Lamy RM100L TOUCH Industrial Rotational Viscometer
| Brand | Lamy Rheology |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | RM100L TOUCH |
| Instrument Type | Fixed-mount in-line rotational viscometer |
| Viscosity Range | 1–500,000 mPa·s |
| Rotational Speed | 5–600 rpm |
| Torque Range | 0.05–20 mN·m |
| Temperature Compatibility | With PT100 sensor (−20 to +100 °C) |
| Accuracy | ±1% of full scale |
| Repeatability | ±0.2% |
| Display | 7" capacitive touchscreen |
| Analog Output | 4–20 mA (user-configurable torque or viscosity signal) |
| Digital Interfaces | RS232, USB |
| Power Supply | 90–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Measurement Head Dimensions | Ø85 × 312 mm |
| Control Unit Dimensions | 120 × 145 × 261 mm |
| Total Weight | 4 kg |
| Security | 4-digit password protection with customizable username |
| Cleaning | In-situ CIP-compatible without disassembly |
Overview
The Lamy RM100L TOUCH is a high-integrity, fixed-mount industrial rotational viscometer engineered for continuous in-line viscosity monitoring in demanding process environments. Based on Couette flow principle, it employs a precision-machined coaxial cylinder geometry where the sample resides in the annular gap between a rotating outer cylinder (driven by a calibrated torque motor) and a stationary inner cylinder (measuring sleeve). This configuration ensures robust shear-rate control, minimal wall-slip error, and high reproducibility across wide viscosity ranges — critical for real-time quality assurance in batch and continuous manufacturing. Designed and manufactured in France, the RM100L TOUCH integrates seamlessly into production lines without requiring process interruption, delivering laboratory-grade metrological performance under field conditions. Its hermetic magnetic coupling eliminates mechanical shaft seals, enabling leak-free operation in aggressive chemical, food-grade, or sterile environments.
Key Features
- In-line deployment with magnetic coupling: Fully sealed measurement head mounts directly onto pipes, reactors, or mixers; no dynamic seals or maintenance-prone feedthroughs.
- Decoupled architecture: Measurement head and control unit can be separated by up to 10 m via shielded cable, supporting installation in hazardous, high-temperature, or confined zones while locating electronics in safe, accessible areas.
- Real-time process visualization: Integrated 7-inch capacitive touchscreen displays live viscosity curves (viscosity vs. time), torque, rotational speed, temperature (when PT100-equipped), and system diagnostics — all configurable in user-selected language and units (mPa·s, cP, Pa·s).
- CIP-compatible design: Smooth, crevice-free stainless-steel wetted surfaces (316L optional) withstand standard Clean-in-Place protocols; no disassembly required for routine sanitation.
- Multi-layer access security: Role-based operator authentication via custom username and mandatory 4-digit PIN ensures compliance with controlled-access requirements in regulated industries.
- Analog & digital connectivity: Dual 4–20 mA outputs (configurable for viscosity, torque, or speed) interface directly with DCS/SCADA systems; RS232 and USB ports support data logging, remote configuration, and firmware updates.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RM100L TOUCH accommodates Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids across a broad operational envelope: from low-viscosity solvents (1 mPa·s) to highly structured polymer melts and pastes (up to 500,000 mPa·s), depending on rotor geometry and speed selection. It operates reliably at ambient temperatures (−20 to +100 °C with external PT100 integration), making it suitable for applications ranging from dairy homogenization and pharmaceutical suspensions to solvent-borne coatings and petrochemical blending. The instrument complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emissions) standards. Its analog output circuitry meets NAMUR NE43 fault signaling conventions. While not intrinsically rated, ATEX/IECEx-certified variants are available upon request. Data integrity features — including timestamped measurements, audit-trail-capable parameter logs, and password-protected configuration — align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with validated VISCO RM software.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and system control are supported through Lamy’s proprietary VISCO RM software (Windows-based), which enables automated calibration routines, multi-curve overlay analysis, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and export to CSV, Excel, or PDF formats. All measurement sessions are automatically timestamped and stored with metadata (operator ID, rotor ID, temperature, shear rate). USB-connected thermal printers allow immediate hardcopy generation of calibration certificates or batch reports. For enterprise integration, the RS232 interface supports Modbus RTU protocol, facilitating bidirectional communication with MES or LIMS platforms. Firmware updates preserve historical calibration coefficients and user settings, ensuring continuity during lifecycle maintenance.
Applications
- Food & Beverage: Real-time monitoring of yogurt consistency, chocolate tempering, sauce thickening, and starch gelatinization during continuous cooking.
- Pharmaceuticals: In-process verification of ointment base viscosity, suspension stability in liquid dosage forms, and granulation binder solution rheology.
- Coatings & Inks: On-line control of acrylic emulsions, epoxy resin blends, and pigment dispersion viscosity pre-application.
- Chemicals & Polymers: Reaction endpoint detection in polycondensation, polymerization viscosity profiling, and additive masterbatch homogeneity assessment.
- Oil & Gas: Emulsion stability tracking in enhanced oil recovery fluids and drilling mud rheological qualification prior to downhole injection.
FAQ
Can the RM100L TOUCH replace laboratory viscometers for QC release testing?
Yes — when installed and calibrated per ASTM D2196 or ISO 2555, its repeatability (±0.2% FS) and traceable calibration enable equivalence to benchtop instruments for in-process acceptance criteria.
Is temperature compensation automatic?
No — temperature is measured externally via PT100; viscosity-temperature correlation must be defined per material using calibration tables or polynomial models within VISCO RM software.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Annual verification of torque calibration and touchscreen responsiveness is advised; no routine lubrication or bearing service is required due to magnetic drive architecture.
Does it support GMP-compliant electronic signatures?
Not natively — electronic signature capability requires integration with validated third-party LIMS or ELN systems that enforce 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails and role-based signing workflows.
Can multiple RM100L units be managed from one PC?
Yes — VISCO RM software supports daisy-chained RS232 connections or individual USB interfaces for centralized monitoring of up to 8 devices with synchronized time-stamping.
