Sibata VB-3T User manual

CODE 051260-0311
Viscometer Bath VB-3T
Thank you for purchasing this product.
This instruction manual describes precautions that are important for preventing accidents as well as the
procedures used to handle the product.
To ensure safety, read this instruction manual and the attached warranty thoroughly before use, and use
the product correctly.
After reading this instruction manual and the warranty, keep them in a safe place where they can be
referred to at any time.
Instruction Manual

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Contents
Before Use............................................................................................................. 4
About This Instruction manual ....................................................................................................... 4
Checking the Package Contents ................................................................................................... 5
Safety Precautions............................................................................................... 6
About the User (Important)............................................................................................................. 6
Warning Labels............................................................................................................................... 6
Precautionary Information .............................................................................................................. 7
About This Product............................................................................................ 12
Names and Functions of Parts ......................................................................... 12
Main Unit....................................................................................................................................... 12
Control Panel................................................................................................................................ 14
Main Heater Temperature Setup Panel ....................................................................................... 15
Stop Watches ............................................................................................................................... 16
Method of Use..................................................................................................... 17
Installation..................................................................................................................................... 17
Preparations ................................................................................................................................. 18
Operation ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 31
Spare Parts and Related Products ................................................................... 33
Inspections and Maintenance........................................................................... 34
Inspections.................................................................................................................................... 34
Maintenance ................................................................................................................................. 34
Main Specifications............................................................................................ 35
Warranty and Repairs ........................................................................................ 36
Warranty ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Repairs Occurring Within the Warranty Period ........................................................................... 36
Repairs After Expiry of the Warranty............................................................................................ 36
Inquiries............................................................................................................... 36

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Before Use
About This Instruction manual
In the interests of product improvement, the contents of this instruction manual may be changed
without notice.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this instruction manual is
correct. If you discover any errors or omissions, however, please contact your Sibata
representative.
The copyright of this instruction manual belongs to Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd.
The reproduction of all or part of this instruction manual without prior written permission from
Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd. is prohibited.
Be sure to read this instruction manual thoroughly
before using the product, and be sure to use the
product correctly.
Keep this instruction manual in a safe place where it
can be referred to at any time.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with, and observe, the
safety precautions given in this instruction manual.
Observe usage procedures that are suitable for the
product and that are specified in this instruction
manual.
Be sure to observe the above instructions.
Not following these instructions may result in an accident
or injury.

5
Checking the Package Contents
Check the contents of the package before use. If any parts are broken or missing, contact your
Sibata representative.
Viscometer bath
VB-3T main unit ... 1 pc
Thermometer
(with O-ring) ... 1 pc
Thermometer holder
... 1 pc
Viscometer holder for VB-3/VB-3T ... 6 pcs
•The viscometer holder is adjusted to be used
with an Ubbelohde viscometer before
shipment from the factory. When using a
Cannon-Fenske viscometer, Ostwald relative
viscometer and an Ostwald viscometer for
PVAc or PVA, change the position of the
mounting fixture. (See page 20.)
Other
 Warranty ······································································ ×1
 Certificate ···································································· ×1
 Instruction Manual (this document) ··································· ×1
Note: This thermometer is for checking the
temperature of the
constant-temperature bath itself.
When actually measuring viscosity,
use a thermometer stipulated by JIS.

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Safety Precautions
The precautionary information that appears in this instruction manual is for ensuring that the product
is used safely and for preventing injury to you and other people and damage to equipment.
It is all important for ensuring safety and so be sure to read it thoroughly before using the product
and observe it during use.
About the User (Important)
This product must be operated only by persons with adequate specialist skills, training, and
experience to understand the potential dangers of operating the product.
Personnel who are untrained or still undergoing training may operate the product only under
guidance from a trained person or a person with specialized experience.
This instruction manual was written on the assumption that the product will be operated only by
users who fully understand the potential dangers of operating the product.
Warning Labels
In this instruction manual, precautionary information is labeled. The degree of damage or injury
that may occur if the product is used without consideration of the corresponding item of
precautionary information is indicated by one of two labels: WARNING and CAUTION. These
labels indicate precautionary information that is important for ensuring safety and so be sure to
observe them.
Labels Indicating Degrees of Damage or Injury
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in serious injury or possibly death.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor to moderate injury or equipment
damage.
Examples of Warning Labels
Do Not Touch
The symbol indicates prohibited actions. Specific details are given in
or near the symbol.
The label on the left indicates that touching is prohibited.
Disconnect
Power Plug
The symbol indicates actions that must be performed. Specific details
are given in or near the symbol.
The label on the left indicates that the power plug must be disconnected.

