From -45°C to +300°C: Unlocking Accurate Dynamic Viscosity Measurements

Anton Paar’s ViscoQC rotational viscometers can be equipped with compact, coolant-free temperature devices that measure across a combined range from -45 °C to +300 °C, making them ideal for samples like lubricants, bitumen, waxes and resins.

Heat and chill: Meet PTD 175 & ETD 300
PTD 175 uses Peltier technology to control sample temperatures from -45 to +175 °C without the need for an external circulator bath, as it is air-cooled. It is the ideal choice if frequent or fast temperature changes are required, as the device can actively heat and cool at impressive rates (max. heating/cooling 20 °C/min and 28 °C/min respectively). The setup is fully controlled via the viscometer’s display, accommodating all typical measuring geometries (DIN, small sample adapter, ultra-low viscosity, and double gap) with sample volumes from 2 mL to 20 mL, and optional disposable cups for hard-to-clean samples. The setup is compliant with widely used standards like ASTM D2983, D5133, DIN 51398 and many more.

On the other hand, the ETD 300 heating chamber is designed for high-temperature measurements, offering a stable environment for samples like bitumen, waxes, hot melts, and polymers within a temperature range of 25 °C to 300 °C. Like PTD 175, it is fully controlled through the viscometer’s display and supports the typical small sample geometries. The setup is compliant with widely used standards like ASTM D4402, D1986, D3236, D6267, DIN 13302 and AASHTO T316.

Unique features for instrument longevity and measurement accuracy
Viscometer failures are often caused by improper spindle attachment, which can damage the mechanics of the device. ViscoQC mitigates this risk with its magnetic spindle coupling, simplifying attachment and preventing damage from incorrect installation.

The innovative TruMode™ feature allows ViscoQC to automatically select the ideal measuring speed for individual samples, ensuring optimal torque levels (typically between 80 % and 90 %) for the highest accuracy in every measurement. Speaking of accuracy, ViscoQC is designed so that calibrations and adjustments of the measuring setup can easily be done by the user via the help of a guide-through wizard on the device. This ensures that the setup always delivers reliable measurements.  

T-ReadyTM: For the highest sample temperature precision
Accurate temperature control is essential for viscosity measurements; a deviation of 1 °C can make a difference of up to 10 % in viscosity values. Samples with high specific heat capacity and low thermal conductivity (e.g. bitumen, waxes etc.) therefore require long temperature equilibration times. If the measurement is prematurely started without the sample having been fully equilibrated, it will result in incorrect viscosity readings. To address this, ViscoQC includes the unique T-Ready™ function, which ensures that the sample itself has reached the correct temperature before measurements begin. This feature saves time by preventing unnecessary waiting or premature measurements, ensuring accurate and reliable viscosity values.