BiODE, Inc. Launches New ViSmart™ Solid State Viscosity Sensor
The BiODE ViSmart™ viscosity sensor has no moving parts, the entire package measures 1.15 × 1.25 in × 0.40 in and 4 oz. in weight and provides integrated instrumentation with digital interface. The ViSmart™ can measure viscosity instantaneously from 0 to 100,000 cP ranges (can measure higher ranges and is material dependent) with ±1% repeatability, in operating temperature environments of -20° C to 135° C. The ViSmart™ sensor uses semiconductor technology, is hermetically sealed and measures temperature at the same time, hence relieving the customer of providing a separate temperature measurement device.
The ViSmart™ is unaffected by static, laminar or turbulent flow since the operating shear rate of the ViSmart™ is several orders of magnitude higher than fluid flow characteristics. Also it is immune to vibration and orientation effects. As long as the fluid is in contact with the sensor surface, viscosity will be measured. Additionally, it is permanently factory calibrated to NIST traceable mineral oils. The ViSmart™ has the ability to integrate other off-the-shelf products for pH, conductivity and RTD measurements and can be deployed for full integration for Intranet viewing or host plant control software. Finally, since the ViSmart™ is a high shear rate viscometer a 1:1 correlation with current low-shear viscometer methods is material dependent and can be generated as a library database for customers.
For in-process measurements, the ViSmart™ can be mounted directly in the reactor tank for batch applications, or in the pipe for in-stream applications in multiple customer specific custom options. The ViSmart™ family will be industry-compliant with international safety standards and will support up to 300m cable runs from controller to sensor.
The benefits of BiODE's ViSmart™ are that it is inherently much smaller, more durable and reliable at a lower cost while being more scaleable than existing products.
Source: BiODE