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Precautionary Information
Do not run the power
cord near thermal
appliances or other
objects that reach
high temperatures.
Doing so may result in fire, a short circuit,
electric shock, or equipment damage.
Prohibited
Do not insert or
remove the power
plug into or out of the
power outlet when
your hands are wet.
Doing so may result in electric shock.
Prohibited
Do not forcibly bend
the power cord or use
it in a bundled state.
Doing so may result in fire, a short circuit,
electric shock, or equipment damage.
Prohibited
Do not modify or
damage the power
cord.
Prohibited
Use an independent
power outlet that has a
rated voltage range of
100 ±10 % VAC and
that supplies a current
of at least 15 A.
Not doing so may result in fire or
equipment damage.
Mandatory
Be sure to hold the
power plug itself when
disconnecting it from
the power outlet.
Not doing so may result in fire, a short
circuit, or electric shock.
Mandatory
Be sure to ground the
product before use.
Not doing so may result in a short circuit,
electric shock, or equipment damage.
Connect To
Ground
Before use, check the
cladding of the power
cord for damage.
Using the power cord in a damaged
state may result in fire, a short circuit,
or electric shock.
Mandatory
Doing so may result in fire, a short circuit,
electric shock, or equipment damage.

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Do not install the
product on an inclined
or unstable surface.
Doing so may result in injury,
equipment damage, or an accident.
Prohibited
Do not install the
product near objects
that reach high
temperatures.
Doing so may result in fire or
equipment damage.
Prohibited
Do not install the
product in locations
with an ambient
temperature outside
the range 5 °C to
35 °C.
Doing so may result in fire or
equipment damage.
Prohibited
Do not install the
product in locations
that can be accessed
by children.
Doing so may result in injury or electric
shock.
Prohibited
Do not use the product
near flammable
objects.
Doing so may result in fire or an
explosion.
Prohibited
Do not install this product
in locations that are
subject to high humidity
levels or large amounts
of dust or in locations tha
t
are not well ventilated.
Doing so may result in fire, a short
circuit, electric shock, or equipment
damage.
Prohibited
If you notice smoke or
an unusual smell,
immediately turn OFF
the power switch and
remove the power plug
from the power outlet.
Not doing so may result in fire, a short
circuit, electric shock, or equipment
damage.
Disconnect
Power Plug
If liquid gets inside the
product, immediately
turn OFF the power
switch and remove the
power plug from the
power outlet.
Not doing so may result in fire, a short
circuit, electric shock, or equipment
damage.
Disconnect
Power Plug

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Remove the power
plug from the power
outlet when not using
the product for long
periods.
Not doing so may result in fire, a short
circuit, or electric shock.
Disconnect
Power Plug
Turn OFF the power
switch and remove
the power plug from
the power outlet
before moving the
product.
Not doing so may result in a short circuit,
electric shock, or equipment damage.
Disconnect
Power Plug
Remove the power
plug from the power
outlet before cleaning
or inspection.
Not doing so may result in a short
circuit or electric shock.
Disconnect
Power Plug
If you hear the sound
of thunder, do not
approach the
equipment, the power
cord, or the power
outlet.
Doing so may result in injury or electric
shock.
Do Not
Touch
After using the
product, be sure to
turn OFF the power
switch and remove
the power plug from
the power outlet.
Not doing so may result in fire or a
short circuit.
Disconnect
Power Plug
Do not touch or
operate equipment
when your hands are
wet.
Doing so may result in electric shock.
Prohibited
Do not insert your
fingers or foreign
objects inside the
product.
Doing so may result in fire, a short
circuit, electric shock, equipment
damage, or injury.
Prohibited
Do not allow water or
chemicals to come in
contact with the
product.
Doing so may result in fire, a short
circuit, electric shock, or equipment
damage.
Prohibited

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Do not move the
product with water still
inside the bath.
Doing so may result in water leakage or
equipment damage.
Prohibited
Do not, under any
circumstances, attempt
to disassemble, repair,
or modify the product
yourself.
Doing so may result in fire, a short
circuit, electric shock, equipment
damage, or injury.
Do Not
Disassemble
Do not connect the
power plug to the power
outlet, and do not turn
any of the switches ON
before pouring the
specified amount of
water into the bath.
Prohibited
Doing so may cause the heater to heat
without water inside, resulting in equipment
damage or fire.

