IKA ROTATEMP me-vi Package, viscometer set including heating system (300 °C), 0010014015

Asphalt, bitumen, wax and hot-melt adhesives are not fluid at room temperature; their viscosity can only be measured accurately when they are warm or hot. The ROTATEMP me-vi Package combines the ROTAVISC rotational viscometer in the me-vi measuring range with the IKA ROTATEMP high-temperature system, which uses magnetic stirring technology to heat samples to up to 300 °C in around 16 minutes without overheating them. The drive, stand, heating system and spindle set are designed to work together as a complete package and do not need to be assembled individually.

Heating system instead of a separate water bath

The ROTATEMP high-temperature system is mounted directly onto the stand and heats the sample in the cantilever vessel; this eliminates the need for an additional external water bath for temperature-dependent measurements up to 300 °C. According to the manufacturer, the system reaches the target temperature in around 16 minutes; the controlled heating is designed to prevent the temperature from overshooting, thereby making the measurement more reproducible. According to the data sheet, the sample’s working temperature ranges from -100 to 300 °C; for this package, the upper, heated range is of practical relevance.

Viscometer for the me-vi range

The ROTAVISC drive, fitted with standard jewel bearings, measures in the range up to 40,000,000 mPas, with an accuracy of 1 % of the measuring range and a repeatability of 0.2 %. The SP set-2 spindle set is supplied as standard; the spring torque of the measuring spring is 0.7187 mNm. The TFT display allows the speed (0.01 to 200 rpm), timer (0.017 to 6,000 min) and measured values to be set and read directly. An external PT-100 temperature sensor supplements the measurement; its resolution is 0.1 K.

Compact complete system

The drive, ROTASTAND stand and heating system form a ready-to-connect complete system with a space-saving design, eliminating the need for a separate setup comprising a bath, pump and hoses. The device can be connected to the labworldsoft laboratory software via RS 232 or USB-B for automated measurement series, control and documentation. The stand’s telescopic stroke is 200 mm with a permissible dynamic load of 5 kg, significantly more than with the standard ROTAVISC Complete package without a heating system.

Operating conditions and operation

The instrument is designed for an ambient temperature of 5 to 40 °C at a maximum relative humidity of 80 % and operates in both timer and continuous modes. A digital spirit level facilitates alignment before measurement begins, a ramp function automates recurring test sequences, and the graph function displays the viscosity curve during the heating phase and the actual measurement. The base vessel holds 600 ml of sample; the motor delivers 4.8 W at the output, rotates clockwise as standard and is protected against overload.

Typical applications

This package is suitable wherever viscosity only becomes relevant as the temperature rises and a fixed target temperature must be reached in the cantilever vessel, for example with samples that are solid or tough at room temperature.

• Viscosity measurement of asphalt, bitumen and similar road construction materials
• Waxes, hot-melt adhesives and other temperature-dependent materials
• Polymers and confectionery mixtures that only become flowable when warm
• Measurement series with a defined heating phase up to 300 °C
• Comparative measurement series at different target temperatures
• Automated measurement series via labworldsoft and RS 232 or USB-B

Technical details

Scope of delivery

The drive, stand, heating system and spindle set together form the complete, pre-assembled package. Each component can be reordered individually using its own identification number if required, for example if a second spindle set is needed for parallel measurement series.

• 1 x ROTAVISC me-vi control S000
• 1 x ROTASTAND (ID no. 0020116428)
• 1 x ROTATEMP high-temperature system (ID no. 0020113825)
• 1 x SP set-2, spindle set (ID no. 0025000329)
• 1 x PT 100.8 temperature sensor (ID no. 0025000413)

Regulatory information

This device is an electrical appliance within the meaning of the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). The WEEE registration number of the manufacturer, IKA, is DE 66784213. Information on the return of old appliances can be found on our page Environment and disposal.

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 regularly test lower-viscosity samples within the same temperature range, the ROTATEMP lo-vi Package is the suitable variant. For high sample throughput with frequent spindle changes, the same me-vi combination with SBS ball bearings is available as the ROTATEMP SBS me-vi Package. Those who require cooling as well as heating, for example for samples between -25 and 125 °C, are better served by the CBC ROTAVISC lo-vi Package, where a recirculating bath thermostat handles temperature control instead of the cantilever heating system. We provide advice on selecting the appropriate temperature control system, the correct measurement range and additional accessories such as replacement spindles via our procurement service.