IKA ROTAVISC me-vi HELI Complete Rotational Viscometer Set, motorised Helistand tripod, 0010013731
€2,903.60
% Manufacturer's RRP: €4,148.00 30% below manufacturer's RRP
- Rotational viscometer set with motorised Helistand stand
- For non-self-flowing samples such as creams, gels or pastes
- Viscosity measurement range 100 to 40,000,000 mPas
- TFT touchscreen display with graphing function and timer
- Includes PT-100 temperature sensor, operating temperature -100 to 300 °C
- Protection class IP 40
Product information "IKA ROTAVISC me-vi HELI Complete Rotational Viscometer Set, motorised Helistand tripod, 0010013731"
Not every sample flows evenly around the spindle of its own accord; for example, gels, ointments, creams or viscous substances tend to pool rather than flow. For precisely such cases, the ROTAVISC me-vi HELI Complete from IKA features a motorised helical stand instead of a rigid stand; this moves the spindle up and down in a controlled manner during the measurement, thereby feeding fresh sample material to the measuring head. The set combines this unique design feature with the same digital measuring head used by the other ROTAVISC variants, thereby delivering reproducible viscosity readings – which can be read directly on the instrument – even with samples that remain stationary.
Medium viscosity range with motorised helistand
The me-vi measuring system operates with a spring torque of 0.7187 mNm and covers a viscosity range from 100 to 40,000,000 mPas, with an accuracy of 1 per cent of full scale (FSR) and a repeatability of 0.2 per cent FSR. Unlike the rotastand in the lo-vi and hi-vi sets, in the me-vi HELI set the motorised Helistand tripod handles the vertical movement: the spindle dips slightly deeper into the sample and back out again at defined intervals, ensuring that even samples without their own flow movement are continuously re-measured.
TFT display, graph function and timer
Speed, torque and temperature are shown on the TFT touchscreen as setpoint and actual values, whilst a graphing function displays the viscosity curve directly on the instrument. The speed range extends from 0.01 to 200 rpm with a setting accuracy of ±0.01 rpm; the timer covers 0.017 to 6,000 minutes in timer or continuous operation. The supplied spindle set SP set-2 (SP 7 to SP 12) and the additional T-SP-SET are designed for the medium to high viscosity range.
Temperature-controlled measurement with PT 100
A PT 100.8 temperature sensor is included in the scope of delivery; it has a resolution of 0.1 Kelvin and, in conjunction with the instrument, covers an operating temperature range from minus 100 to 300 degrees Celsius. For actively temperature-controlled measurement series on non-flowing samples – such as when testing creams or gels over a defined temperature range – an external cooling/heating circulation thermostat, such as the HRC 2 lite or the CBC VISC lite, can be connected. An RS-232 interface and a micro-USB port enable connection to the Labworldsoft 6 laboratory instrument software.
Typical applications
With its motorised Helistand tripod, the ROTAVISC me-vi HELI Complete is particularly well-suited for samples that do not flow freely:
- Cosmetics and pharmaceutical testing of creams, ointments and gels
- Quality control of structurally viscous foodstuffs such as spreads or sauces
- Testing of sealants and paste-like formulations in research and development
- Formulation development for stable, non-self-levelling compounds
- In-process monitoring in the cosmetics and consumer goods industries
Brief overview within the ROTAVISC range
In addition to the me-vi-HELI model described here, IKA offers the ROTAVISC series in two further measuring range variants with a manual Rotastand tripod. The ROTAVISC lo-vi Complete measures from 1 to 6,000,000 mPas using a softer spring and is suitable for low-viscosity to medium-viscosity, self-flowing media. The ROTAVISC hi-vi II Complete, with a stiffer spring, covers the range from 800 to 320,000,000 mPas and is designed for pastes and highly viscous media that also flow freely. If the sample does not flow freely during the measurement, the motorised Helistand stand of the me-vi-HELI set described here is the more suitable design, regardless of the viscosity range.
Distinction from the CBC series with integrated temperature control
For those who regularly carry out measurements in the me-vi range at actively controlled temperatures, the ROTAVISC CBC me-vi Package offers a variant with a permanently integrated cooling/heating bath instead of an optional external thermostat. For measurements at room temperature or with occasional use of an external thermostat, the me-vi-HELI Complete Set described here remains the more compact and flexible solution, as the Helistand tripod can be used independently of the temperature control module. For particularly intensive continuous operation, IKA also offers the combination of CBC temperature control and a more robust ball bearing system in the ROTAVISC CBC SBS me-vi Package.
Technical details
| Viscosity measurement range | 100 to 40,000,000 mPas |
| Accuracy (FSR) | 1 % |
| Repeatability (FSR) | 0.2 % |
| Spring torque | 0.7187 mNm |
| Guide rail | me-vi |
| Measuring spindles | SP set-2 (SP 7 to SP 12) |
| Motor power, output | 4.8 W |
| Motor direction of rotation | clockwise, with overload protection |
| Display | TFT touchscreen with graph function |
| Speed range | 0.01 to 200 rpm, setting accuracy ±0.01 rpm |
| Torque display / measurement | Yes |
| Timer | 0.017 to 6,000 min, timer and continuous operation |
| Operating temperature | -100 to 300 °C, temperature measurement resolution 0.1 K |
| Connection for external temperature sensor | PT 100 |
| Permissible density | 9999 kg/dm³ |
| Base vessel volume | 600 ml |
| Stand | Helistand, motorised, stroke of telescopic stand 142 mm |
| Max. stroke / Ø / dynamic load (stand) | 61 mm / 16 mm / 3.2 kg |
| Interfaces | RS 232, USB (Micro-USB) |
| Protection class | IP 40 in accordance with DIN EN 60529 |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 351 x 629 x 372 mm |
| Weight | 7.1 kg |
| Power rating | 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 24 W |
Contents
- 1 x ROTAVISC me-vi HELI Complete (measuring head)
- 1 x SP set-2 (standard spindle set SP 7 to SP 12)
- 1 x PT 100.8 (temperature sensor)
- 1 x Helistand (motorised tripod)
- 1 x T-SP-SET
Use, installation, maintenance and disposal
The instrument is protected against solid foreign objects from 1 millimetre in size in accordance with protection class IP 40. To ensure that the Helistand can move up and down smoothly, it should be set up on a stable, vibration-free surface with sufficient headroom for the full stroke of the telescopic stand of 142 millimetres. For non-flowing, stable samples, it is advisable to clean the spindle and base vessel regularly immediately after measurement, as dried-on residues can hinder the up-and-down movement of the spindle. It is advisable to switch off the power to the device before changing the spindle or vessel. At the end of its service life, the ROTAVISC me-vi HELI Complete, as an electrical appliance, must not be disposed of with household waste but must be placed in the separate collection for waste electrical and electronic equipment. As the Helistand stand has moving mechanical parts, it is worth carrying out a quick visual check before switching it on to ensure there is sufficient clearance, so that the up and down movement does not get caught on cables or other nearby laboratory equipment.
Individual requirements & procurement service
Additional spindles and adaptors, measuring chambers, standard silicone oils for calibration, external circulating bath thermostats and the Labworldsoft 6 laboratory equipment software are available for the ROTAVISC me-vi HELI Complete if required, as are certificates for qualification (IQ/OQ) or factory calibration. Through our procurement service, LT Laborhandel will assist you in selecting from our range of viscometers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the motorised Helistand stand used for?
It moves the spindle up and down in a controlled manner during the measurement, ensuring that even samples which do not flow freely, such as creams or gels, are continuously re-measured.
What viscosity range is the me-vi model designed for?
For 100 to 40,000,000 mPas, with a spring torque of 0.7187 mNm.
Is the device ready for immediate use?
Yes, the measuring head, Helistand, spindle set SP set-2, T-SP-SET and PT 100.8 temperature sensor are included in the scope of delivery.
What distinguishes the me-vi-HELI model from the lo-vi and hi-vi-II models?
The lo-vi and hi-vi-II sets operate with a manual rotary stand for self-flowing media, whilst the me-vi-HELI set moves the spindle up and down by motor and is therefore suitable for non-flowing samples.
Is there a version with integrated temperature control?
Yes, the ROTAVISC CBC me-vi Package features a permanently integrated cooling and heating bath instead of an optional external thermostat.
Matching accessories
Rotational viscometers only deliver reliable measured values if the sample stays precisely temperature-controlled during the measurement. The IKA CBC VISC lite (0020102007) is a refrigerated and heating bath circulator designed specifically for combination with IKA ROTAVISC rotational viscometers, with a working temperature range of -25 °C to 125 °C and space for two standard beakers in the open bath. While one sample is being measured in the bath, a second one can already be pre-conditioned, which saves waiting time in measurement series with several samples. Temperature range and control accuracy for viscosity measurement The heating power of 2,000 watts and a cooling capacity of 450 watts at 20 °C to 120 watts at -20 °C cover the working temperature range of -25 °C to 125 °C. The temperature stability to DIN 12876 is ±0.05 kelvin both at 70 °C and at -10 °C, controlled by a PID controller with PT1000 working and safety probes. This stability is important in viscosity determination, because the viscosity of many media depends strongly on temperature and even small temperature fluctuations can falsify the measured values. Environmentally friendly refrigerant and optimised water flow The natural, environmentally friendly R290 is used as refrigerant, with a fill quantity of 48 grams, designed for a maximum pressure of 21 bar. Optimised water flow management in the insulated bath ensures fast and precise temperature control. The noise level is 53 dB(A), and an air filter that is easy to remove and clean keeps the cooling performance constant over time. External pump connection for standard vessels to DIN Via the external pump connection, the CBC VISC lite can also be used to heat standard vessels to DIN for absolute viscosity determination with ELVAS spindles or for double-walled beakers. The pressure/suction pump reaches a maximum delivery pressure of 0.35 bar, a suction pressure of 0.15 bar and a flow rate of up to 18 litres per minute via the M16x1 connection. The fill volume of the bath is 5.5 to 8.5 litres, the bath opening measures 150 x 218 millimetres and the total height of the bath is 234 millimetres. The CBC VISC lite can thus be used flexibly both for direct measurement in the open bath and for temperature control of an external, closed test vessel, depending on which specific measurement method the respective viscosity determination requires in each case. Compact design for the workstation at the viscometer With external dimensions of 414 x 392 x 505 millimetres and a weight of 29 kilograms, the CBC VISC lite is considerably more compact than the CBC 5 series and is designed for installation directly next to a ROTAVISC viscometer. The IP 21 protection class and the permissible ambient temperature range of 5 to 32 °C at up to 80 % relative humidity cover the usual laboratory conditions. The device can be connected to a PC via the USB and RS 232 interfaces. Safety classification and insulation of the bath To DIN 12876, the CBC VISC lite is classified in safety class III with the marking FL, and the adjustable safety circuit ranges from 0 to 135 °C. The insulated bath reduces heat loss to the outside and, together with the optimised water flow management, helps set temperatures to remain stable even over longer measurement series, without the ambient temperature in the laboratory influencing the measurement. For measurement series with frequently changing temperature steps, this combination of fast control and stable insulation is a practical advantage over open, uninsulated water baths. Typical applications As a bath circulator tailored specifically to viscosity measurement, the CBC VISC lite is used above all where temperature stability and sample throughput have to work together: Temperature control of samples for rotational viscometers of the ROTAVISC series directly in the open bath Parallel pre-conditioning of a second sample while the first is already being measured Absolute viscosity determination with ELVAS spindles in standard vessels to DIN via the external pump connection Temperature-dependent viscosity series over a wide range from -25 °C to 125 °C Quality control and research in the coatings, paint and food industries, where viscosity is recorded as a test parameter Technical details Device typeRefrigerated and heating bath circulator Class to DIN 12876III (FL) RefrigerantR290, 48 g, max. 21 bar Heating power2,000 W Cooling capacity at 20 °C / 10 °C / 0 °C / -10 °C / -20 °C450 W / 420 W / 380 W / 250 W / 120 W Working temperature range-25 °C to 125 °C Temperature stability to DIN 12876 (at 70 °C and -10 °C)±0.05 K Temperature controlPID controller, PT1000 working and safety probes DisplayLED Adjustable safety circuit0 to 135 °C Bath fill volume5.5 to 8.5 l Bath opening (W x D) / total bath height150 x 218 mm / 234 mm Pump typePressure/suction pump Max. pump pressure / max. suction pressure0.35 bar / 0.15 bar Max. flow rate18 l/min Pump connectionM16x1 Noise level53 dB(A) Dimensions (W x H x D)414 x 392 x 505 mm Weight29 kg Protection class to DIN EN 60529IP 21 Permissible ambient temperature / rel. humidity5 to 32 °C / 80 % InterfacesUSB, RS 232 Power supply230 V, 50/60 Hz Power consumption2,320 W Scope of delivery 1 x IKA CBC VISC lite Refrigerated and Heating Bath Circulator Individual requirements and procurement service To connect the CBC VISC lite to ROTAVISC viscometers or to external standard vessels, we support you through our procurement service in selecting suitable ELVAS spindles, hose sets and heat transfer fluids. We are also at your side with spare parts and individual calibration. Further information and contact options can be found at lt-laborhandel.com/service.
