ATAGO VISCO™ B(L) Portable Rotational Viscometer

Overview

The ATAGO VISCO™ B(L) is a precision-engineered portable rotational viscometer designed for rapid, reliable viscosity and temperature measurements in field and benchtop environments. Based on the Couette principle—where torque exerted on a rotating spindle immersed in a fluid is proportional to its dynamic viscosity—the instrument delivers high reproducibility across an exceptionally broad measurement range (12–60,000,000 mPa·s), supporting applications from low-viscosity solvents to highly structured polymer melts and gels. Its modular architecture integrates seamlessly with optional thermal control accessories—including the Peltier-based VISCO™ Thermo Controller (Cat. No. 6900) and circulating water jacket (Cat. No. 6845)—enabling isothermal testing per ASTM D2196, ISO 2555, and USP . The device is not intended for rheological profiling (e.g., yield stress, thixotropy), but excels in standardized single-point QC checks where speed, portability, and operator independence are critical.

Key Features

• One-Touch Operation: All menu navigation and measurement initiation are executed via a single dedicated button, minimizing training requirements and reducing procedural variability.
• Quick-Release Snap-In Spindle Mount: A proprietary bayonet-style coupling replaces threaded spindle attachment, enabling secure, tool-free installation and removal in under two seconds—reducing cross-contamination risk and downtime between samples.
• Tool-Free Vertical Adjustment: A lever-actuated height adjustment mechanism allows precise immersion depth setting without screws or calipers, ensuring consistent spindle submersion per ISO 3219 and ASTM D1092.
• Digital Leveling System: Integrated digital inclinometer provides real-time angular feedback (0.1° resolution), eliminating ambiguity associated with bubble-level alignment and improving measurement repeatability.
• Guided Sample Placement: The base unit features engraved concentric rings and alignment notches that direct users to center the sample container—critical for minimizing wall effects and torque deviation.
• Modular Thermal Integration: Compatible with both Peltier (±10 °C to +50 °C relative to ambient) and external circulating bath interfaces, supporting temperature-controlled compliance with pharmacopeial methods (e.g., USP viscosity tests at 25 °C or 37 °C).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VISCO™ B(L) accommodates standard laboratory glassware (e.g., 600 mL beakers) as well as disposable paper/plastic cups (via optional Cat. No. RE-78141 adapter), making it suitable for hygiene-sensitive environments such as food production lines or clinical labs. Its L1–L4 spindle/speed configurations enable optimized shear rate selection for Newtonian and mildly non-Newtonian fluids. While not validated for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) audit trails out-of-the-box, the USB data export supports CSV logging compatible with validated LIMS or ELN systems. When used with the Peltier controller (Cat. No. 6900), temperature stability meets ±0.2 °C tolerance at 20 °C ambient—satisfying calibration verification requirements under ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory settings.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition is performed locally on-device with real-time display of viscosity (mPa·s/cP), temperature (°C/°F), and torque (%). Measurements are exported via USB interface in plain-text CSV format, containing timestamp, spindle ID, speed, temperature, and calculated viscosity—enabling traceable recordkeeping. No proprietary software is required; exported files integrate directly into Excel, LabArchives, or custom QA databases. For regulated environments, users may implement supplementary audit-trail protocols using third-party electronic lab notebook (ELN) platforms compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Firmware updates are delivered via ATAGO’s secure support portal and applied through USB-connected PC.

Applications

• Quality control of adhesives, coatings, and inks in manufacturing facilities requiring rapid pass/fail decisions.
• Routine monitoring of food emulsions (e.g., salad dressings, sauces) and dairy products (e.g., yogurts, condensed milk) per ISO 11357-4.
• Pharmaceutical formulation screening—e.g., suspensions, gels, and ointments—under controlled temperature conditions aligned with USP .
• Educational laboratories where intuitive operation and robust mechanical design support student-led experiments in fluid mechanics.
• Field service applications including onsite evaluation of lubricants, transformer oils, and drilling muds where battery-powered portability is essential.

FAQ

Is the VISCO™ B(L) suitable for non-Newtonian fluid characterization?
It provides single-point viscosity readings at fixed shear rates determined by spindle geometry and rotational speed. For full flow curves or yield stress analysis, a programmable rheometer with controlled shear rate ramping is recommended.
Can the instrument be calibrated in-house?
Yes—ATAGO supplies NIST-traceable silicone oil standards (e.g., Brookfield RV series equivalents) and a calibration procedure compliant with ISO 17025 Annex C. Annual recalibration by an accredited lab is advised for regulated use.
What is the expected battery life under typical usage?
Approximately 100 hours of continuous operation using alkaline AA cells; battery status is displayed on-screen with low-power warning.
Does the USB output support real-time streaming to a PC?
No—it supports batch export of stored measurements only; live data streaming requires optional RS-232 interface hardware (not included).
Is the Peltier controller compatible with all VISCO™ models?
The VISCO™ Thermo Controller (Cat. No. 6900) is certified for use exclusively with VISCO™ B(L) and VISCO™ 895 units equipped with standard A-series spindles.