Contact-free determination of viscosity in multiple parallel samples.

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Physical chemistry
• Materials science

Background:

• Viscosity is a critical fluid property impacting numerous industrial and scientific processes.
• Conventional viscosity measurement techniques often require direct sample contact, posing limitations and risks.
• There is a need for non-invasive, precise, and adaptable methods for viscosity determination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simple, precise, and robust contact-free method for measuring fluid viscosity.
• To demonstrate the versatility of the method using optical detection techniques (fluorescence and transmitted light).
• To explore the applicability of the novel viscometer for characterizing non-Newtonian fluids.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes orbital shaking to induce liquid rotation within a vessel.
• Measures viscosity-dependent angular positions relative to centrifugal acceleration.
• Employs optical detection (fluorescence and transmitted light) for signal acquisition.
• Features a design with a single drive motor, inexpensive components, and disposable sample vessels.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated a contact-free viscosity measurement principle.
• Showcased adjustable sensitivity by varying sample volume and shaking diameter.
• Validated parallel analysis of multiple samples.
• Confirmed applicability to non-Newtonian, shear rate-dependent fluids.

Conclusions:

• The developed contact-free viscometer offers a precise, robust, and adaptable alternative to traditional methods.
• The system's simplicity, low cost, and versatility make it suitable for diverse applications.
• This novel approach advances fluid characterization, particularly for sensitive or non-Newtonian samples.