Some applications need both cooling and heating in the same series of experiments, for example when a bioreactor first has to be cooled down to 5 degrees Celsius and then heated to 80 degrees Celsius. The IKA HRC 2 lite covers exactly this case: as a refrigerated and heating circulator it works in the range from minus 10 to 100 degrees Celsius, with the natural refrigerant R290 and a heating power of 1000 watts in a compact benchtop unit. One unit for cooling and heating from minus 10 to 100 degrees Celsius The cooling capacity is 400 watts at 20 degrees Celsius and falls with decreasing target temperature to 350 watts at 10 degrees, 250 watts at 0 degrees and 100 watts at minus 10 degrees Celsius. For the opposite direction, a heating power of 1000 watts is available. The temperature stability to DIN 12876 is ±0.1 kelvin in the colder range around minus 10 degrees Celsius and improves to ±0.05 kelvin at plus 70 degrees Celsius. Control is by PID controller with a PT1000 working temperature sensor and a separate PT1000 safety temperature sensor, and the LED display provides a resolution of 0.1 kelvin with the same setting accuracy. Safety functions and refrigerant R290 The HRC 2 lite has visual and acoustic warning functions as well as its own over-temperature warning, and the safety circuit is adjustable between 0 and 110 degrees Celsius. To DIN 12876 the unit is classified as Class II with the designation FL, which makes it suitable for operation with flammable liquids as long as there is a sufficient safety margin between the flash point and the set maximum temperature. The refrigerant used is R290, with a fill of 79 grams at a maximum permissible pressure of 21 bar. Practical note: R290 (propane) is a natural but flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant, so, as is usual for all laboratory equipment with this type of refrigerant, we recommend a sufficiently ventilated installation location without open ignition sources in the immediate vicinity of the unit. HRC 2 lite or HRC 2 control: choosing the right specification level The HRC 2 lite and the IKA HRC 2 control share the operating principle of a refrigerated and heating circulator, but differ clearly in equipment and specifications: the HRC 2 lite uses the natural refrigerant R290 instead of the synthetic R134a of the HRC 2 control, is classified as Class II instead of Class III to DIN 12876 and delivers 1000 instead of 1500 watts of heating power, with a somewhat narrower working temperature range of minus 10 to 100 degrees Celsius instead of minus 30 to 100 degrees Celsius. In addition, the HRC 2 lite does without the analogue output of the HRC 2 control and is limited to RS232 and USB-B. The HRC 2 control itself has been discontinued since 31 July 2026, and its successor is the IKA HRC 2 GREEN control with the natural refrigerant R290. If cooling only is needed, without a heating function, the dedicated recirculating chiller IKA RC 2 lite is the leaner and technically closely related alternative, with the same housing and the same pump but without a heating element. If, conversely, only heating is needed, without active cooling, a simple IKA HB digital heating bath is often sufficient. Typical applications As a refrigerated and heating circulator with a wide temperature range, the HRC 2 lite is suitable, among other things, for: Temperature control of laboratory reactors and bioreactors over changing temperature cycles from cold to warm Temperature control of open baths for sample preparation or reaction control Temperature control source for connected measuring instruments that need a stable reference temperature Use as a peripheral device with device-to-device communication via RS232 or USB to main units, as well as control and monitoring via laboratory software Connection, installation and ongoing operation The integrated pressure/suction pump reaches a maximum flow rate of 18 litres per minute at a maximum pump pressure of 0.35 bar on the pressure side and 0.15 bar on the suction side, connected via M16x1 threaded connections. The scope of delivery includes two olives for DN 8 hose connections and a USB-A-B cable for direct PC connection. The filling volume of the internal bath is between 1 and 3.5 litres, and a calibration option is available to check the temperature display regularly against a reference sensor. For continuous operation the HRC 2 lite is designed for a permissible duty cycle of 100 percent and remains comparatively quiet at 51 dB(A); the permissible ambient temperature range is 5 to 32 degrees Celsius at a maximum of 80 percent relative humidity. One unit instead of two: when the dual function pays off Anyone who regularly has to run both cooling and heating cycles in the same experimental set-up saves one unit space and one additional hose connection with the HRC 2 lite, compared with a combination of a separate recirculating chiller and heating bath. For applications that only ever cool or only ever heat, on the other hand, the respective specialised single unit is often the more economical choice, as the heating power of 1000 watts and the cooling capacity steps down to 100 watts at minus 10 degrees Celsius represent compromises compared with the respective specialised units. As for the pump design, the same applies as for all units in this series: the maximum flow rate of 18 l/min is only reached with short hose runs without significant back pressure, and longer lines or several connected consumers reduce the flow that actually arrives in line with the increasing line resistance. Technical details Device typeRefrigerated and heating circulator Classification to DIN 12876Class II, designation FL Working temperature range-10 to 100 °C Temperature stability (DIN 12876, -10 °C / +70 °C)±0.1 K / ±0.05 K Temperature sensors (working / safety)PT1000 / PT1000 Display resolution / setting accuracy0.1 K Heating power1000 W Cooling capacity at 20 / 10 / 0 / -10 °C400 / 350 / 250 / 100 W RefrigerantR290, 79 g, max. 21 bar Warning functionsvisual, acoustic, over-temperature warning Adjustable safety circuit0 to 110 °C Pump typePressure/suction pump Max. pump pressure (pressure / suction side)0.35 bar / 0.15 bar Max. flow rate (0 bar back pressure)18 l/min Pump connectionsM16x1 Filling volume1 to 3.5 l Calibration optionyes Permissible duty cycle100 % Noise level51 dB(A) InterfacesRS232, USB-B Protection class to DIN EN 60529IP 21 Permissible ambient temperature5 to 32 °C Permissible relative humiditymax. 80 % Dimensions (W x H x D)225 x 385 x 430 mm Weight24.9 kg Voltage / frequency / connected load230 V, 50/60 Hz, 1250 W (other variants 115 V / 100 V available) Scope of delivery 1 x IKA HRC 2 lite refrigerated and heating circulator (ident no. 0020104311) 2 x olive for DN 8 hoses 1 x USB-A-B cable Regulatory information As an electrical appliance, the HRC 2 lite is subject to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) and is registered with Stiftung EAR under the WEEE registration number DE 66784213. At the end of its service life the unit must not be disposed of with household waste but must be taken to a separate collection for waste electrical equipment. The refrigerant R290 contained in the refrigerant circuit must be removed by an approved refrigerant recovery company before disposal. Frequently asked questions about the HRC 2 lite What is the difference between the HRC 2 lite and the HRC 2 control?The HRC 2 lite uses R290 instead of R134a, is classified as Class II instead of Class III to DIN 12876, delivers 1000 instead of 1500 watts of heating power, covers a somewhat narrower working range of minus 10 to 100 degrees Celsius and does without the analogue output of the HRC 2 control. The HRC 2 control has been discontinued since 31 July 2026, and its successor is the IKA HRC 2 GREEN control. Can the HRC 2 lite also be used as a pure chiller without a heating function?Technically yes, the heating function can simply be left unused. If only cooling is needed permanently, the identical-design IKA RC 2 lite without a heating element is usually the more economical choice. Which hoses fit the HRC 2 lite?Connection is via M16x1 thread, and two olives for DN 8 hose connections are supplied with the unit to match. Do I need to observe anything special with the refrigerant R290?Yes, R290 (propane) is flammable, even though it counts as a natural refrigerant. A well-ventilated installation location without ignition sources in the immediate vicinity of the unit is therefore usual and sensible. Why is the DIN 12876 designation FL important?It indicates that the unit is also suitable for operation with flammable liquids as the bath medium, provided their flash point maintains a sufficient safety margin to the set maximum temperature. Can the HRC 2 lite be calibrated?Yes, the unit has a calibration option to check the temperature display regularly against a reference sensor. How loud is the HRC 2 lite in continuous operation?At 51 dB(A) the unit remains pleasantly quiet even in continuous operation at a permissible duty cycle of 100 percent. Individual requirements & procurement service For suitable connection hoses, additional valves, adapters or connection to existing laboratory and bioreactors, our procurement service will support you. If you have questions about certificates and certifications for the HRC 2 lite, please do not hesitate to contact us.