Jihepu SNB-3 Advanced Digital Rotational Viscometer
| Brand | Jihepu |
|---|---|
| Model | SNB-3 |
| Type | Rotational Viscometer |
| Viscosity Range | 5–80,000,000 mPa·s (cP) with optional #0 spindle |
| Speed Range | 0.1–99.9 rpm, stepless adjustment |
| Standard Spindles | Four (#1, #2, #3, #4) |
| Accuracy | ±1.0% of full scale |
| Repeatability | ±0.5% of full scale |
| Temperature Measurement | Integrated RTD probe, 0–100 °C, ±0.1 °C |
| Power Input | 110/220 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Compliance | Calibratable to NIST-traceable standard oils per ISO 2555 and ASTM D2196 |
Overview
The Jihepu SNB-3 Advanced Digital Rotational Viscometer is a precision-engineered instrument designed for reliable, high-resolution viscosity measurement of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids across industrial, quality control, and R&D laboratory environments. Based on the Couette principle, it employs a rotating spindle immersed in the test sample, where torque resistance is directly proportional to dynamic viscosity. The system utilizes a high-subdivision stepper motor drive—free of mechanical gear reduction—to ensure smooth, vibration-free rotation and immunity to line-frequency fluctuations. Its microprocessor-controlled architecture enables real-time calculation of viscosity, shear rate, shear stress, and % torque, all displayed simultaneously on a backlit 16-bit LCD interface. With an extended measurable range spanning five orders of magnitude—from 5 mPa·s (with optional #0 spindle) to 80 million mPa·s—the SNB-3 supports both routine QC checks and advanced rheological profiling of medium-to-high-viscosity materials including polymer melts, coatings, adhesives, food pastes, and pharmaceutical gels.
Key Features
- Stepless speed control from 0.1 to 99.9 rpm, enabling precise shear rate selection without discrete gear steps
- Integrated PT100-class RTD temperature sensor (±0.1 °C accuracy, 0–100 °C range) for simultaneous viscosity–temperature correlation
- Dual spindle configurations: Standard set (#1–#4) covers 100–80,000,000 mPa·s; optional small-sample spindles (#21, #27–#29) extend low-volume testing down to 50 mPa·s with reduced sample volume requirements
- Onboard data acquisition logic supports multi-point sampling per revolution—eliminating single-sample-per-rotation limitations common in legacy designs
- Full-scale linearity correction performed via PC-based calibration interface, traceable to certified viscosity standards (e.g., Cannon–NIST oils)
- Real-time display of viscosity (mPa·s), rotational speed (rpm), % torque, maximum measurable viscosity at current speed, and temperature
- Acoustic over-range alert and auto-hold function for stable endpoint capture
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SNB-3 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—including opaque suspensions, thixotropic gels, and thermally sensitive formulations—via interchangeable spindle geometries and optional accessories such as thermostatic water baths and low-volume adapters. Its design adheres to core principles outlined in ISO 2555 (determination of apparent viscosity using rotational viscometers) and ASTM D2196 (viscosity of non-Newtonian materials). When calibrated using certified reference oils and operated under GLP-compliant procedures, the instrument supports audit-ready documentation for regulated sectors including pharmaceutical manufacturing (aligned with USP <911> and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity expectations) and cosmetic formulation development.
Software & Data Management
The optional SNB Data Acquisition and Plotting Software provides time-resolved viscosity logging, shear-rate sweep generation, thixotropy loop analysis, and export to CSV or Excel-compatible formats. All software sessions maintain immutable audit trails—including operator ID, timestamp, parameter settings, and raw torque/speed values—supporting 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with electronic signature modules. Raw data can also be output via RS-232 or USB to external systems for LIMS integration or automated report generation. Optional thermal printers enable hard-copy records compliant with internal QA protocols.
Applications
- Quality assurance of paints, inks, and architectural coatings during production and batch release
- Rheological screening of hydrocolloid solutions (e.g., xanthan, CMC) and protein-based food matrices
- Stability evaluation of topical pharmaceutical emulsions and ointments under controlled temperature conditions
- Process optimization of polymer dispersions and adhesive formulations through shear-thinning characterization
- Educational laboratories requiring robust, entry-level rotational viscometry platforms with expandable functionality
FAQ
What is the minimum sample volume required when using the small-sample adapter?
With spindles #21, #27–#29, typical sample volume is reduced to 2–8 mL depending on spindle geometry and cup configuration.
Is the instrument compatible with third-party calibration standards?
Yes—calibration is fully supported using NIST-traceable standard oils (e.g., Cannon, Brookfield, or Lovis standards) following ISO 8503-2 verification procedures.
Does the SNB-3 support timed measurements for thixotropic recovery studies?
Yes—the built-in timer allows programmable measurement duration (1–999 seconds), enabling reproducible assessment of structural breakdown and recovery kinetics.
Can the device operate continuously for extended periods under elevated temperatures?
When paired with a certified thermostatic bath and appropriate spindle cooling protocol, continuous operation up to 80 °C is validated for durations exceeding 8 hours.
Is firmware upgrade capability available?
Firmware updates are delivered via USB interface and require proprietary configuration utility provided by Jihepu Technical Support.