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•In addition to the items given here, precautionary information is given throughout this
instruction manual. Be sure to read this information thoroughly before using the product.
Do not install the
product in locations
that are subject to
direct sunlight or that
reach high
temperatures.
Doing so may result in equipment
damage.
Prohibited
Do not turn the
product on its side or
upside down.
Doing so may result in equipment
damage.
Prohibited
Do not subject the
product to vibrations
or shocks.
Doing so may result in equipment
damage.
Prohibited
Do not clean the
product with organic
solvents.
Doing so may result in equipment
damage.
Prohibited

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About This Product
This product is a constant-temperature bath for measuring viscosity using Cannon-Fenske,
Cannon-Fenske reverse-flow type, Ubbelohde, and Ostwald viscometers. The propeller pump
efficiently stirs water inside the bath, and the high-resolution digital temperature controller
stably controls temperature to high precision.
It also has three sets of built-in stop watches that are highly functional. Moreover, a pump that
feeds cooling water is installed inside the bath. So, if a cool water circulator is connected, water
temperature can be stably controlled at near room temperature.
Names and Functions of Parts
Main Unit
Top
Left side Front Rear

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(1) Viscometer holder mounting plate
This plate is for setting the viscometer holders in place. The plate can hold six viscometer
holders.
(2) Stirrer motor
This motor is for stirring water inside the bath. The propeller for stirring is attached to the
tip of the motor shaft.
(3) Mounting plate handle
Hold the viscometer holder mounting plate by this handle when removing the plate from
the main unit.
Note: The stirrer motor becomes hot during operation. When holding the handle, take care not
to touch the motor with your hands.
(4) Drain valve
This valve is for draining water inside the bath. The outer diameter of the connector port is
10.5 mm.
(5) Cooling water supply ports
These supply ports are for circulating cooling water to the pipes in the bath. When
controlling the water temperature at near room temperature, stable control can be
achieved by circulating cooling water. The outer diameter of the connector port is 10.5 mm.
(6) Adjusters
These adjusters are for adjusting the horizontal level of the viscometer.
(7) Control panel (For details, see page 14.)
This panel is for controlling the instrument.
(8) Ventilation holes
These ventilation holes extract heat from inside the instrument. Ventilation holes are also
located on the base of the instrument.
(9) Motor connector
This connector supplies power to the motor. (See page 19.)
(10) Power cord
This cord is for supplying electrical power from the power outlet.
(11) Circuit breaker
This breaker cuts off the electricity in the event of an abnormality to protect the instrument.

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Control Panel
(1) Main heater temperature setup panel (For details, see page 15.)
This panel is for setting up the temperature of the main heaters. (For details on method of
operation, see page 23.)
(2) Main heater switch
This is the switch for the main heaters. The main heater temperature setup panel lights
when this switch is turned ON. (For details on the heaters, see page 22.)
(3) Sub-heater switch
This is the switch for the sub-heaters. By using the sub-heaters, the water can be heated to
the desired temperature in a short time. (For details on the heaters, see page 22.)
(4) Stirrer motor switch
This is the switch for the stirrer motor. When this switch is turned ON, the motor turns to stir
water inside the bath.
(5) Power switch
This is the power switch for the main unit. It also turns the stop watches ON/OFF. (None of
the functions are operational when the power switch is OFF.)
(6) Sub-heater adjustment dial
This dial is for setting the temperature of the sub-heaters. Normally, as a guideline, adjust
this dial to about 5 °C less than the temperature setting of the main heaters.
(See page 22.)
(7) Stop watches (For details, see page 16.)
These stop watches are used when measuring viscosity. Three times can be measured
independently. (For details on method of operation, see page 28.)

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Main Heater Temperature Setup Panel
•For details on how to set
temperature, see page 23.
(1) Current temperature display
This displays the current temperature inside the bath.
(2) Preset temperature display
This displays the preset temperature.
(3) F1 key
This key is for turning auto-tuning ON/OFF. (See page 24.)
(4) ENT key
This key is for setting the temperature. It applies a new setting value after it is changed.
(5) Digit selection key
This key is for selecting the digit when setting the temperature. Each press of this key
moves to the digit on the left.
(6) UP key
This key is for setting the temperature. Each press increments the numerical value.
(7) DOWN key
This key is for setting the temperature. Each press decrements the numerical value.
(8) MODE key
This key is for switching between the run mode screen and buzzer setup screen. (See
page 26.)
(9) OUT2
This LED goes out when the water temperature reaches or exceeds a temperature 5 °C
higher than the preset temperature. When this LED is out, the power to the main heaters
and sub-heaters is stopped. (See page 26.)
(10) OUT1
This LED lights when the power to the main heaters is being supplied.
The CH, A/M, F2, and F3
keys are not used.

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Stop Watches
•For details on how to operate the stop watches, see page 28.)
(1) CH.1 start/stop key
This key is for starting/stopping the CH.1 stop watch.
(2) CH.2 start/stop key
This key is for starting/stopping the CH.2 stop watch.
(3) CH.3 start/stop key
This key is for starting/stopping the CH.3 stop watch.
(4) CLEAR key
This key returns the display to 0000.0.
(5) RESET key
This key is for displaying the mode selection screen for the stop watches.
(6) CH.3 display
This displays the measurement value of the CH.3 stop watch.
(7) CH.2 display
This displays the measurement value of the CH.2 stop watch.
(8) CH.1 display
This displays the measurement value of the CH.1 stop watch.

