Brookfield LV User manual

Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Page 1 Manual No. M/85-150-N898
BROOKFIELD DIAL VISCOMETER
Operating Instructions
Manual No. M/85-150-N898
Model No. _____________________
Serial No. _____________________
BROOKFIELD ENGINEERING LABORATORIES, INC.
11 Commerce Boulevard, Middleboro, MA 02346-1031 USA
SPECIALISTS IN THE
MEASUREMENT AND
CONTROLOF VISCOSITY
T EL 508-946-6200
F
AX 508-946-6262 or 800-628-8139 (USA excluding MA)
I
NTERNET www.brookfieldengineering.com
Please record the Model and Serial Number of your viscometer.
Having this information readily available will help us to assist you
should there be any questions regarding your instrument.

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If you’ve ever wanted to upgrade from your
Brookfield analog/dial Viscometer to a new cal-
culating (no factor finder), easy-to-use digital Vis-
cometer...
NOW IS THE TIME!
This offer allows you to save $450! By using your ex-
isting laboratory stand and spindles, you can purc ase
our NEW Model DV-E Viscometer for just $1,345.00!
(Reg. Price: $1,795.00)
ACT NOW. T is special
offer is too good to pass up.
SPECIAL OFFER — Save $450
TEL [phone] or 800-628-8139 FAX [phone]
www.brookfieldengineering.com
BROOKFIELD ENGINEERING LABORATORIES, INC.
11 Commerce Boulevard, Middleboro, MA 02346-1031 USA
❏ DV-E @ $1,345.00 (Reg. Price: $1,795.00) (use your existing spindles and lab stand)
❏ BONUS: Receive a $100 rebate wit t e trade in of your Dial Viscometer.
(Name) (Company)
(Street Address) (City) (State) (Zip Code)
(P one) (Fax) (Serial No. of Trade-In)
Call, mail or fax this certificate
Offer expires
July 31, 2003
Trade in your Dial instrument
and save an additional
$100.00.
ISO 9001 CERTIFIED

Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Page 2 Manual No. M/85-150-N898
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 3
I.1 Components .................................................................................... 3
I.2 Utilities ........................................................................................... 4
I.3 Specifications ................................................................................. 4
I.4 Set-Up............................................................................................. 4
II. GETTING STARTED ................................................................................. 5
II.1 Operation ........................................................................................ 5
II.2 Viscometer Readings and Viscosity Calculations.......................... 5
II.3 Considerations for Making Measurements..................................... 8
APPENDIX A - Cone/Plate Viscometer Set-Up........................................ 9
APPENDIX B - Viscosity Ranges ........................................................... 18
APPENDIX C - Variables in Viscosity Measurements............................ 20
APPENDIX D - Calibration Procedures .................................................. 22
APPENDIX E - Models A & A-E Laboratory Stand
with Parts Identification ........................................... 29
APPENDIX F - Fault Diagnosis and Troubleshooting ........................... 31
APPENDIX G - Warranty Repair and Service ........................................ 33
DV-E SPECIAL OFFER

Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Page 3 Manual No. M/85-150-N898
I. INTRODUCTION
TheBrookfieldDialViscometer measuresfluidviscosityatgivenshearrates. Viscosityisameasure
of a fluid’s resistance to flow. You will find a detailed description of the mathematics of viscosity
in the Brookfield publication “More Solutions to Sticky Problems” a copy of which was included
with your Dial Viscometer. The Dial Viscometer rotates a sensing element in a fluid and measures
the torque necessary to overcome the viscous resistance to the induced movement. This is
accomplishedbydrivingtheimmersedelement,whichiscalledaspindle,throughaberylliumcopper
spring. The degree to which the spring is wound, indicated by the red pointer, is proportional to the
viscosity of the fluid.
The Viscometer is able to measure over a number of ranges since, for a given spring deflection, the
actualviscosityisproportionaltothespindlespeedandis related to thespindle'ssizeandshape. For
amaterialofgiven viscosity, the resistance will be greaterasthespindle size and/or rotational speed
increase. Theminimumviscosityrange is obtained by using the largestspindleatthe highest speed;
the maximum range by using the smallest spindle at the slowest speed.
There are four basic spring torque series offered by Brookfield:
Model Spring Torque (Dyne-cm)
LV 673.7
RV 7,187.0
HA 14,374.0
HB 57,496.0
The higher the torque calibration, the higher the measurement range. The viscosity measurement
range for each torque calibration may be found in Appendix B.
All units of measurement are calculated in units of centipoise (cP) by using a look-up table
known as "the Brookfield Factor Finder" to convert torque reading. The equivalent units of
measurement in the SI system are calculated using the following conversions:
SI CGS
Viscosity: 1 mPa•s = 1 cP mPa•s = milli Pascal - second
Torque: 1 Newton-m = 107dyne-cm
I.1 Components
1) Dial Viscometer
2) Model A Laboratory Stand
3) Spindle Set with Case (4 spindles for LVF, LVT; 7 Spindles for RVF, RVT, HAT, and HBT).
For Cone/Plate versions: a spindle wrench, one cone spindle and a sample cup (Part No.
CP-44Y) replace the spindle set
4) Guard Leg (LVF, LVT, RVF, and RVT only)
5) Carrying Case
6) Operating Instruction Manual
7) Factor Finder
Please check to be sure that you have received all components, and that there is no damage. If you
are missing any parts, please notify Brookfield Engineering or your local Brookfield agent immedi-
ately. Any shipping damage must be reported to the carrier.

Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Page 4 Manual No. M/85-150-N898
I.2 Utilities
Input Voltage: 115 VAC or 230 VAC
Input Frequency: 50 or 60 Hz
Power Consumption: Less than 20 WATTS
I.3 Specifications
Speeds: LVF: 60, 30, 12, 6
LVT: 60, 30, 12, 6, 3, 1.5, 0.6, 0.3
RVF: 20, 10, 4, 2
RVT: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1, 0.5
HAT: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1, 0.5
HBT: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1, 0.5
Accuracy: ±1% of Full Scale Range in use
(See Appendix D for details)
Repeatability: ±0.2% of Full Scale Range in use
Weight: Gross Weight 20 lb 9 kg
Net Weight 17 lb 7.7 kg
Carton Volume 1.65 cu ft 0.05 m3
I.4 Set-Up
1) Assemble the laboratory stand. (Refer to Appendix E.)
2) Mountthe Viscometer securely ona Brookfield laboratory stand. Onsome Viscom-
eters,itmaybenecessarytounscrewthenutlocatedatthepointwherethepowercord
enterstheviscometer. Thispermitsthemetalhandletobeinsertedintothelaboratory
stand clamp.
Note: The position of the laboratory stand clamp assembly is important. Refer to
Appendix E for proper alignment and positioning of the clamp assembly.
Level the viscometer, referring to the bubble level on the instrument. If the
viscometer cannot be leveled, recheck the laboratory stand assembly, as shown on
Sheet #82-0330 (supplied with Model A laboratory stand).
3) Verify that the viscometer's power requirements match your power source before
connecting it to power.
4) For Cone/Plate models, refer to Appendix A.

Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Page 5 Manual No. M/85-150-N898
II. GETTING STARTED
II.1Operation
The Brookfield Viscometer is powered by a precision synchronous motor. Exact speeds of rotation
are assured as the motor will turn erratically and spasmodically if synchronization cannot be
maintained.
Speed changes are affected by a gear train having either four or eight speeds. Maximum speed
(RPM) will be set at full clockwise rotation and minimum speed at full counter-clockwise rotation.
Although not absolutely necessary, it is advisable to change speeds while the motor is running.
Four speed Viscometers have a square speed control knob with one number shown on each of four
faces. The instrument’s rotational speed is indicated by the number facing up. Eight speed models
have a square speed control knob with two numbers on each face; by moving the knob through two
complete turns, speeds may be changed in sequence. No trouble will be experienced in differenti-
ating between the two speeds shown on each face since each pair is in the ratio of 20:1. To insure
rotationattheindicatedspeed,itisimportantthatthefaceoftheknobuponwhichthisspeedisshown
be closely parallel to the viscometer’s dial.
LV Viscometers are provided with a set of four spindles and a narrow guard leg; RV Viscometers
come with a set of seven spindles and a wider guard leg; HA and HB Viscometers come with a set
of seven spindles and no guard leg.
The spindles are attached to the viscometer by screwing them to the lower shaft. Note that the
spindles have a left-hand thread. The lower shaft should be held in one hand and lifted up. The
spindle should be screwed to the left. The face of the spindle nut and the matching surface on the
lower shaft should be smooth and clean to prevent eccentric rotation of the spindle. Spindles can
be identified by the number on the side of the spindle nut.
AllBrookfield Dial Reading Viscometers are provided witha clutch lever located at the backof the
instrument. Depressing the lever raises the dial against the pointer and “holds” the instrument’s
reading. When the clutch is released the dial is lowered and the pointer will be freed.
Any of the controls on the Viscometer - the motor switch, speed change knob, and clutch - may be
operated independently of the other.
II.2 Viscometer Readings and Viscosity Calculations
1. Mount the guard leg, if used, (spindle protector) on the viscometer.
2. Attach the spindle to the viscometer lower shaft by lifting the coupling screw slightly. Hold it
firmlywithonehandwhilescrewingthespindleonwiththeother (noteleft-handthread). Avoid
putting side thrust on the shaft.
Toavoid trapping air bubbles under the disc-type spindles, do the following before attaching the
spindle. Begin by immersing the spindle in a diagonal path, slowly drag the spindle across the

Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Page 6 Manual No. M/85-150-N898
fluid surface, and bring the spindle to an upright position and thread onto screw.
3. Lower and center spindle in the test material (600 ml beaker) until the meniscus of the fluid is
at the center of the immersion groove on the spindle’s shaft.
4. To make a viscosity measurement, turn the motor switch “ON”. This energizes the viscometer
drivemotor. Allowtimefortheindicatedreadingtostabilize. Thetimerequiredforstabilization
willdepend on the speedatwhichtheviscometeris running and thecharacteristicsofthesample
fluid.
Whenmaking aviscositymeasurement,the reading shouldbenotedand multipliedbythefactor
appropriate to the viscometer model/spindle/speed combination being used. Refer to the table
below or to the FACTOR FINDER for calculating viscosity. For maximum accuracy, readings
below 10.0% torque (dial reading) should be avoided.
5. Turn the viscometer motor switch “OFF” when changing a spindle, changing samples, etc.
Remove spindle before cleaning.
6. The interpretation of results and the instrument’s use with non-Newtonian and thixotropic
materials is discussed in the booklet, “More Solutions to Sticky Problems” and in Appendix C.
The following table applies to Brookfield Viscometer Models LV, RV, HA and HB with standard
spindles. Itenablestheusertoconverttopercentscalereadingintoaviscosityvalueinunitsofcentipoise.
To convert the viscometer dial reading to a viscosity value in units of centipoise, multiply the reading
noted on dial viscometer by the appropriate factor in the following tables.
1234
.3 200 .3 1 M .3 4 M .3 20 M
.6 100 .6 500 .6 2 M .6 10 M
1.5 40 1.5 200 1.5 800 1.5 4 M
3 20 3 100 3 400 3 2 M
6 10 6 50 6 200 6 1 M
12 5 12 25 12 100 12 500
30 2 30 10 30 40 30 200
60 1 60 5 60 20 60 100
LV Viscometer
= Spindle Speed = Factor = Spindle

Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Page 7 Manual No. M/85-150-N898
Dial reading x Factor = Viscosity in cP (mPa•s)
Example: LVT Viscometer with #1 spindle at 6 rpm
Dial Reading: 75 Factor: 10
75 x 10 = 750 cP (mPa•s)
Full scale viscosity range for any speed and spindle combination is equal to the factor x 100.
Factor x 100 = Full scale range
Example: LVT Viscometer with #1 spindle at 6 RPM
Full Scale Range: 10 x 100 = 1,000 cP
.5 200 .5 800 .5 2 M .5 4 M .5 8 M .5 20 M .5 80 M
1 100 1 400 1 1 M 12 M 14 M 110 M 140 M
2 50 2 200 2 500 2 1 M 22 M 25 M 220 M
2.5 40 2.5 160 2.5 400 2.5 800 2.5 1.6 M 2.5 4 M 2.5 16 M
4 25 4 100 4 250 4 500 4 1 M 4 2.5 M 410 M
5 20 5 80 5 200 5 400 5 800 5 2 M 58 M
10 10 10 40 10 100 10 200 10 400 10 1 M 10 4 M
20 5 20 20 20 50 20 100 20 200 20 500 20 2 M
50 2 50 8 50 20 50 40 50 80 50 200 50 800
100 1 100 4 100 10 100 20 100 40 100 100 100 400
12345 67
RV
= Spindle Speed = Factor = Spindle
HA
.5 400 .5 1.6 M .5 4 M .5 8 M .5 16 M .5 40 M .5 160 M
1 200 1 800 1 2 M 14 M 18 M 120 M 180 M
2 100 2 400 2 1 M 22 M 24 M 210 M 240 M
2.5 80 2.5 320 2.5 800 2.5 1.6 M 2.5 3.2 M 2.5 8 M 2.5 32 M
5 40 5 160 5 400 5 800 5 1.6 M 54 M 516 M
10 20 10 80 10 200 10 400 10 800 10 2 M 10 8 M
20 10 20 40 20 100 20 200 20 400 20 1 M 20 4 M
50 4 50 16 50 40 50 80 50 160 50 400 50 1.6 M
100 2 100 8 100 20 100 40 100 80 100 200 100 800
12345 67
= Spindle Speed = Factor = Spindle
.5 1.6M.5 6.4M.5 16M.5 32M.5 64M.5 160M.5 640M
1 800 1 3.2M18M116M132M180M1 320M
2 400 2 1.6M24M28M216M240M2 160M
2.5 320 2.5 1.28M2.5 32.M2.5 6.4M2.5 12.8M2.5 32M2.5 128M
5 160 5 640 5 1.6M5 3.2M5 6.4M516M564M
10 80 10 320 10 800 10 1.63M10 3.2M10 8M10 32M
20 40 20 160 20 400 20 800 20 1.6M20 4M20 16M
50 16 50 64 50 160 50 320 50 640 50 1.6M50 6.4M
100 8 100 32 100 80 100 160 100 320 100 800 100 3.2M
12345 67
HB
= Spindle Speed = Factor = Spindle

Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Page 8 Manual No. M/85-150-N898
II.3Considerations for Making Measurements
In taking viscosity measurements with the Dial Viscometer there are two considerations which
pertain to the low viscosity limit of effective measurement.
1) Viscosity measurements should be accepted within the equivalent % Torque Range from
10% to 100% for any combination of spindle/speed rotation.
2) Viscositymeasurements should be taken under laminar flowconditions, not under turbulent
flow conditions.
The first consideration has to do with the precision of the instrument. All Dial Viscometers have a
full scale range precision of ±1% of any spindle/speed rotation. We discourage taking readings
below 10% of range because the potential viscosity error of ±1% is a relatively high number
compared to the instrument reading.
The second consideration involves the mechanics of fluid flow. All rheological measurements of
fluid flow properties should be made under laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow is flow wherein
all particle movement is in layers directed by the shearing force. For rotational systems, this means
all fluid movement must be circumferential. When the inertial forces on the fluid become too great,
thefluid canbreakinto turbulent flowwhereinthe movementoffluidparticles becomesrandomand
the flow can not be analyzed with standard math models. This turbulence creates a falsely high
viscometer reading with the degree of non-linear increase in reading being directly related to the
degree of turbulence in the fluid.
For the following geometries, we have found that an approximate transition point to turbulent flow
occurs as follows:
1) No. 1 LV Spindle: 15 cP at 60 RPM
2) No. 1 RV Spindle: 100 cP at 50 RPM
3) UL Adapter: 0.85 cP at 60 RPM
Turbulent conditions will exist in these situations whenever the RPM/cP ratio exceeds the values
listed above.