Dual Measurement Mode Rotational Viscometer

A novel dual method concept to widen the viscosity measurement range of magnetic actuation and sensing based viscometer is presented. A phase slipping detection is used for high viscosities, while fluids with low viscosities are studied by applying a step-stress and detecting early stage strain oscillations. Developed dual mode concept was tested and verified by studying water-glycerol solutions with different concentrations. The results show that proposed method significantly improves the measurement capability of the rotational viscosity probe without increasing the overall cost of the system or compromising the advantages (non-contact, non-optical, disposable, hermetic measurements) of it.