ing procedure so that uninten-
tional intervention is ruled out.
The memory saves the entered
parameters for months even
after the unit has been
switched off. When the unit is
switched on, the data saved is
printed out for control purpos-
es. The Hagenbach corrections
can also be carried out using
the AVS 450. The standard
deviation can also be calculated.
And finally the ability to con-
nect the automatic viscometer
cleaner AVS 26 ensures that
even after the most viscous and
‘black’ measurements, the vis-
cometer is left clean and dry
ready for the next series of
measurements.
This advantage becomes obvi-
ous when repeat measurements
become necessary – when it is
dark in the viscometer – as the
TC sensors ‘feel’ the different
thermal conductivity of air and
liquid and provide an accurate
signal.
The two measurement sensors
are coated with a glass layer
and hermetically sealed. This
way the liquid to be measured
only comes into contact with
the glass so that even the
viscosity of hot and aggressive
ViscoSystem® AVS 450 – media can be measured.
if you wish to measure (U.S.-patent 4685328).
black liquids.
You will really like the working
With its well designed level programme of the integrated
sensing system for capillary vis- intelligent computer of the AVS
cometers, the viscosity measur- 450 if you place high demands
ing unit AVS 450 enables you on viscosity measurements.
to take measurements between
0.3 and approx. 5,000 mm2/s
for both black and transparent
liquids.
The reason for this extraordi-
narily wide range is due to the
two TC sensors of the viscome-
ters which can still ‘see’ even if
transparency is a problem.
Technical Specifications ViscoSystem® AVS 450
Measurement range (time) 0.01 ... 9,999.99 s
Measurement range (viscosity) 0.35 ... 5,000 mm 2/s
Time measurement tolerance ± 0.01 %
Measurement display 6 figure seven segment LED display
with floating decimal point, height = 17 mm.
Function display six LED function display
Pump pressure Micro processor controlled 0...80 mbar
Printer 24 digits per line in 5x7 dot matrix,
digit size = 3 mm
Printer language German, English, French
(please specify when ordering)
Paper black printing thermal paper, width 58 mm
Viscometer constant/ 6 digit, displayed with a floating decimal point,
t0 -running time overflow input to 8 digits possible
Programmable temp. equilibration period 0 to 99 min.
Programmable number of measurements 1 to 999
Sample identification number max. 8 digits, date with oblique stroke
Correction/additional evaluation Hagenbach correction (HC)
Statistical evaluations standard deviation, outlier search
Meniscus sensing principles thermal conductivity or optical fibres
Rinsing connection viscometer cleaner AVS 26
Ambient temperature 0 ... +50 °C
Keyboard 10 keys 0...9, decimal point, function,
constant/t0, no. of measurements, paper feed,
display clear, start, stop-reset, VT, HC, D%, No.
Data input/output RS-232-C
Power supply mains: 230 V~ (115 V if requested),
50 ... 60 Hz, permanent memory;
devices comply with protection class 1
Power consumption 70 VA
Casing materials shielded plastic/aluminium casing with
chemically resistant two component coating
Dimensions 375 x 215 x 145 mm (W x H x D)
Weight approx. 5 kg
We reserve the right to make technical changes.
ViscoSystem is a registered trade mark of the SCHOTT group, Mainz, Germany
11
Transparent thermostats – CT series
High temperature
constancy and visual
observation
Transparent thermostats manu-
factured by Schott have been
specially designed to measure
the viscosity of Newtonian
liquids in capillary viscometers.
They can be used for both
manual measurements and,
when used in connection with
viscosity measuring equipment,
for automatic measurements.
The most important characteris-
tics of the transparent ther-
mostats are their ability to
maintain a constant tempera-
ture and capability of visual
observation of the flow of the
fluid in the viscometer.
The transparent thermostats of
the series CT 53 and CT 54 are
suitable for viscosity measure-
ments in compliance with
DIN 51 562 (Part 1) and ASTM
D 445. They are comprised of a
stainless steel bath with insulat-
ing glass, a coated steel casing
12
and a bath thermostat. In addi-
tion, the CT 54 has an integrat-
ed discharge outlet on one
side to drain the bath. An RS-
232-C interface enables it to be
connected to a PC.
The viscosity of New-
tonian liquids is
extremely dependent on tem-
perature. Depending on the
measurement medium, a devia-
tion of 0.5 to 2% can be
expected for a temperature
deviation of 0.1 K. For this rea-
son, the significant influence of
temperature on the viscosity
of a fluid must be taken into
consideration when selecting a
thermostat. All Schott ther-
mostats have the possible tem-
perature stability of 0.01 K (see
Technical Specifications) under
optimum ambient conditions.
CT 52
The transparent thermostat
CT 52 is made of acrylic glass
and it is able to take up to two
automatic measurement posi-
tions or brackets for manual
measurements. Due to its
design its ability to keep the
temperature constant is not
quite as great and it can only
be used up to temperatures of
+ 60 °C. If temperature constan-
cy is not a top priority, the CT
52 is a cost-effective alternative.
2 or 4 measuring points
All CT 53 models enable the
user to position 2 measurement
stands or brackets into the
thermostats. Up to 4 micro-TC-
viscometers can be positioned
in the thermostats using the
special VZ 7191 holder.
CT 53 TT
These thermostats have been
specifically designed for use at
temperatures well below room
temperature.
CT 53
This thermostat is for use with
temperatures between +5°C
and +102°C. Between +5°C and
+50°C cooling is recommended
to maintain the temperature
constancy. Either a flow-
through cooler (e.g. CK 300,
see Accessories) or simple cool-
ing with circulated water can
be used.
CT 53 HT
The high temperature version
of the thermostats is used to
measure viscosity at tempera-
tures above +80°C (see Techni-
cal specification).
Viscosity measurements can be
measured between - 40 °C and
+102 °C. For measurements
under +5 °C, a cryostat is neces-
sary to reach the low tempera-
tures.
13
 Accessories

CT 54
The main technical features of
this thermostat are identical to
those of the CT 53. The main
differences are the number of
measuring positions (the num-
ber doubles) and the additional
discharge outlet to drain the
bath. Up to 8 micro-TC-vis-
cometers can be positioned in
the thermostats if 2 special
VZ 7191 holders are used.
Recommended temperature equalization fluids
Fluid Alcohol Water Paraffin oil Silicon oil
Temperature range -40 °C ... +10 °C +5 °C ... + 80 °C +40 °C ... +150 °C +80 °C ... +150 °C
The following applies to all temperature equalization fluids:
The viscosity of the temperature equalization fluid should be a max. 10 mm /s (cSt) at 25 °C. 3
Flow-through cooler
CK300
The fluor-hydro-carbon gas free
flow-through cooler serves to
mechanically cool the bath fluid
and is filled with environment
compatible coolant R 134a. It
works at ambient temperatures
between +5 and +50°C.
Refrigeration power is 300 W at
20°C. The CK300 is very com-
pact (200 x 430 x 300 mm/
W x H x D) and very stable
(approx. 25 kg).
The flow-through cooler is
available for all standard inter-
national voltage and frequency
ranges (230 V, 50 Hz; 115 V,
60 Hz). Other voltage and fre-
quency combinations are only
available upon request as spe-
cial productions.

Technical specifications CT 52 CT 53 TT** CT 53 CT 53 HT CT 54

Operating temperature +10 ... +60 °C -40 ... +102 °C +5 ...+102 °C +5 ...+150 °C +5 ...+102 °C AVS-Measurement stands
Measurement points for AVS/S 2 2 2 2 4 For the use of capillary viscometers for
Measurement points for TC 2 2 2 2 4 opto-electronic measurement recording.
Measurement points Micro-TC 2 4* 4* 4* 8*
Temperature constancy in com- ± 0.02 K ± 0.01 K ± 0.01 K ± 0.01 K ± 0.01 K Type no.: AVS/S Metal measurement stand, preferably for non-aqueous bath fluids For use with temp. range: -80 ... + 80 °C
pliance with DIN 58 966 at 25°C Type no.: AVS/SK PVDF measurement stand, corrosion free, suitable for For use with temp. range: 0 ... + 80 °C
Dimensions (WxHxD in mm) 355 x 370 x 250 355 x 370 x 250 355 x 370 x 250 355 x 370 x 250 605x 370 x 250 both aqueous and non-aqueous bath fluids
Volume 18 l 15 l 15 l 15 l 27 l Type no.: AVS/SK-CF PVDF measurement stand specially for use of Cannon-Fenske- For use with temp. range: 0 ... + 80 °C
Weight (empty) approx. 5 kg approx. 13.5 kg approx. 13.5 kg approx. 13.7 kg approx. 28 kg Routine viscometers
Type no.: AVS/SK-V PVDF measurement stand specially for the use of dilution viscometers For use with temp. range: 0 ... + 80 °C
When using in the normal temperature range it is necessary to cool the system (+5 °C to approx. +50 °C) to maintain the temperature Dimensions 90 x 90 x 460 mm (W x D x H)
constancy. This can be achieved either by using circulated water or a flow-through cooler (e.g. CK300). Weight approx. 1.1 kg

* When using with 4 or 8 micro-TC-viscometers, a special holder (Type: VZ 7191) is required for two of the existing measurement positions. We reserve the right to make technical changes.

** When using at very low temperatures (well below room temperature) a cryostat is required. Cryostats can be included in delivery (at the list price of the manufacturer).

14 15
Order information

Viscosity measuring systems manufactured by Schott are co-

mposed of individual components which must be ordered
individually. Please always request a detailed offer.

Type no. Order no.

AVS 350, 230 V 28 541 3454

AVS 350, 115 V 28 541 3446
AVS 360, 230 V 28 541 3495
AVS 360, 115 V 28 541 3508
WinVisco 28 541 9576
AVS 450, 230 V 28 541 4418
AVS 450, 115 V 28 541 4401
AVS 26 28 541 4483

CT 52 28 541 8247
CT 53 28 541 8399
CT 53 TT 28 541 8452
CT 53 HT 28 541 8436
CT 54 28 541 8255
CK300, 230 V 28 541 4348
CK300, 115 V 28 541 4331

AVS/S 28 541 0502

AVS/SK 28 541 0876
AVS/SK-CF 28 541 0892
AVS/SK-V 28 541 0905
Bracket 28 540 5043
Holder VZ 7191 28 542 1968

SCHOTT –Instruments GmbH

Hattenbergstraße 10
55122 Mainz
Germany

Phone: +49 (0) 61 31 / 66 - 5111 e-Mail: avs@schott-instruments.com

Fax: +49 (0) 61 31 / 66 - 5001 www.schott-instruments.com