IKA ROTAVISC LO-VI COMPLETE Rotational Viscometer Standard Kit

Overview

The IKA ROTAVISC LO-VI COMPLETE is a precision-engineered portable rotational viscometer designed for reliable, repeatable viscosity measurements across diverse industrial and laboratory environments. Based on Couette flow principle—where torque required to rotate a spindle immersed in a fluid at controlled shear rate is measured—the instrument delivers quantitative rheological data essential for quality control, formulation development, and process validation. Its modular architecture supports rapid deployment without dedicated benchtop infrastructure, making it suitable for on-site testing in pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, cosmetics R&D, and polymer production facilities. The system operates within a regulated ambient temperature range of 5–40 °C, with external temperature control enabled via integration with certified recirculating chillers or heating baths—ensuring compliance with ISO 2555 and ASTM D2196 protocols for temperature-dependent viscosity assessment.

Key Features

• Continuous speed adjustment from 0.01 to 200 rpm, enabling precise shear rate profiling and non-Newtonian fluid characterization.
• 4.3″ high-contrast TFT touchscreen interface with intuitive menu navigation, real-time graphical display of viscosity vs. time curves, and built-in electronic level calibration for consistent sample alignment.
• RAMP function automates multi-step rotational sequences—ideal for standardized QC workflows requiring sequential shear history simulation (e.g., thixotropy recovery tests).
• Integrated PT100 temperature probe provides direct in-situ thermal monitoring with ±1 °C resolution and accuracy, supporting traceable temperature correlation per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Robust mechanical design includes an aluminum alloy housing, vibration-damped base, and optional ROTASTAND manual lift mechanism for reproducible immersion depth control (±0.1 mm repeatability).
• Full compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards EN 61326-1 and safety directive EN 61010-1 for Class I laboratory equipment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ROTAVISC LO-VI COMPLETE accommodates Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids—including suspensions, emulsions, gels, and molten polymers—using four standardized spindles (SP1–SP4) optimized for low- to ultra-high-viscosity regimes. Each spindle is individually calibrated and traceable to national metrology institutes. The instrument meets GLP documentation requirements through timestamped measurement logs and user-accessible audit trails. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its data export functionality (via USB) supports integration into validated LIMS or ELN platforms where electronic signatures and change control are enforced. All accessories conform to RoHS and REACH directives; the guard rail ensures operator safety during high-torque measurements.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and visualization are handled natively via the onboard firmware—no external PC required for routine operation. Measurements are stored internally (up to 1,000 datasets) with metadata including date/time stamp, spindle ID, rotational speed, temperature, and calculated viscosity. Export is supported via USB mass storage mode to CSV or PDF formats, compatible with Microsoft Excel, OriginLab, and JMP for statistical analysis. Optional IKA Labworldsoft™ software (sold separately) enables advanced curve fitting, yield stress estimation, and automated report generation aligned with ISO 16520-1 reporting templates. Firmware updates are delivered via downloadable .bin files, maintaining version control integrity per internal QA procedures.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Monitoring viscosity of topical gels, ophthalmic solutions, and suspension stability under accelerated aging conditions.
• Food & Beverage: Quantifying consistency of sauces, dairy products, and plant-based alternatives across shelf-life studies.
• Chemicals: Assessing shear-thinning behavior of coatings, adhesives, and drilling fluids under simulated application shear rates.
• Academic Research: Teaching fundamental rheology concepts including apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity, and flow index using ASTM D1092 reference methods.
• Quality Assurance: Performing incoming raw material checks (e.g., resins, solvents) against specification limits defined in internal SOPs or USP <911>.

FAQ

Can the ROTAVISC LO-VI COMPLETE be used for yield stress determination?
Yes—when paired with the optional vane spindle kit (not included in the standard set), the instrument supports controlled-stress ramp testing to estimate yield point via flow curve extrapolation.
Is temperature control fully integrated or externally dependent?
The unit includes a PT100 probe for accurate temperature monitoring but requires an external thermostatic bath or recirculator for active temperature regulation; no built-in Peltier or heater elements are present.
What spindle calibration documentation is provided?
Each SP1–SP4 spindle ships with individual calibration certificates referencing DIN 53019-1, traceable to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt).
Does the device support GLP-compliant data archiving?
Internal storage retains uneditable timestamps and operator IDs; however, full GLP compliance necessitates integration with a validated third-party data management system.
How is viscosity accuracy verified during routine use?
Users may perform daily verification using NIST-traceable silicone oil standards (e.g., Cannon N47, N1000) in accordance with ISO 17025 clause 7.7.1.