Portable High-Performance Rheometer Measures Fluids at High Pressures

QA/QC laboratories that analyze rheological properties of fluids at high pressures can now increase efficiency and reduce user error with an intelligent rheometer that adapts to specific measurement routines and conditions.  

Designed for measurements under pressure of up to 600 bar, the new portable Thermo Scientific HAAKE Viscotester iQ rheometer is used for determining the rheological behavior of crude oil and drilling and fracturing fluids. Featuring a cylindrical temperature control unit and pressure cell to accommodate highpressure applications, the instrument can be easily disassembled and packed into a transport case, shipped, unpacked and reassembled within minutes, without requiring any adjustments before running tests.   

“The HAAKE Viscotester iQ is an intuitive, robust portable rheometer,” said Birgit Schroeder, product line director, material characterization laboratory instruments, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The instrument features many of the same accessories found on our high-end rheometers, allowing our customers to perform comprehensive rheological tests in the field.’’    

The HAAKE Viscotester iQ rheometer features a modular design, allowing users to quickly exchange accessories and customize the instrument to suit their needs. Thermo Scientific HAAKE RheoWin software automatically recognizes the pressure cell model to minimize errors and measures procedures including data evaluation, and quality control criteria. In addition, the instrument offers a range of options designed to increase versatility and ease of operation:

• Liquid temperature module:  designed for precise, uniform temperature control 

• Powerful, electrical temperature module:  for temperatures up to 300 °C  

• Additional titanium pressure cell models:  for standard applications up to 600 bar 

• Hastelloy pressure cells:  for tests on chemically aggressive samples up to 175 bar 

• Broad rotor portfolio: for testing low viscosities up to inhomogeneous samples containing larger particles 

• Controlled rate or controlled stress mode: for enhanced measuring flexibility from single-point measurement up to a comprehensive rheological measurement 

• Optional oscillation mode: to determine viscoelastic properties