DSV Automation
Viscotek developed the Model Y501 Relative Viscometer several years ago for DSV
measurement. It provides fast, precise, automated measurements and has become the
world standard, displacing traditional glass tube viscometers. The bottleneck on
DSV productivity then became the sample preparation.
Robotics sample prep is an obvious solution and has been shown to improve productivity,
precision, and safety in several laboratories. However, robotics has drawbacks:
- It requires considerable laboratory space.
- Specialized training needed for maintenance of robotics system.
- It is very expensive.
Automated Relative Viscometer (ARV) System
Viscotek developed the ARV system in response to the need for automation of the
sample preparation as well as the viscosity measurement. Main components of the
system:
- Analytical Balance
- Syringe Dispensers (2)
- Solution preparation, sample loading
- Vortex HT Autosampler
- Stirs, dissolves and loads sample
- Y501 Relative Viscometer
- Heated transfer line for polyolefin applications
- Water Re-circulator cools solution to RT for PET, PVC.
- Degasser (Aqueous and volatile organic solvents)
- Data Station with ARV Software for instrument control
The ARV allows the operator to place an approximate amount of sample into the sample
vial, letting the balance record the weight accurately. Then the vial is capped
and moved to the Vortex autosampler where automatically, the appropriate amount
of solvent is added, selected temperature and proper stirring speed applied. After
the stirring is completed, the stirring stops and the viscometer takes in the sample
from the vial for testing, results are calculated and reported on the computer.
The operator reports the results and discards the vials, ready for the next batch
of samples.
Summary of Practical ARV Advantages
- Faster, easier analysis than conventional glass tubes
- Minimized solvent exposure to operators (Safety)
- Removes temperature issue
- More accurate
- Removes operator subjectivity
- High precision
- Typically better than 0.2% RSD on the calculated viscosity function
- Overall precision mostly limited by sample heterogeneity
- Better Precision
- Easy to change solvent (15 min)
- Less solvent use
- Various levels of automation available
Applications
Below are some common viscosity applications. Other applications are also suitable
for the ARV.
- PET in OCP/Phenol or Ph/TCE
- PVC in THF or Cyclohexanone
- Nylon/Polyesters in Cresol or HFIP
- PE/PP in TCB or Decline
- Delrin in HFIP
- Nylon in Formic Acid
- Polycarbonate in Dichloromethane
- Starches in DMSO