Fungilab Expert Advanced Rotational Viscometer

Overview

The Fungilab Expert Advanced Rotational Viscometer is an engineered precision instrument designed for reliable, repeatable measurement of dynamic viscosity, apparent viscosity, and shear-dependent rheological behavior in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Based on the Couette principle, it employs a rotating spindle immersed in the sample within a defined geometry—typically coaxial cylinders or cone-and-plate configurations—to quantify torque resistance under controlled rotational speed. This fundamental rheometric approach enables direct calculation of shear stress and shear rate, supporting both single-point viscosity determination and multi-step flow curve analysis. The Expert series meets the operational rigor required in QC laboratories, R&D facilities, and contract testing organizations where regulatory traceability, instrument stability, and cross-platform compatibility are essential.

Key Features

• 54 programmable rotational speeds spanning 0.01–200 rpm, enabling high-resolution characterization across low-, medium-, and high-viscosity regimes
• Three interchangeable spindle families (L, R, H) with calibrated stainless steel (AISI 316) construction, each optimized for specific viscosity ranges and shear sensitivity requirements
• Integrated PT100 temperature probe with ±0.1 °C accuracy and 0.1 °C resolution, supporting real-time thermal compensation and ISO/ASTM-compliant temperature-controlled measurements
• Touch-sensitive 12-key membrane keypad with intuitive navigation, eliminating mechanical wear and enhancing long-term reliability in high-throughput environments
• Onboard data storage for up to 10 complete test protocols—including custom speed ramps, dwell times, and torque thresholds—with recall functionality for routine daily operation
• SI/CGS unit conversion engine supporting dynamic viscosity (cP or mPa·s), kinematic viscosity (cSt), shear rate (s⁻¹), shear stress (N/m²), and user-defined density inputs
• USB 2.0 interface compliant with Windows-based data acquisition; exports native .csv and Excel-compatible files with timestamped metadata for audit-ready reporting

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Expert viscometer accommodates homogeneous liquids, gels, pastes, and thermally stable suspensions. Its modular design supports optional accessories—including APM (small-volume adapter), LCD (low-viscosity adapter), Heldal (high-viscosity adapter), and PPR quick-connect spindle mounting—ensuring adaptability across diverse sample volumes (as low as 0.5 mL) and rheological profiles. All adapters maintain geometric equivalence with Brookfield-standard geometries, facilitating method transfer and inter-instrument validation. The system complies with ASTM D1084 (polymer solution viscosity), ASTM D2196 (non-Newtonian fluids), ISO 2555 (resins and plastics), ISO 1652 (paints and varnishes), and BS 6075 (lubricants), supporting GLP/GMP-aligned workflows. Calibration certificates are NIST-traceable and include uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Software & Data Management

Bundled Fungilab ViscoLab software provides comprehensive control, visualization, and export capabilities. It supports real-time graphing of viscosity vs. time, shear stress vs. shear rate (flow curves), and hysteresis loop analysis. Data logging includes full parameter metadata: spindle ID, temperature, speed profile, torque %FS, and user-defined notes. Audit trails record operator ID, timestamp, and configuration changes—enabling compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with validated electronic signature modules. Export formats include .xlsx, .txt, and .pdf reports with customizable templates suitable for internal SOPs or external regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Quality control of industrial lubricants, hydraulic oils, and greases per ASTM D1286 and D2849
• Rheological profiling of pharmaceutical suspensions, ointments, and injectables under USP <911> guidance
• Process optimization of food emulsions (mayonnaise, sauces) and dairy products using shear-thinning response analysis
• Characterization of polymer melts and thermoset resins during curing kinetics studies
• Validation of inkjet ink viscosity stability across temperature gradients (ISO 2849)
• Adhesive formulation development requiring yield stress and thixotropic recovery assessment

FAQ

Is the Expert viscometer compatible with existing Brookfield accessories?
Yes—Fungilab Expert uses identical spindle geometries, thread specifications, and mounting interfaces as Brookfield instruments, enabling seamless integration of legacy RVDV-II+ or DV3T accessories.
Does the system support GLP-compliant data integrity?
When configured with ViscoLab software and enabled audit trail settings, the system meets core ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) and supports 21 CFR Part 11 readiness through role-based access control and electronic signatures.
What is the minimum sample volume required for accurate measurement?
With the optional APM small-volume adapter, measurements can be performed on as little as 0.5 mL of sample—ideal for high-value or limited-availability formulations.
Can temperature be controlled externally during testing?
Yes—the PT100 probe integrates with third-party circulating baths or Peltier-based temperature controllers via standard analog output, allowing precise isothermal or ramped-temperature protocols.
How is calibration verified and maintained?
Each unit ships with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate covering torque, speed, and temperature subsystems. Field verification is supported using certified silicone oil standards (e.g., Cannon N47, N100) and optional automated calibration kits.