Lamy Rheology FIRST PLUS LR User manual

1
USING MANUAL
FIRST PLUS LR

2
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................3
1.1 COMPONENTS............................................................................................................................4
1.2 GENERAL VIEW OF YOUR DEVICE..........................................................................................5
1.3 CONNEXIONS .............................................................................................................................7
1.4 SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................7
1.5 INSTALLATION ...........................................................................................................................8
2 GETTING STARTED...........................................................................................................................9
2.1 STATE ICONS .............................................................................................................................9
2.2 PRIMARY CONCEPTS..............................................................................................................10
2.2.1 MAIN MENU........................................................................................................................10
2.2.2 MEASURE...........................................................................................................................10
2.2.3 VIEW RESULT....................................................................................................................13
2.2.4 REMOTE CONTROL ..........................................................................................................14
2.2.5 PARAMETERS ...................................................................................................................15
2.2.5.1 LANGUAGES..............................................................................................................15
2.2.5.2 DATE / HOUR .............................................................................................................16
2.2.5.3 SOUNDS / STANDBY / LIGHTING.............................................................................16
2.2.5.4 USER NAME...............................................................................................................17
2.2.5.5 UNITS..........................................................................................................................19
2.2.5.6 MEASURING SYSTEM...............................................................................................19
2.2.5.7 LOCKED MODE..........................................................................................................20
2.2.5.8 MISCELLANEOUS .....................................................................................................21
2.2.5.9 DENSITY.....................................................................................................................22
2.2.5.10 PRINTING....................................................................................................................22
2.2.5.11 SERVICE.....................................................................................................................23
3 MEASURING WITH YOUR DEVICE ................................................................................................23
3.1 INSTALLATION OF MEASURING SYSTEM ............................................................................23
3.2 MS ASTM...................................................................................................................................24
3.3 MS ULV......................................................................................................................................26
4 VERIFICATION OF YOUR DEVICE .................................................................................................31

3
1. INTRODUCTION
The FIRST PLUS is a device able to measure the viscosity, which is the capacity of a product
to resist to the flow.
The fluid is forced to a shear rate (rotational speed) and the shear stress (motor torque) is
measured. The values of shear rate and shear stress then make it possible to calculate the
viscosity using the Newton equation and the constants associated with the mobile used.
Equation of Newton is:
With for viscosity in Pa.s, for shear stress in Pa and for shear rate in s-1.
Shear stress and shear rate are calculated by using constants of each measuring system as:
M x KTau with M for motor torque in mNm and KTau in Pa/mNm.
= n x KDwith n for rotational speed in rpm and KDin s-1/ rpm.
The viscometer calculates the viscosity by dividing the shear stress by the shear rate for each
measuring point. The KTau and KDconstants used depend on the measuring system selected
for the measurement.
Viscosity depends on the temperature, then it must be essential that all viscosity values are
associated to a reading of the sample temperature, in order to compare viscosity for different
samples.
There are some products for which the viscosity, to a constant temperature, stay unchanged,
even if we change the shear rate. Those samples are named Newtonian fluids, i.e. : Oils,
Water, Glycerol, etc…However, many substances have a variation of viscosity in function of
speed of shearing, and the Flow Behaviour of those samples could be determined with
measuring instruments able to set many speeds of rotation.
The viscometer is constituted with a continuous current motor and an optical encoder, in order
to warranty a great accuracy of rotational speed of bob, on all torque range.
The viscometer has an easy touch screen display, on which you could read the speed, shear
rate (according to spindle), measuring spindle reference, the measured torque and the
dynamic viscosity in mPa.s (=cPoises) or Pa.s.
The Viscometer FIRST PLUS can be used with different measuring system. You will find below
a list of compatible measuring system with this viscometer.
-MS ASTM: Measuring spindles according to ASTM / ISO 2555 (316L stainless
steel).These systems are ideally suited for simple viscosity measurement at controlled
rotational speed in all areas of activity. The standard recommends use of 600ml beaker for
measurement.
-MS ULV: Measuring system (Aluminium) for low viscosities usable with
instruments LR version. This system, unlike the MS-ASTM or MS-DIN systems, makes it
possible to measure low viscosity products in control by applying a shear rate. Its advantage
is to be compatible with instruments in LR version unlike all other measuring systems.

