Easy temperature compensated viscosity (TCV) measurement

Viscosity at reference temperature is a key characteristic for many petroleum products and derivatives such as fuels, oils and lubricants.

The official method is having this measurement done in the lab with a glass capillary viscometer letting the product to flow by gravity at the required temperature as described in ASTM D445.

This, of course, cannot be done in industrial environment. In fact, this information can be obtained from an in-line viscosity measurement which can be correlated to the current standards. There are basically two ways to have access to viscosity at reference temperature: either measure the viscosity directly at the reference temperature which means bringing the product at the expected temperature; or have it calculated from the viscosity measured at current process conditions. This last option is called Temperature Compensated Viscosity or TCV and is a basic functionality for Sofraser MIVI sensor combined with 9710 processor.

TCV calculation with 9710 HMI is the most economical solution to get access to the viscosity measurement at the reference temperature characteristic. First of all, MIVI sensor installation has a minimal footprint as it requires small or even sometimes no modification for its installation in the process. It can either be installed on a reactor wall or on a pipe and does not need any specific sampling or conditioning loop. The 9710 HMI instantaneously and continuously calculates the TCV in real time directly from the viscosity measured in the current process conditions. The TCV measurement can be obtained by using ASTM D341 equation or by a customisable table in order to match specific product behavior.

The 9710 HMI is particularly user-friendly. All the measurements such as viscosity, temperature and TCV are displayed on the 4.3’’ coloured screen. Access to different menus and configuration of the unit can easily be done thanks to its touchscreen and intuitive interface. The data are available with analogue and digital outputs and can also be recorded on a SD card on Excel format for data-logging and further analysis on a computer.

Moreover, the 9710 can handle up to 4 MIVI sensors offering an incredible cost-effective solution for multiple point measurements on the process line. Switching from one sensor to another through the home screen on which all the main data of the four units are also displayed. Fully compliant with Oil & Gas industries requirements, the MIVI 9710 is the perfect solution to monitor and control the process in safe conditions and to meet Industry 4.0 standards.