Rugged process viscometer provides continuous real-time dynamic viscosity of melts with very high sensitivity and unlimited range
Hydramotion has introduced a special process viscometer for the real-time measurement of polymer melt viscosity.
It says the instrument is already proving its worth in various locations around the world, including a large PET plant in northern England.
PET is used to make plastic containers for food, beverages and other liquids, and in the manufacture of films, magnetic tape and synthetic fibres.
It is very important for the polymer to have the correct viscosity at the die head from which it is extruded, yet measurement conditions there are harsh.
The temperature is typically about 300C, the pressure may reach 200bar (around 3000psi), and the viscosity is high - up to 5000poise.
However, these conditions present no challenge to the XL7 polymer melt viscometer says Hydramotion.
Developed particularly for use in melt-pipe extruder applications, the XL7 provides continuous real-time dynamic viscosity of melts with very high sensitivity and unlimited range.
The special high-load design gives reliable, uninterrupted performance under high temperature, pressure and viscosity conditions with virtually no maintenance.
Despite the high process temperature the instrument needs no special cooling.
The low-profile sensor is an all-welded 316 stainless steel construction whose smooth surfaces ensure minimal flow disruption.
The sensing part of the transducer is contoured to fit the radius of the pipe so the sensor presents a flush surface to the inner bore, thus eliminating the risk of material entrapment.
The transducer can be supplied with any process fitting (eg flanged or threaded), mounts directly into a vessel or pipeline in any orientation, and comes complete with its own digital readout unit.
Outputs include a 4-20mA analogue signal and a serial data link for continuous viscosity monitoring and control.
