When it comes to viscosity measurement, the Hydramotion Viscolite VL700-HP lab viscometer is 'always there' for flow assurance consultant AsphWax of Stafford, TX, USA
AsphWax provides oil and gas operators with innovative solutions to asphaltene, wax and hydrate problems, offering technical advice, flow assurance simulation and laboratory services to industry engineers worldwide.
In addition, its KostaTech division manufactures and markets a series of state-of-the-art asphaltene, wax, emulsion and hydrate inhibitors, dispersants and solvents under the InSol brand.
In its highly specialised laboratory, AsphWax needs to be able to measure the viscosity of petrochemical samples quickly and easily.
Dissatisfied with sensors that were vulnerable to breaking or failure, AsphWax wanted a sturdy, reliable viscometer, and the Viscolite VL700-HP gave them just what they were looking for.
"We chose the Viscolite because of its simplicity and ease of measurement combined with good accuracy," said flow assurance advisor Kosta Leontaritis, president and CEO of AsphWax.
The Viscolite is factory-calibrated to traceable international standards, so no calibration or set-up is required.
Maintenance is negligible, as the sensor is a solid, all-welded 316 stainless steel probe with no moving parts or delicate accessories.
Measured viscosity is displayed on the read-out unit as soon as the probe is immersed in the sample.
After use, the probe can be wiped clean in seconds.
An integrated temperature probe enables temperature-corrected readings to be taken instantly.
Outputs include an RS232 or RS422/485 serial link and a fully configurable 4-20mA analogue signal representing either 'live' viscosity or temperature-corrected viscosity.
"We strongly recommend the Viscolite for atmospheric viscosity applications," Dr Leontaritis said.
"It is a reliable, simple and rugged instrument".
"It is always there."
