Brookfield Engineering Labs., Inc.
Page 26
Manual No. M13-167-A0415
III. MAKING VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS
III.1 Quick Start
The DV3T Rheometer uses the same methodology for viscosity measurements as the Brookfield
Dial Reading Viscometers and DV series of Digital Viscometers. If you have experience with
other Brookfield equipment, this section will give you quick steps for taking a viscosity reading.
If you have not used a Brookfield Rheometer before, skip this section and go to Section III.2 for a
detailed description.
A) Assemble and level the DV3T Rheometer (Section I.4).
B) Turn power on.
C) Autozero the rheometer (Section II.2).
D) The DV3T will display the Configure Viscosity Test Screen. In this screen, select
spindle and speed. Confirm that Data Collection is set to Single Point and that End
Condition is set to Time 00:00:00.
E) Introduce the spindle into the sample and attach the spindle to the coupling nut.
NOTE: Left-hand thread.
If equipped with EZ-Lock, use the appropriate procedure
to connect the spindle (see Section III.3).
F) Press the Run button. The screen will change to the Running Viscosity Test Screen.
G) When you are ready to record the measurement result, press the Stop Test button. The
screen will change to the Results Table.
H) Record the % torque and viscosity.
I)
To run another test, press Configure Test. To return to the Home Screen, press the
Home Icon.
III.2 Preparations for Making Measurements
A) RHEOMETER: The DV3T should be turned on, leveled and autozeroed. The level is adjusted
using the two feet on the bottom of the base and confirmed using the bubble level on the front
of the head. Adjust the feet until the bubble is inside the center target. Set the level prior to
autozero and check the level prior to each measurement.
The proper level is essential for correct operation of the DV3T.
B) SAMPLE: The fluid to be measured (sample) must be in a container. The standard spindles
supplied with the DV3T [LV (1-4), RV (2-7), or HA/HB (2-7)] are designed to be used with
a 600 mL low form Griffin beaker (or equivalent container with a diameter of 8.25 cm). The
same applies to the optional RV1, HA/HB1, and Vane spindles. Many other spindle systems
are supplied from Brookfield with specific sample chambers such as the Small Sample Adapter,
UL Adapter and Thermosel.
Brookfield recommends that you use the appropriate container for the selected spindle. You
may choose to use an alternate container for convenience, however, this may have an effect on
the measured viscosity. The DV3T is calibrated considering the specified container. Alternate
containers will provide results that are repeatable but may not be “true”.
The LV (1-4) and RV (1-7) are designed to be used with the guardleg attached. Measurements
made without the guardleg will provide repeatable results but may not provide “true” results.
When comparing data with others, be sure to specify the sample container and presence/
absence of the guardleg.
