PCE Instruments PCE-RVI 3 User manual

Operating Instructions
Rotation Viscometer PCE-RVI 3
Version 1.0
27.08.2014
www.industrial-needs.com
PCE Instruments UK Ltd
Units 12/13 Southpoint Business
Park
Ensign Way, Southampton
Hampshire
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
Phone +44 ( 0 ) 2380 98703 0
Fax +44 ( 0 ) 2380 98703 9
e-mail: [e-mail]

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Table of contents
1General Information...................................................................................................3
1.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Area of Application.............................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Hazard Symbols.................................................................................................................................. 3
1.4 Safety Precautions.............................................................................................................................. 4
1.5 Certification, Warranty and Documentation........................................................................................... 5
2Technical Data ..........................................................................................................6
3Putting Viscometer into Operation.............................................................................7
3.1 Unpacking the Viscometer................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Delivery Content.................................................................................................................................. 7
3.3 Battery Replacement........................................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Inserting the Spindle............................................................................................................................ 8
3.5 Installing the Spindle Guard................................................................................................................. 9
3.6 Stand Construction (optional)..............................................................................................................10
4Operation ................................................................................................................12
4.1 Switch on and Configuration ...............................................................................................................12
4.2 Measuring..........................................................................................................................................14
5Calibration of the Equipment...................................................................................16
5.1 Viscometer Function Check................................................................................................................16
5.2 Viscometers Automatic “Zeroing” ........................................................................................................16
6Optional accessories...............................................................................................17
7About the Viscosity..................................................................................................18
7.1 Description.........................................................................................................................................18
7.2 Further information about Fluids..........................................................................................................18
8Viscosity Table........................................................................................................20
9Problem Solution.....................................................................................................20

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1 General Information
1.1 Introduction
The PCE-RVI 3 is a portable viscometer used to determine the viscosity of liquids. The ergonomical
design of the viscometer (can also be used in combination with a sturdy optionally available stand), allows
it to be used as either a mobile device or as a part of a permanent laboratory installation.
The PCE-RVI 3 is battery powered and operates at a constant speed (20, 30, 50 or 60 rpm).
The low energy consumption of the device enables it to be used non-stop for more than 24 hours without
the need to replace the batteries.
When ordering the device, the desired speed (rpm) must be stipulated, this is dependent upon the
measuring range in which the viscometer is to be used.
The viscosity values will be displayed in Milli-Pascal-Seconds (mPas).
In order to cover the whole range of potential readings, the viscometer is supplied with a spindle set (R2-
R7, or optionally R1).
An outstanding feature of the PCE-RVI 3 is its user friendliness, enabling it to be used during the
production process, in laboratories or research facilities, providing fast and reliable viscosity values.
1.2 Area of Application
The Viscometer PCE-RVI 3 has been developed in order to determine the viscosity of a variety of liquids.
The device should only be used by appropriately trained and qualified personnel. When using the
Viscometer the normal laboratory precaution and safety measures should be observed at all times. The
Viscometer must not be used for any purposes other than those stipulated in the operating instructions. If
the advice above is not adhered to, any statutory guarantee is declared null and void.
1.3 Hazard Symbols
The commissioning and operation of the PCE-RVI 3 is quite straight forward providing that the
instructions within the operating instructions are adhered to at all times. It can be hazardous to use the
device for any purposes other than those for which the equipment was intended. For this reason, certain
points within this operating instruction are highlighted as potentially hazardous, and must be carefully
observed to prevent equipment damage or personal injury.
Hazard
This symbol in conjunction with the appropriate advice, warns the user of any potential danger or hazard.
If due care is not observed, this could result in damage to the equipment or personal injury.
Caution
This symbol combined with the appropriate advice warns of the danger of potential equipment damage,
should the advice not be heeded.

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Information
This symbol warns of specific details relating to the viscometer which must be heeded all times. Users
must pay close attention to the advice in this operating instruction, and be aware of and take into account
all safety and hygiene standards concerning the local working conditions.
Before operating the equipment, each user of the device should have read and fully understood the
operating instructions.
1.4 Safety Precautions
Operator safety cannot be guaranteed should the following advice not be heeded.
Battery Operation
The Viscometer is battery powered. The casing of the viscometer must never be removed when the
device is in operation. The exchange or replacement of parts or components or the changing of settings
of the viscometer must only be carried out by trained and qualified personnel. Only original
manufacturer’s parts must be used. Before changing the batteries, the device must be turned off and the
spindle removed.
Explosive Environment Hazard
The device must be used in areas where there is a danger of explosion or within the proximity of
inflammable gases, or where there could be a potential build up of explosive gases.
Malfunction Risk
In order to avoid any potential damage, the equipment should not be used within strong electro-magnetic
fields. For instance transmitters such as cell phones should not be used within close proximity of the
viscometer. Should an error occur despite these precautions, then the device should be powered off and
the supplier should be contacted.

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1.5 Certification, Warranty and Documentation
Certification
The Viscometer PCE-RVI 3 has been thoroughly tested and inspected prior to dispatch. The output
readings have been checked and fully correspond with the appropriate data input. The device conforms to
statutory international safety standards.
Warranty
The Viscometer PCE-RVI 3 has a two year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. During
this period, any defective parts will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Warranty claims other than
those previously mentioned are expressly excluded. Improper modifications, or repairs carried out by
unauthorized third parties will result in the warranty being declared invalid. Inappropriate use of the device
or neglecting to observe the safety precautions in the operating instructions will also lead to the
invalidation of the warranty. At the end of the warranty period, it is advisable to arrange for a service
contract to be taken out, so as to guarantee continued trouble free use of the device. For further
information, please contact your supplier.
Documentation
An operating instruction is applied with each device. Extra copies of the operating instruction may be
obtained from your supplier, please quote the serial number of the device and the manual which is
required. We endeavor to review and edit this manual and assume no liability for printing errors or
omissions.