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Method of Use
Installation
When installing this product, be sure to observe the following installation conditions.
Installation Conditions
•Make sure that the main unit is carried by at least two workers.
•Do not install this product in locations subject to splashing with water or lots of humidity,
locations that might ignite or explode, or locations where corrosive gas is generated.
•Do not install this product in locations subject to direct sunlight, locations whose ambient
temperature reaches or exceeds 35 °C, poorly ventilated locations, or locations subject to
sudden temperature changes.
•Install this product on a stable, flat, and level surface.
•Install this product near a power supply.
•Install this product in a location free of obstructions that might block the ventilation holes on
its rear and bottom.
When installing this product, observe the installation
conditions.
Not doing so may result in injury, an accident, or equipment
damage.
Installation Precautions
•Be sure to adjust the height of the product so that all four adjusters are in contact with the
surface of the installation site. Water might spill if this product is used with one or more
adjusters rising up off the surface.
•Temperature control precision might drop in locations subject to large changes in
temperature and locations subject to the influence of direct sunlight.
•Temperature control adjustment is also adversely affected when this product is installed in
locations subject to vibration.
Installation Precautions

18
Preparations
Do not connect the power plug to the power outlet, and
do not turn any of the switches ON before pouring the
specified amount of water into the bath.
Doing so may cause the heater to heat without water inside,
resulting in equipment damage or fire.
Supplying Water to the Bath
Pour in water until it comes into contact with the
bottom of the viscometer holder mounting plate.
•Be sure to pour in water only up to the water level
described above. Insufficient water in the bath
might cause the heater located at the top inside
the bath to heat without water inside, resulting in
equipment damage or fire.
•Pour water that is lower in temperature than the
preset temperature into the bath. If water with a
temperature higher than the preset temperature
is poured into the bath, the over-temperature
prevention safety interlock operates when the
main heater switch is turned ON. (See page 26.)
•This product does not have an overflow function. So, if the water level rises past the bottom
of the mounting plate due to temperature rise during use, open the drain valve to discharge
water and adjust the water level.
•If this product is used for a long period of time without replacing the water in the bath, the
water will become dirty and dirt will stick to the sides of the bath. So, periodically replace the
water in the bath with fresh water.
Before pouring the specified amount of water into the bath, do not connect
the power plug to the power outlet and turn each of the switches ON.
Doing so may cause the heater to heat without water inside, resulting in equipment
damage or fire.
Be sure to pour in the specified amount of water before connecting the power plug to the
power outlet.
IMPORTANT! Be sure to observe the following.
Supplying Water to the Bath
Viscometer holder
mounting plate
Pour in water until
it comes into
contact with
bottom of
viscometer holder
mounting plate.
Heater

19
During use, keep the water at a level so that it comes
into contact with the bottom of the viscometer holder
mounting plate.
Not doing so may cause the heater to heat without water
inside, resulting in equipment damage or fire.
Periodically replace the water inside the bath.
Not doing so may result in the water corroding the product.
Connecting the Stirrer Motor
Before connecting the power plug of the stirrer
motor to the stirrer motor connector on the rear
panel, make sure that the main switch and the
stirrer motor switch are both OFF.
When connecting the power plug, align the mark
on the plug with the mark on the stirrer motor
connector on the rear panel.
Align the mark on the power plug with the mark on
the stirrer motor connector on the rear panel.
Not doing so may damage the connector.
Connecting the Stirrer Motor

20
Setting the Thermometer in Place
Set the thermometer holder in place at the position
shown in the figure, and insert the thermometer
into the hole on the thermometer holder. If
necessary, adjust the position of the O-ring on the
thermometer.
•The thermometer provided is for checking the
temperature of the constant-temperature bath
itself. When actually measuring viscosity, use a
thermometer stipulated by JIS.
Setting the Viscometer in Place
(1) Attach the viscometer to the viscometer holder.
Insert the viscometer from underneath the
holder.
•The viscometer holder is adjusted to be used with an Ubbelohde viscometer
before shipment from the factory. When using a Cannon-Fenske viscometer,
Ostwald relative viscometer and an Ostwald viscometer for PVAc or PVA,
change the position of the mounting fixture as shown in the figure below.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver No. 2 to turn the screws.
Setting the Thermometer in Place
Setting the Viscometer in Place
O-ring
Thermometer holder
Thermomete
r
Mounting fixture Screws (2 locations)
When Cannon-Fenske
viscometer or Ostwald relative
viscometer is used
When Ostwald viscometer
for PVAc or PVA is used
When Ubbelohde viscometer is used
(Before shipment from the factory)
Underside UndersideTop
•This illustration
shows a
Cannon-Fenske
type viscometer.