Fungilab EVO Expert Series Rotational Viscometer

Overview

The Fungilab EVO Expert Series Rotational Viscometer is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible dynamic viscosity measurements across a broad range of industrial and research applications. Based on the Couette principle—where torque required to rotate a spindle immersed in a fluid is measured under controlled shear conditions—the EVO Expert delivers high-fidelity rheological data for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids alike. Its modular architecture supports three distinct measurement ranges (L, R, H), enabling seamless transition from low-viscosity solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone) to ultra-high-viscosity materials such as polymer melts, bitumen, and uncured resins. Designed for integration into regulated environments, the instrument meets key international standards including ASTM D2196 (paints and coatings), ISO 2555 (resins in solution), and BS 6075 (lubricants), ensuring methodological alignment with quality control and product development workflows in pharmaceutical, chemical, food, and materials science laboratories.

Key Features

• Full-color 4.3-inch TFT touchscreen with intuitive capacitive touch interface for rapid parameter selection and real-time visualization
• 54 discrete speed settings from 0.01 to 200 rpm, supporting fine-grained shear rate control essential for yield stress and thixotropy analysis
• Integrated PT100 temperature probe with ±0.1 °C accuracy and 0.1 °C resolution, enabling simultaneous viscosity–temperature profiling per ASTM D1076
• USB 2.0 port and optional Wi-Fi module for direct data export, remote operation, and networked instrument management
• User-configurable display units: dynamic viscosity (cP or mPa·s), kinematic viscosity (cSt), % full scale, shear rate (s⁻¹), shear stress (N/m²), and density (g/cm³)
• Onboard data logger with automatic timestamping; up to 9 multi-step programs stored internally with slope detection and auto-ranging functionality
• AISI 316 stainless steel spindles with alphanumeric coding for unambiguous rotor identification and traceable calibration
• GLP-ready firmware with password-protected user levels, electronic signature support, and audit-trail logging compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EVO Expert accommodates samples from 0.5 mL (with APM small-volume adapter) to standard 600-mL beakers. Its coaxial cylinder geometry enables accurate shear rate quantification—critical for characterizing pseudoplastic, dilatant, or viscoelastic behavior. All models comply with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability protocols and are supplied with NIST-traceable calibration certificates. Regulatory alignment extends to USP (rheology of semisolid dosage forms), ASTM D1439 (latex), D2994 (adhesives), and D3232 (asphalt binders). Optional accessories—including LCP low-viscosity adapters, Heldal high-viscosity fixtures, and thermostatted circulation baths—expand operational envelope while maintaining metrological integrity under GLP/GMP conditions.

Software & Data Management

The Fungilab FDB Control Suite is a Windows-native application developed specifically for the EVO Premium and Expert platforms. It provides full instrument control, programmable multi-step viscosity ramps, real-time curve overlay, and automated report generation in PDF or Excel (.xlsx) format. Each measurement session logs operator ID, timestamp, environmental conditions, calibration status, and raw torque/temperature values—ensuring full data lineage. The software implements role-based access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails, satisfying documentation requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and ISO 13485 environments. Data exports include metadata headers compatible with LIMS integration and statistical process control (SPC) platforms.

Applications

• Quality assurance of lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and greases per ASTM D1076 and D2983
• Rheological profiling of pharmaceutical suspensions, gels, and ointments in accordance with USP
• Process optimization of paints, inks, and coatings using shear-thinning index and yield point determination
• Formulation development of food emulsions (mayonnaise, sauces) and dairy products requiring temperature-dependent viscosity mapping
• Characterization of polymer solutions and melts during extrusion or injection molding process validation
• Research-grade flow curve acquisition for academic rheology studies involving time-dependent phenomena (thixotropy, rheopexy)

FAQ

What viscosity standards are supported by the EVO Expert?
The instrument complies with ASTM D115, D789, D1076, D1417, D1439, D1638, D1824, D2196, D2336, D2364, D2393, D2556, D2669, D2849, D2983, D2994, D3232, D3236, and D3716, as well as ISO 2555 and BS 6075.
Can the EVO Expert perform yield stress measurements?
Yes—when paired with coaxial cylinder geometry and programmed ramp tests, it calculates apparent yield stress via Bingham or Herschel-Bulkley model fitting within the FDB software.
Is temperature control external or internal?
Temperature sensing is internal via the calibrated PT100 probe; active temperature control requires an external thermostatted bath or Peltier unit connected via accessory port.
How is calibration verified and documented?
Users perform two-point viscosity calibration using certified silicone oils and single-point temperature calibration with the PT100 probe; all actions are logged with timestamps and operator IDs in the audit trail.
Does the system support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—the FDB software includes electronic signatures, audit trail export, and role-based permissions configured to meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements.