IKA CBC ROTAVISC lo-vi Package, viscometer set (cooling/heating), low-viscosity, 0010014045

Some viscosity measurements do not require heating up to 300 °C, but rather a precisely maintained temperature between cold and warm; this applies, for example, to samples that are to be tested at fridge temperature or whose flow behaviour needs to be documented across a wide temperature range. The CBC ROTAVISC lo-vi Package combines the ROTAVISC drive in the lo-vi range with the CBC VISC lite cooling and heating circulation thermostat, which controls the temperature of the sample directly in the heating bath between –25 and 125 °C. The drive, stand, bath and spindle set are coordinated as a complete kit and ready for use.

The CBC VISC lite cools and heats in the same bath

Unlike the ROTATEMP packages, which only heat, the CBC VISC lite bath can also actively cool samples. The temperature range extends from -25 to 125 °C; the bath uses the natural refrigerant R290 (propane) and has space for two standard 600 ml beakers, allowing a second beaker to be pre-conditioned whilst the measurement is in progress. An easily removable air filter maintains a constant cooling capacity over time without the need to open the bath.

Measurement directly in the bath or via an external connection

For the measurement, the sample is tempered directly in the bath of the CBC VISC lite; an external pump connection also allows DIN-standard vessels to be heated for the determination of absolute viscosity using ELVAS spindles or double-walled beakers. The ROTAVISC drive measures in the lo-vi range from 1 to 6,000,000 mPas, with an accuracy of 1 % of the measuring range and a repeatability of 0.2 %; the SP set-1 spindle set is supplied as standard. The spring torque of the measuring spring is 0.0673 mNm, designed for low-viscosity samples in this range.

Operation and connectivity

The TFT display allows the rotational speed (0.01 to 200 rpm), timer (0.017 to 6,000 min) and measured values to be set and read directly; a ramp function automates recurring test sequences, and the graph function displays the viscosity curve over the temperature ramp. RS 232 and USB-B connect the device to the labworldsoft laboratory software for control, automation and documentation of the measurement series. An external PT-100 temperature sensor with a resolution of 0.1 K supplements the internal measurement, whilst a digital spirit level assists with alignment before the measurement begins.

Operating conditions

The ROTAVISC drive is designed for an ambient temperature of 5 to 40 °C at a maximum relative humidity of 80 %, regardless of the sample temperature set in the bath. The motor delivers 4.8 W at the output, rotates clockwise as standard and is protected against overload. The base vessel on the drive itself has a capacity of 600 ml.

Typical applications

This package is suitable wherever samples need to be tested within a defined temperature range between cold and warm.

• Viscosity measurement at refrigeration or room temperature between –25 and 125 °C
• Comparative measurement series over a wide temperature range in a bath
• Absolute viscosity determination in accordance with DIN via an external pump connection using ELVAS spindles
• Samples that would be too low-viscosity for the me-vi measuring range
• Parallel pre-conditioning of a second beaker whilst the measurement is in progress
• Tests using natural refrigerants as an alternative to conventional refrigerants
• Automated measurement series via labworldsoft and RS 232 or USB-B

Technical details

Scope of delivery

The drive, stand, circulation bath and spindle set are supplied as a pre-assembled, ready-to-use set; each component can be reordered individually using its own identification number if required, such as an additional beaker for alternating use in the bath.

• 1 x ROTAVISC lo-vi control S000
• 1 x ROTASTAND (ID No. 0020116428)
• 1 x CBC VISC lite heating bath and circulating thermostat, R290 (ID No. 0020102007)
• 1 x SP set-1, spindle set (ID No. 0025000319)
• 1 x PT 100.8 temperature probe (ID No. 0025000413)

Warranty and procurement service

IKA manufacturer’s warranty: 2 years; extended to 10 years upon registration at ika.com/register within 90 days of purchase. For those who do not require active cooling and only need to heat up to 300 °C, the ROTATEMP lo-vi Package offers a suitable alternative with a boom-mounted heating system instead of a bath, though without a cooling function below room temperature. For those carrying out measurements without a temperature control system at all, the ROTAVISC lo-vi HELI Complete on a motorised stand is a suitable choice. We can advise on selecting the appropriate temperature control system and the correct measurement range, and can source further accessories such as ELVAS spindles or replacement glassware via our procurement service.