4
1.1. COMPONENTS
Viscometer is delivered inside a foam protection to avoid any problem during transport.
According to your order this foam can be inside a box or a carrying case and can contain
measuring system.
In detail, you will find different part in your box as shown below.
Hardened Aluminium Stand
Aluminium Arm
Screw and tool
Delrin cylinder
Handle
Stop ring and knob
Stainless steel rod
Measuring head
AC power adaptor for
measuring head

5
1.2. GENERAL VIEW OF YOUR DEVICE
Once your device will be mounted and installed, it looks like this
TOUCH Screen
The new PLUS series is equipped with a 7" colour touch screen. It gives you greater working
comfort and a clearer view of your data and analysis results.
On / Off Switch
Always with the aim of improving your experience, LAMY RHEOLOGY has decided to equip
all of its PLUS range with a luminous and design switch. It has been placed in the centre of the
device for greater intuitiveness.
Luminous On/Off switch
Color touch screen 7’’
On/Off Light switch
Anodized aluminium stand
Stainless steel Rod
Aluminium Arm
Pt100 probe

6
Aluminium arm
The aluminium arm is equipped with the clamping knob allows you to maintain the height of
the measuring head and a handle for easy handling. The measuring head is fixed to the arm
by one screw.
Stainless steel rod
The support rod is made of stainless steel for a solid hold of the measuring head. It has a very
long life. It is equipped with a ring with a clamping button that is used as astopfor a repeatable
positioning during the measurement.
The rod is equipped with a white Delrin ring acting as a stop, thus avoiding the arm being in a
position that is too low.
Anodized aluminium support
The stand is entirely made of anodized aluminum. It gives our instruments a very good stability
(the maximum permissible temperature on the white part is 50 ° C).
Stop ring
Clamping knob
Handle for manipulation
Screw to keep measuring
head in higher position
Screw to fix the measuring
head

7
1.3. CONNEXIONS
According to your order, rear panel of device get this available connexions.
1.4. SPECIFICATIONS
Type of instrument: Rotating springless viscometer with 7’’ Touch screen
Rotation speeds: Unlimited number of speeds between 0.3 and 250 rpm
Torque range: Standard Version: 0.005 to 0.8 mNm.
Accuracy: +/- 1 % of the full scale
Repeatability: +/- 0,2 %
Display: Viscosity –Speed –Torque –Time - (Temperature in option), Shear rate, Choice of
viscosity units: cP/Poises or mPa.s / Pa.s
Language: French/English/Russian/Spanish
Compatible measuring system: MS ASTM, MS ULV
Compatible temperature control: EVA LR, EVA DIN, CT DIN, RT-1 PLUS
Supply voltage: 90-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
Options: Carry case (PN 100500), Rack stand (PN P008000), Software (PN311003)
Analog output: 4 –20 mA
PC connections: RS232 Port and USB
Printer connection: USB Host Port –Compatible PCL/5
Dimensions and weight: Head: L180 x W135 x H250 mm, Hardened steel stand: L280 x
W200 x H30 mm, Stainless steel rod: Length 500 mm, Weight: 6.7 kg
Connection mini USB for PC control
Connection for USB stick or printer
Network Connection Ethernet for service
Serial Connection for PC control
Connection for Pt100-2 probe
or 4-20mA output
Connection for power câble

8
1.5. INSTALLATION
Your viscometer should be installed in a clean, vibration-free environment. Even if no level is
necessary, choose a stable and flat table.
This installation notice concern only viscometer without any temperature device. If you have it,
please refer to specific notice of temperature unit for installation.
After unpacking all accessories from the box (or case if it is supplied), you must first screw the
rod to the base with screw and key provided.
Then make sure to insert the white Delrin cylinder and set it to the lowest position. Then place
the stop ring on the stainless steel rod. Then place arm on rod, respecting the direction as
described below. The arm is equipped with two buttons and a handle. You can change them
for your convenience if you are left-handed.
You can then put the viscometer on the arm, taking care not to touch the motor shaft or
temperature sensor (if your device has one). Align the measuring head correctly and secure it
with the screw provided.

9
Your viscometer will be used with different measuring system. To know how to mount and use
it, please refer section 3.
2. GETTING STARTED
Once power cable has been plugged on rear panel of device (see section 1.3), you can click
on button to switch on your device (see section 1.2).
2.1. STATE ICONS
Once your device is switched on, you will see some icons on Touch Screen.
No Device is connected to the instrument.
Only one Device is connected to the instrument.
Two Devices are connected to the instrument.
Give you the temperature of probe in the sample.
Enable to go to parameters of instrument.
Enable to come back to Main Menu.
Enable to come back to previous menu.

10
2.2. PRIMARY CONCEPTS
2.2.1. Main Menu
Main menu enable you to browse between different tabs of your FIRST PLUS LR. Acces is
always available by clicking
2.2.2. Measure
Measure tab is central part of your FIRST PLUS LR. Before to use it, you should install your
measuring system and your sample. Please see section 3.
Then you click on “Measure”, you will see a new window.
To make a measurement.
To view saved data.
Software remote control

11
Manual Mode enables to choose your measurement parameters like «Measuring System »,
« Speed or shear rate» then « Time of measurement ».
If your measuring system is not in list, you may have to create it. Please refer to section 2.2.5.6.
Choice between “Speed” or “Shear rate” is according to your measuring system. For MS
ASTM, MS BV, MS KREBS and MS VANE, you should have only possibility to set the speed.
For all other measuring system, you have to use shear rate. If you need to know what is the
corresponding speed then you are using shear rate, you have to use constant KDof your
measuring system (information available in section 2.2.5.6).
With speed unit in rpm, shear rate in s-1 and KDis rpm/s-1.
Then your settings are ok, you must do a zero. All LR models require zeroing before
measurement. The zero is done with the mobile and same speed as for measure. Once the
zero has been completed, the instrument will prompt you to place the mobile in the product for
measurement (see section 3).
Rq : If « Time » = 0, you could modify « speed » during the measurement. This
could help you to define the best conditions to work on your sample.
SPEED = SHEAR RATE / KD
Select your measuring
system
Choose speed or shear rate
Choose time for measurement
(minimum 10 s)

12
Then you can click “Start”to start your measurement. While your measurement, you will see a
torque gage. Please try to not be closed to the upper and lower limit. Please increase speed
or take a bigger measuring system if you are close to the lower limit. Please decrease speed
or choose smaller measuring system if torque reading is close to the upper limit. If you change
speed or spindle, you will need to make a new zero adjustment.
Picture below show how should be the closer position regarding lower limit.
Then your measurement is finished, you will get this windows below. You will find all data you
need and get possibility to save them into internal memory or to print it (if printer is connected,
see section 2.2.5.10). If you choose “Save”, viscometer will ask you to give a name of your
measurement. You will have after possibility to read it later (see section 2.2.3.).
Torque gage

13
2.2.3. View Result
This menu allow you to read or delete data from internal memory. Press on « View results »
tab in Main menu.
You will have two choice: See list of data to read them or delete data.
2.2.3.1. Read saved data
By click on tab “List of measurement data” you could see all saved measurement made with
your FIRST PLUS LR. You could select which one you want to read.
Then you selected a measure, you will see result and get possibility to print it if a printer is
connected.
By clicking on “Global Export”, you will have possibility to transfer all saved measure on USB
stick (if connected).
The format of the data generated and saved by the viscometer is ASCI (* .csv). Once your
data has been copied to the USB drive, you can open the files using the EXCEL spreadsheet.
To do this, simply copy the data from the USB key to your computer. Then open Excel, choose
To delete saved data
To read saved data

14
"File", "Open", taking care to select "All files *. *". Excel will offer you to convert your data by
displaying three successive windows. Be careful not to change the options offered except on
the second where it will be necessary to choose the option "semicolon" for the separation of
the columns. You can then see your measurement results with the possibility to save a new
file in Excel format.
2.2.3.2. Delete saved data
By click on tab you could delete saved measure one by one as you want from your FIRST
PLUS LR memory.
Then you click on “Delete”, saved data will be completely deleted from internal memory without
any new confirmation.
2.2.4. Remote mode
This mode enables to drive FIRST PLUS by external VISCO RM software, supplied on option.
You must select the type of connection: USB or RS232 and connect the appropriate cable
(delivered with software) to the computer, open the software, select the right COM port you’re
using on “SYSTEM” “CONFIGURATION” menu of software and press “Start” to establish
connection with external software.

15
Rq : With mini USB connection, respect strictly the order to start, and if any communication is
possible re-connect the USB cable on computer and wait it is recognized before start the
communication.
2.2.5. Parameters
This parameters menu allow you to change settings of your device. It is reachable by clicking
on icon “wheel” in upper left corner of touch screen.
This icon is only available then you are in “Main menu”.
2.2.5.1.Languages
Enable you to select language of your FIRST PLUS LR. You have choice between French,
English, Russian and Spanish. Then you have selected your desired language, you have to
click on “Ok” and device will reboot automatically to show new language. In this menu you will
be able to see Firmware version of your device.

16
2.2.5.2. Date / Hour
Enable you to adjust hour and date of your FIRST PLUS LR.
2.2.5.3. Sounds/Standby/Lighting
Allow you to modify sounds, lighting and activate or not theStandbymode of your FIRST PLUS
LR.
Choose if you want to get sound during using touch screen.
Choose if you want to switch off automatically your
device after no using. After selecting “Standby enable”,
you will have to set time. Your device will be switch off
after this time.
Choose if you want
to get sound then
measurement is
finished.
Choose if you want
to change brightness
of Touch Screen.

17
2.2.5.4.User Name
Operator mode will allow you to create different operators for your FIRST PLUS LR. The use
of the operators makes it possible to identify the person making the measurement. Operator
management must always begin with the creation of the first account, which will become the
administrator and thus create or delete another operator account.
After specifying the name and password, the administrator will be named in red in the list.
You can now create another operator. The account of an operator may or may not be
associated with a password (here called PIN code).
To delete an account, the administrator account must be used. Select the account you want to
delete from the list and click on "Delete user name".

18
To use the operator accounts you must activate the mode. Device will ask you to select user
name you want to use. By returning to the Main Menu, you will see the name of the operator
in use. By clicking on the arrow below the name of the operator, you can switch off the FIRST
or change operator.
If the instrument is switched off while operator mode is activated, device will ask you to select
the operator you want use then it will be switched ON.

19
2.2.5.5. Units
Enable you to change unit of viscosity values.
2.2.5.6. Measuring System
Allows you to add or remove a Measuring System.
To create a measurement system, the instrument will ask for both constants and the name.
You will find below list of measuring system compatible with your device and corresponding
constant. You are not allow to change constant of existing measuring system. If you want to
use new constant, you have to create a new measuring system with name as example "Copy
of…” and enter constant you want to use. Please remember that Constant KDis use to convert
speed in shear rate and KTau to convert torque in shear stress. As shear rate and shear stress
are using to calculate viscosity value, if you use different constant value, you will get different
viscosity result.

20
MS ASTM
SYSTEM
Ktau / 1 mNm in Pa
Kd / 1 RPM in S-1
Ri / Ra
RV 1
13,91
1
1
RV 2
55,65
1
1
RV 3
139,1
1
1
RV 4
278,2
1
1
RV 5
556,5
1
1
RV 6
1391
1
1
RV 7
5565
1
1
LV 1
100
1
1
LV 2
500
1
1
LV 3
1900
1
1
LV 4
8600
1
1
LV 5
17826
1
1
MS ULV
SYSTEM
Ktau / 1 mNm in Pa
Kd / 1 RPM in S-1
Ri / Ra
MS-C19
33.17
2.04
0.95
2.2.5.7. Locked Mode
This option allow you to block measuring parameters and settings of your device. It should be
set by an administrator or responsible of the device.
This function is not comparable to the “User name” menu (please see section 2.2.5.4). It should
be use if you want to protect few settings on your device. All settings will be not locked by this
function. You will see below which settings are concerned.
This function will block also parameters for measure. In this way, if you want to use all the time
same parameters for measurement, you should enable this locked mode to be sure that
nobody will change settings for measurement.