Altana byko-visc RT User manual

Rotational Viscometer
byko-visc RT
Operating Manual

byko-visc RT BYK-Gardner GmbH
2 300 003 478 - 2301
© Copyright 2023 BYK-Gardner GmbH
All rights reserved

BYK-Gardner GmbH byko-visc RT
300 003 478 - 2301 3
Table of Contents
1............................................................................................................................. 6
Introduction
.......................................................................................................................... 8
1.1 For Your Safety
.......................................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Symbols
.......................................................................................................................... 10
1.3 Disclaimer
.......................................................................................................................... 10
1.4 Copyright
.......................................................................................................................... 11
1.5 Declarations
.......................................................................................................................................................... 11Declaration of Conformity (EU)1.5.1
.......................................................................................................................................................... 11Declaration of Conformity (UK)1.5.2
2............................................................................................................................. 12
System Description
.......................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 Intended Use
.......................................................................................................................... 14
2.2 Measurement Principle
.......................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Feature Matrix
3............................................................................................................................. 16
Getting Started
.......................................................................................................................... 17
3.1 Delivery Content
.......................................................................................................................... 18
3.2 Control Elements
.......................................................................................................................... 18
3.3 Viscometer Head
.......................................................................................................................... 19
3.4 Instrument Set-up
.......................................................................................................................... 19
3.5 System Operation
.......................................................................................................................................................... 20Main Menu3.5.1
.......................................................................................................................................................... 21Configuration Options3.5.2
4............................................................................................................................. 22
Measurement Settings
.......................................................................................................................... 23
4.1 Spindle
.......................................................................................................................... 24
4.2 Speed
.......................................................................................................................... 24
4.3 Density
.......................................................................................................................... 25
4.4 Time to Stop
.......................................................................................................................... 25
4.5 Time to Torque
.......................................................................................................................... 26
4.6 Ramp
.......................................................................................................................... 26
4.7 Limits
.......................................................................................................................... 27
4.8 Curve Fitting
5............................................................................................................................. 28
System Configuration

byko-visc RT BYK-Gardner GmbH
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.......................................................................................................................... 29
5.1 Units
.......................................................................................................................... 30
5.2 Density
.......................................................................................................................... 31
5.3 Language
.......................................................................................................................... 32
5.4 Date / Time
.......................................................................................................................... 32
5.5 Color-Scheme
.......................................................................................................................... 33
5.6 Information
.......................................................................................................................... 33
5.7 Factory Reset
.......................................................................................................................... 34
5.8 Save Results
.......................................................................................................................... 34
5.9 Lock Settings
.......................................................................................................................... 35
5.10 Custom Spindle
6............................................................................................................................. 36
Perform Measurements
.......................................................................................................................... 37
6.1 Attach Spindle
.......................................................................................................................... 38
6.2 Measure Viscosity
.......................................................................................................................... 39
6.3 Change Parameters
.......................................................................................................................... 40
6.4 Access all Screens
.......................................................................................................................... 41
6.5 End Measurement
7............................................................................................................................. 42
Special Measurements
.......................................................................................................................... 43
7.1 Density
.......................................................................................................................... 44
7.2 Time to Stop
.......................................................................................................................... 45
7.3 Time to Torque
.......................................................................................................................... 46
7.4 QC-Limits
.......................................................................................................................... 47
7.5 Ramp-Up
.......................................................................................................................... 48
7.6 Curve Fitting
.......................................................................................................................... 49
7.7 Temperature
8............................................................................................................................. 50
Browse Measurements
.......................................................................................................................... 51
8.1 Rename Test Series
.......................................................................................................................... 52
8.2 Export to USB
.......................................................................................................................... 53
8.3 Print to USB
.......................................................................................................................... 54
8.4 Delete Data
9............................................................................................................................. 55
Appendix
.......................................................................................................................... 56
9.1 Firmware Update
.......................................................................................................................... 57
9.2 Technical Data

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.......................................................................................................................................................... 57Instrument9.2.1
.......................................................................................................................................................... 58General Data9.2.2
.......................................................................................................................................................... 58Documentation9.2.3
.......................................................................................................................... 59
9.3 Maintenance
.......................................................................................................................... 60
9.4 Service Points

1
Introduction

BYK-Gardner GmbH byko-visc RT
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Dear customer,
thank you for having decided for a BYK-Gardner product. BYK-Gardner is committed to providing
you with quality products and services. We offer complete system solutions to solve your
problems in areas of color, appearance and physical properties. As the basis of our worldwide
business, we strongly believe in total customer satisfaction.
Therefore, in addition to our products, we offer many VALUE-ADDED services:
· Technical Sales Force
· Technical and Application Support
· Application and Technical Seminars
· Repair and Certification Service
BYK-Gardner is part of ALTANA AG and a direct subsidiary of BYK, a leading supplier of additives
for coatings and plastics. Together, we offer complete and unique solutions for you, our
customer.
Thank your for your trust and confidence. If there is anything we can do better to serve your
needs, do not hesitate to let us know.
Your BYK-Gardner Team
· https://www.byk-instruments.com

byko-visc RT BYK-Gardner GmbH
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For Your Safety1.1
CAUTION: Familiarization with safety instructions necessary
Failure to read and understand the safety instructions threatens your health and can
damage the instrument. Read the safety instructions before you use the instrument the
first time.
The safety instructions are part of the delivery content. You find the safety instructions
in the dedicated booklet enclosed to the instrument carrying case.
The safety instructions also include information about disposal, liability and copyright.
WARNING: Injuries possible
This manual cannot address all of the safety considerations associated with its use. It is
the responsibility of the user to consult this manual and establish appropriate safety
practices for use with this equipment and the individual material being tested.
The byko-visc viscometers are designed and intended for the use described in the
manual. Using the viscometer for other purposes for which it was not designed may
reduce or eliminate the protection offered by the features of the device. Serious injury
may result.
This instrument is not intended for use in a potentially hazardous environment or with
materials that may release toxic or flammable gases at the temperatures encountered
during testing.
Never defeat the ground conductor or operate the equipment in the absence of a
suitably installed ground conductor. Contact the appropriate electrical inspection
authority or an electrician if you are uncertain that suitable grounding is available.
WARNING: Severe material damage
Only devices meeting the requirements for low voltage safety may be connected to the
USB interface.

BYK-Gardner GmbH byko-visc RT
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Symbols1.2
The label on the instrument contains the following symbols.
Do not dispose of this product together with your household trash. Please refer to
the information of your local community or contact our dealers regarding the
proper handling of end-of-live electric and electronic equipment. Recycling of this
product will help to conserve natural resources and prevent potential negative
consequences for the environment and hum health caused by inappropriate waste
handling.
Read the instruction manual before operation.
The manufacturer or importer affirms the good's conformity with European health,
safety, and environmental protection standards. Details see Declarations .
This symbol denotes the TUV certification mark for the United Kindom and the
European Union.
This symbol denotes the TUV certification mark for Canada and the United States.
11

byko-visc RT BYK-Gardner GmbH
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Disclaimer1.3
Exclusion of Liability
No liability other than as provided by law is assumed for direct or indirect damage sustained in
association with the use of the instrument, the software or documentation.
BYK-Gardner precludes all liability claims if the usage described in "Intended Use" is disregarded.
Any other usage than described in "Intended Use" is not according to the purpose of the
instrument and leads to termination of liability claims.
See also
· Intended Use
Copyright1.4
Specific properties and structural characteristics of the instrument are intellectual property of
BYK-Gardner. The copyright of this manual remains with BYK-Gardner.
This document must not be reproduced fully or in party, published or used for any other
competitive purposes, no matter whether against payment or not, without prior written
authorization from BYK-Gardner.
BYK-Gardner reserves the right to update the instrument, software and written documentation
without prior notice.
© Copyright 2023 BYK-Gardner GmbH
All rights reserved
13

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Declarations1.5
Declaration of Conformity (EU)1.5.1
We,
BYK-Gardner GmbH
Lausitzer Strasse 8
D-82538 Geretsried
declare, that the instrument byko visc RT complies with the requirements of the following EU
directives:
· 2014/30/EU - Electromagnetic Compatibility
· 2014/35/EU - Low Voltage
The following harmonized standards were applied:
· EN 61010-1:2010
· EN 61326-1:2013
Geretsried, November 2021
Frank R. Wagner
Managing Director
Declaration of Conformity (UK)1.5.2
Hereby,
BYK-Gardner GmbH
Lausitzer Strasse 8
D-82538 Geretsried
declares, that the products of type byko visc RT comply with the requirements of the following
directives for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EC) of the European Union (EU):
· S.I. 2016/1091 - Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations
· S.I. 2016/1101 - Low Voltage
The following harmonized standards were applied:
· EN 61010-1:2010
· EN 61326-1:2013
Geretsried, November 2021
Frank R. Wagner
Managing Director

2
System Description

BYK-Gardner GmbH byko-visc RT
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The byko visc RT is a benchtop viscometer which is operated by the touch screen. The power
button - used to switch on the instrument - is located on the rear of the instrument above the
power connector. Using the touch screen display icons and functions can be selected directly. The
instrument can be used to repeatably measure viscosity of many types of liquid samples in the
laboratory and in production.
Intended Use2.1
Thank you for acquiring your new byko visc RT viscometer from BYK-Gardner.
The byko visc RT is a rotational viscometer, based on the measurement of the torque of a rotating
spindle in a sample at a specified velocity. Three different available spring torques, as well as
various accessories, allow it to cover a wide range of viscosity measurement.
The instrument is designed for indoor use. For supported functions see Feature Matrix .
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byko-visc RT BYK-Gardner GmbH
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Measurement Principle2.2
The instrument uses a precise stepper motor drive to rotate a specially designed spindle at a
specific RPM in a sample of liquid. A torque spring is connected between the spindle immersed in
the sample and a sensor system to determine the amount of torque required to rotate the spindle
through a sample. The torque requirement can then be used to calculate the viscosity of the
sample.
The touchscreen display allows user interaction with the instrument and the display of
measurement results. Results can also be saved and transferred to a USB thumb drive for
importation into Microsoft Excel on a PC for further data analysis.

