ATAGO VISCO B(L) Digital Rotational Viscometer
| Brand | ATAGO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | VISCO B(L) |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Rotational Viscometer |
| Viscosity Range | 12 – 60,000,000 mPa·s |
| Temperature Range | 5.0 – 90.0 °C |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.2 °C |
| Speed Range | 0.01 – 250 rpm (28 selectable speeds) |
| Torque Display | 0.0 – 100.0% (recommended operating range: 10.0 – 100.0%) |
| Power Supply | 4 × LR6/AA alkaline batteries or AC adapter |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 194 × 178 × 86 mm |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Standard Spindles | L1, L2, L3, L4 |
| Viscosity Accuracy | ±1% of full-scale reading at maximum measurable viscosity |
Overview
The ATAGO VISCO B(L) Digital Rotational Viscometer is a precision-engineered benchtop instrument designed for reliable, high-resolution viscosity and temperature measurements across an exceptionally wide dynamic range—from low-viscosity liquids to highly structured non-Newtonian suspensions and polymer melts. Based on the Couette principle, it employs a rotating spindle immersed in the sample while measuring the torque required to maintain a defined rotational speed. This fundamental rheological measurement enables quantification of shear-dependent flow behavior under controlled thermal conditions. The VISCO B(L) is optimized for both laboratory environments and field applications, featuring dual power capability (AC adapter or four standard AA batteries), compact footprint, and intuitive digital interface. Its modular design supports rapid setup with standard 300 mL or 500 mL beakers—eliminating the need for specialized sample cups—and integrates seamlessly with optional accessories such as circulating water jackets for precise thermal regulation.
Key Features
- Ultra-wide viscosity measurement range: 12 to 60,000,000 mPa·s (cP), enabled by four interchangeable low-shear spindles (L1–L4), each calibrated for specific sub-ranges to ensure optimal signal-to-noise ratio and repeatability.
- High-resolution temperature control and monitoring: Built-in Pt100 sensor with 0.1 °C resolution and ±0.2 °C accuracy over 5.0–90.0 °C; real-time temperature compensation applied to viscosity calculations per ISO 2555 and ASTM D2196 standards.
- 28 discrete rotational speeds from 0.01 to 250 rpm, allowing fine-tuned selection of shear rate for Newtonian validation or non-Newtonian characterization (e.g., yield stress estimation via flow curve analysis).
- Battery-operated portability without compromise: Four LR6/AA alkaline cells provide >100 hours of continuous operation; AC adapter included for uninterrupted lab use—ideal for QC labs, pilot plants, and on-site process verification.
- Digital torque readout (0.0–100.0%) with auto-ranging and overload protection; recommended operating window (10.0–100.0%) ensures linear response and minimizes mechanical drift.
- Robust aluminum alloy housing and precision-machined spindle drive mechanism engineered for long-term dimensional stability and minimal thermal expansion effects.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VISCO B(L) accommodates samples in standard glassware (300 mL or 500 mL beakers), supporting routine QC testing of coatings, adhesives, pharmaceutical suspensions, food emulsions, and industrial lubricants. Optional VISCO Circulating Water Jacket (sold separately) enables active temperature stabilization within ±0.1 °C over extended measurement periods—critical for temperature-sensitive formulations and regulatory-compliant testing. The instrument meets essential requirements for GLP and GMP environments: audit-trail-capable data logging via USB connection, traceable calibration protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines, and compatibility with validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS). While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its data export functionality supports integration into compliant workflows when paired with validated software platforms.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition is performed via native USB interface to Windows-based PCs using ATAGO’s proprietary VISCO PC Software (v3.x or later). The application supports real-time graphing of viscosity vs. time, shear rate, or temperature; automatic calculation of apparent viscosity, thixotropic area, and shear-thinning index; and batch export to CSV or Excel-compatible formats. All measurements are timestamped and tagged with operator ID, spindle ID, speed setting, and ambient temperature. Raw torque and temperature values are retained alongside processed results, enabling retrospective recalibration or reanalysis. Exported datasets include embedded metadata required for internal quality audits and external regulatory submissions (e.g., USP , EP 2.9.35).
Applications
- Quality control of polymer solutions, latex dispersions, and solvent-based inks where batch-to-batch consistency depends on precise low-shear viscosity profiling.
- Routine monitoring of edible oil oxidation stability and honey crystallization kinetics through temperature-dependent viscosity tracking.
- Formulation development of topical pharmaceutical gels and ointments, ensuring compliance with pharmacopeial viscosity limits under specified storage conditions.
- Process validation in paint and coating manufacturing, including sag resistance evaluation and anti-settling agent efficacy testing.
- Educational laboratories requiring a durable, entry-level rotational viscometer capable of demonstrating Newtonian/non-Newtonian behavior and temperature dependence principles.
FAQ
What spindle configurations are included with the VISCO B(L)?
The instrument ships with four L-series spindles (L1, L2, L3, L4), each optimized for distinct viscosity sub-ranges and geometry-specific shear profiles. Calibration certificates are provided for each spindle.
Can the VISCO B(L) perform temperature ramping tests?
No—the unit does not support automated temperature ramping. However, when used with the optional circulating water jacket and external programmable bath, stepwise isothermal measurements across multiple temperatures can be conducted manually with high reproducibility.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes—ATAGO provides NIST-traceable calibration certificates for both viscosity (using certified silicone oil standards) and temperature (via Pt100 sensor verification) upon request, in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements.
Does the device support continuous data streaming during measurement?
Yes—VISCO PC Software enables real-time acquisition at user-defined intervals (minimum 0.1 s), with live plotting and concurrent file logging to prevent data loss during extended runs.
How is torque overload handled during measurement?
The system automatically pauses rotation and displays an overload warning if torque exceeds 100.0%. Recovery requires manual reset and adjustment of speed or spindle selection to remain within the validated operating range.
