ATAGO VISCO B (L) Rotational Viscometer

Overview

The ATAGO VISCO B (L) is a precision benchtop rotational viscometer engineered for reliable, repeatable viscosity characterization of silicone oil–based hair care formulations—including shampoos, conditioners, serums, and leave-in treatments. It operates on the principle of rotational viscometry using a coaxial cylinder (Couette flow) geometry, where torque exerted on a rotating spindle immersed in the sample is measured under controlled shear rates. This method delivers high reproducibility for non-Newtonian fluids common in personal care products—especially polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing systems whose rheological behavior is highly dependent on concentration, temperature, and shear history. The VISCO B (L) is optimized for routine QC testing in R&D labs and production environments where rapid, operator-independent measurements are required without compromising metrological integrity.

Key Features

• Benchtop fixed-unit architecture with integrated motor, sensor, and display—no external PC or controller required for basic operation
• Dual-range torque transducer enabling accurate measurement across low-viscosity silicones (e.g., cyclomethicone, 12–1,000 mPa·s) and high-viscosity PDMS emulsions (up to 600,000 mPa·s)
• Pre-calibrated spindle sets compatible with ISO 2555 standard geometries (e.g., LV-1, RV-2, UL-3); optional L-spindle configuration for extended low-shear sensitivity
• Real-time digital display showing viscosity (mPa·s or cP), % torque, rotational speed (rpm), and temperature (°C) when paired with optional PT-100 probe
• Auto-zero function and built-in calibration verification mode supporting traceable instrument performance checks per ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory requirements
• Robust aluminum alloy housing with ESD-safe surface finish, rated for continuous operation in ambient lab environments (15–30°C, <80% RH non-condensing)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VISCO B (L) is validated for use with silicone oil–based cosmetic matrices, including anhydrous silicones, water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions, and surfactant-stabilized PDMS dispersions. Its spindle geometry and shear rate profile align with industry-standard test protocols defined in ISO 2555 (plastics—resins in the liquid state), ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints, varnishes, lacquers, and related products), and internal methods used by global personal care manufacturers for shampoo viscosity specification (e.g., 2,000–15,000 mPa·s at 25°C, 10 rpm). While not FDA-certified as a medical device, the instrument supports GLP-compliant documentation when used with ATAGO’s optional data export module (RS-232/USB) and third-party LIMS integration.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and reporting are supported via optional PC connectivity using ATAGO’s proprietary VISCO-Link software (Windows-compatible), which enables time-resolved viscosity profiling, multi-point shear rate sweeps, and automated pass/fail evaluation against user-defined specification limits. All measurements include timestamp, operator ID (manual entry), spindle ID, and environmental metadata. Audit trails comply with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with electronic signature-enabled validation packages—commonly adopted by contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) serving regulated markets. Raw data exports to CSV or Excel formats support statistical process control (SPC) analysis and trending per ICH Q5E guidelines.

Applications

• QC release testing of silicone-containing shampoos and conditioners per batch viscosity specifications
• Rheological screening of PDMS grade substitutions during formulation development
• Stability assessment of emulsions under thermal cycling (via optional Peltier-controlled bath compatibility)
• Correlation studies between viscosity, sensory attributes (e.g., slip, drag), and consumer panel scores
• Monitoring viscosity drift during accelerated stability testing (40°C/75% RH, 3–6 months)
• Supporting regulatory submissions requiring physical property data (e.g., CPNP notifications in EU, PMDA filings in Japan)

FAQ

Is the VISCO B (L) suitable for measuring non-Newtonian behavior such as shear-thinning?
Yes—the instrument supports programmable speed ramps and discrete rpm selection (0.3–100 rpm), enabling qualitative assessment of shear-dependent viscosity trends. For full rheogram generation, pairing with ATAGO’s optional software module is recommended.
Can it be used with high-temperature silicone oils?
The base unit is rated for ambient operation only; however, it is compatible with external temperature-controlled jackets or circulating baths (e.g., Julabo F25) when used with appropriate spindle adapters and thermal shielding.
Does ATAGO provide NIST-traceable calibration certificates?
Calibration services are available through ATAGO’s authorized service centers in North America, EMEA, and APAC regions, with optional ISO/IEC 17025-accredited certificates issued upon request.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Routine cleaning of spindles with isopropanol and periodic verification using standard reference oils (e.g., Cannon-Manning Series) every 6 months is advised. No field recalibration is required under normal operating conditions.
Is the VISCO B (L) compatible with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) documentation workflows?
Yes—when configured with audit trail-enabled software and electronic signatures, it meets core GMP data integrity expectations outlined in Annex 11 and ALCOA+ principles.