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Feature Matrix2.3
The BYK-Gardner byko-visc RT product family offers a wide range of high quality benchtop
viscometers. For every purpose the best instrument is available. The byko-visc RT product group
offers the premium models. The byko-visc RT Lite product group offers the economic models.
byko-visc RT
byko-visc RT Lite
Low viscosity
Regular viscosity
High viscosity
8356: byko-visc RT L
8357: byko-visc RT R
8358: byko-visc RT H
8350: byko-visc RT Lite L
8351: byko-visc RT Lite R
8352: byko-visc RT Lite H
Measurement range
Low: 1(*) - 6,000,000 cP
Regular: 5(*) - 40,000,000 cP
High: 300 - 320,000,000 cP
(*) With Low Viscosity Adapter (LVA)
accessory
Low: 1(*) - 2,000,000 cP
Regular: 5(*) - 13,000,000 cP
High: 300 - 106,000,000 cP
(*) With Low Viscosity Adapter (LVA)
accessory
Spindles included
byko-visc RT L: 4
byko-visc RT R: 6
byko-visc RT H: 6
byko-visc RT Lite L: 4
byko-visc RT Lite R: 6
byko-visc RT Lite H: 6
Speed range
0.1 to 250 rpm
0.3 to 200 rpm in 21 steps
No. of speeds
Freely selectable within speed range
21
Repeatability
0.2%
0.2%
Accuracy
1.0% of full-scale range
1.0% of full-scale range
Preset memory
6 memory locations for
measurement settings presets
-
Measurement mode
Multi-point
Single-point
Measurement
features
Curve Fitting, Multi-Step Ramp, QC
Limits, Time to Stop, Time to Torque
Time to Stop, Time to Torque
Data display features
Current viscosity, torque,
temperature, graph and table over
time
Current viscosity, torque,
temperature
Temperature
measurement
PT100 temperature probe
PT100 temperature probe (optional)
Product image
For more product details see https://www.byk-instruments.com/c/1535#1896.

3
Getting Started

BYK-Gardner GmbH byko-visc RT
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The entire system consists of instrument, power supply and a set of spindles.
Delivery Content3.1
The items listed below are contained in the packaging:
· Rotational viscometer instrument mounted to adjustable stand
· 4 spindles for L spring models, 6 spindles for R and H spring models
· Temperature probe (standard on RT, optional accessory on RT Lite)
· Documentation: Safety Instructions and Short Instructions
· Certificate with instrument calibration data
· External power supply
· Spindle storage rack
· Spindle guard
Please contact BYK-Gardner if any item is missing or damaged.
NOTICE
Retain the packaging in case you want to ship the instrument at a later date.

byko-visc RT BYK-Gardner GmbH
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Control Elements3.2
Control of the instrument is provided by following elements.
1 Touch-screen display
2 Adjustable stand:
· Knob for vertical adjustment
· Lock for horizontal adjustment
3 Spindle attachment (protective cap
removed)
4 Support rod for stand
5 Spindle protector (form depends on
model)
6 Spindle
7 Base for stand
8 Sample container(*)
9 Adjustable feet (3x)
(*) Not included, recommended: 600 ml low form glass beaker (see Ordering Information )
Viscometer Head3.3
On the back of the viscometer head following controls / connectors are provided.
1 External power supply
2 Power button: Power on and off
3 USB Type A:
· USB flash drive
· USB printer (or vice versa)
4 USB Type C: PC communication(*)
5 Temperature probe
(*) Not used yet, foreseen for upcoming firmware versions
NOTICE
Before switching off the instrument always return to the Main Menu to save all data.
In order to turn off the unit press the power button (2) and the unit will shut down.
After switch off always wait 30 seconds before you switch on again. To disconnect the
unit from the power source unplug the external power supply from (1).
59
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Instrument Set-up3.4
Perform following steps:
1. Place the viscometer in a suitable location.
2. Turn protective cap clockwise to access spindle attachment.
3. Plug the power supply into a mains outlet and plug the output cable into the back of
the viscometer head.
4. Turn instrument on with the power button located on the back of the viscometer head.
5. After power on a level check takes place; use the adjustable feet to level the instrument.
6. A message appears when instrument is leveled; after 3..5 seconds the zero screen is
displayed.
7. Press green Start button to start the zero check; the zero viscosity point is automatically
determined.
After finishing zero check the instrument will automatically go to the main menu.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage of the precise mechanic: Always remove the spindle and attach the
protective cap before moving the instrument.
NOTICE
Tap on the icon with the question mark to open the context sensitive help.
System Operation3.5
The instrument is operated using the icons on the touch-screen display to select functions and
configure settings.

byko-visc RT BYK-Gardner GmbH
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Main Menu3.5.1
In the main menu the following symbols are displayed.
Viscosity Measurement
Perform measurements using existing parameters, change parameters and save
results in instrument memory.
Browse Measurements
View and manage measurement results saved in instrument memory.
Measurement Settings
Change measurement settings and / or instrument configuration.