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2 Technical Data
Portable Viscometer PCE-RVI 3
Power requirement
Alkaline batteries: 4 x AA/LR6
Rechargeable batteries: 4 x AA/R6
Battery capacity
Alkaline batteries: 1900 mAh
Rechargeable batteries: 2500 mAh
Battery life
24 –30 Std. continuous operation
Read out value
Fixed speed
Spindle selection (R2-R7). Optional: R1
Dynamic viscosity (mPas)
Fraction of the maximum measuring value
Maximum measuring range
Battery level
Compatibility
100 % compatible with the Brookfield method
Spindles
Standard spindle Set (R2 –R7) optional: R1
Speed
20 rpm
60 rpm
(only one speed preset)
Viscosity ranges
(with standard spindles)
Type VP20: 200 –200000 mPas
Type VP60: 66 –66600 mPas
Accuracy
± 2% of the read out value
Repeatability
± 1%
Mass
10,5 x 16 x 25,5 cm
Weight
1150g
Operating conditions
Between +10°C and +40°C (at max. relative humidity of
80% without condensation)
Applicable up to a height of 2000m over NN
Only suitable for using inside buildings
Degree of pollution
2
Protection class
Ip 20

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3 Putting Viscometer into Operation
3.1 Unpacking the Viscometer
After receiving the Viscometer, proceed as follows:
Check the Viscometer packaging for possible transport damages
If the packaging is damaged, contact the responsible transport before opening the packaging.
After the equipment has been unpacked, check for any visible signs of damage and if any is
found contact your supplier.
Remove all the packaging items and transport safety, recyclable material should be disposed in
the intended containers, the main reason.
3.2 Delivery Content
Portable rotation viscometer PCE-RVI 3
Standard spindle set (R2-R7)
Spindle guard
Tools
4 x additional alkaline battery
AA / LR6 (6V)

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3.3 Battery Replacement
The portable Viscometer PCE RVI 3 is battery powered and is delivered with 4 pre-installed alkaline
batteries (4x AA/LR6 (6V) plus 4 extra replacement batteries). The Viscometer can be operated with
alkaline batteries (Type AA/LR6) or rechargeable batteries (Type AA/R6). In constant use, the battery life
is 24-30 hours. There is a battery charge indicator on the display.
The batteries are located on the underside of the Viscometer. They should be replaced as follows:
Remove the fastening screw as shown.
Remove the cover of the battery compartment and exchange the batteries. (Making sure to
observe the correct polarity)
To re-install the battery cover, slide the tabs into the slots and secure with screw. The serial
number and technical data of the Viscometer are found on the battery compartment cover.
3.4 Inserting the Spindle
Apart from the spindle R7, all the spindles are disc spindles. For this reasons, the
spindles must be dipped slowly into the liquid being tested, to avoid any build up of air bubbles
under the disc.
Hold the shaft firmly in one hand and push the spindle from underneath
onto the rotation axis.
To screw the spindle onto the shaft, turn the spindle anticlockwise, as
shown on the illustration.
After attaching the spindle to the shaft, dip the spindle into the liquid up
to the upper marker point. Take care not to come into contact with the
sides of the container with either the spindle or the shaft as this could
result in the vertical alignment of the shaft being knocked out of position
or damaged.

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Care must be taken at this point, in order to avoid bending the spindle or damaging the
shaft.
Both the thread on the spindle and on the shaft must be absolutely clean and dirt free.
The R7 spindle must be dipped into the liquid up to the middle marker point.
The spindle is made of stainless steel. Each spindle is separately coded on the head of the spindle.
3.5 Installing the Spindle Guard
In order to protect the most delicate working parts of
the PCE RVI 3, (The spindle and the shaft) from
being damaged, a cylindrical spindle guard is
supplied. This feature allows the volume of the
sample to be tested to be limited to the capacity of
the cylinder. Readings are therefore more accurate,
and as the cylinder fits exactly into an 800mm beaker
enables samples to be tested without the need to
physically hold the device.
The assembly of this apparatus is quite
simple, providing the illustrated instructions are
referred to and adhered to.
Screw the spacer bars (1) clockwise into the
pre-drilled holes in the Cylindrical Guard (2).
Then place the upper plate (3) on top of the
spacer bars and use the supplied screws to
fix.

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After assembling the spindle guard, it must be attached to the Viscometer.
Carefully push the Viscometer shaft into the upper disc of the spindle guard assembly as shown
in the diagram.
Using the Allen key provided, carefully tighten the spindle assembly to the Viscometer shaft.
Take extra care when tightening the fixing screws on the spindle guard to the
Viscometer, so as to avoid damage to the shaft or spindle.
After the spindle guard has been installed, the Viscometer is stable enough to stand upright, without the
need to physically hold on to it.
Now attach the desired spindle to the shaft, as described above. The device is now ready for use.
3.6 Stand Construction (optional)
Proceed as follows:
Push the rod into the bottom of the stand holder.
Turn the star-shaped grip to secure the rod.
Push the Viscometer holder onto the rod. Adjust the height of the holder
and tighten it using the twist-grip.
After setting up the stand, secure the Viscometer in the holder as shown
in the picture.
To avoid damage to the spindle and shaft, pay attention when securing the
Viscometer to the holder.