Tamson Instruments TV2000 AKV User manual

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 1 / 60
MANUAL
TV2000 AKV
Automated
Kinematic
Viscosity

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 2 / 60
Safety and Warnings
Make sure you read and understand all instructions and safety precautions listed in this manual, before
installing or operating the equipment. If there are any questions concerning the operation of the equipment
or about the information in this manual please contact your local dealer or Tamson Instruments sales de-
partment first.
Performance of installation, operation, or maintenance other than those described in this manual may result
in a hazardous situation and may void the manufacturers warranty.
Never operate equipment that is not correctly installed. Unqualified personnel must not operate the equip-
ment. Avoid causing damage to the equipment or its accessories through incorrect operation.
Important:
-When performing service, maintenance or moving the apparatus, always disconnect the line cord of
the apparatus,
-Only well skilled and trained personnel are allowed to operate this equipment,
-Take notice of warning labels and do not remove them,
-Refer service and repairs to qualified technician,
-If a problem persists, call your supplier or Tamson Instruments B.V.
Warranty
Tamson Instruments B.V. warrants that all equipment manufactured by it shall be free from defects, in
material and workmanship, which might impair its usefulness. Tamson Instruments B.V. does not warrant
that the equipment is fit for any particular use. The manufacturer is only responsible for the security, reliabil-
ity and performance of the equipment, if the unit is operated in accordance with the operating instructions,
extensions, adjustments, changes and/or repair is only performed by Tamson Instruments B.V. or author-
ized persons. All equipment and materials are further subject to tolerances and variations consistent with
the usage of the trade.

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 3 / 60
Contents
Safety and Warnings...............................................................................................2
Warranty ..................................................................................................................2
Contents ..................................................................................................................3
EC declaration of conformity thermostatic bath T-Series....................................6
Delivery checklist....................................................................................................7
Precautions and hazards........................................................................................8
Introduction to the TV-series..................................................................................8
Intended use...........................................................................................................................................8
General...................................................................................................................................................8
Construction ..........................................................................................................................................8
Safety systems.....................................................................................................................................9
Installation.............................................................................................................10
Important..............................................................................................................................................10
Unpacking and connecting .................................................................................................................10
Bath liquids.......................................................................................................................................... 10
Operating the bath ................................................................................................13
Password..............................................................................................................................................13
Adjusting set point ..............................................................................................................................14
Setting offset........................................................................................................................................14
Switching Celsius/Fahrenheit.............................................................................................................14
Setting power limit...............................................................................................................................15
Time constant ......................................................................................................................................15
Recalibrating controller....................................................................................................................... 15
Contrast................................................................................................................................................15
Backlight ..............................................................................................................................................16
AKV (Viscometer) manual.....................................................................................17
Setting up the viscometer unit............................................................................................................17
The AKV menu structure.....................................................................................................................18
How to select a viscometer...............................................................................................................18
Store new viscometer parameters....................................................................................................19
Delete a viscometer from memory....................................................................................................20
Entering a sample number................................................................................................................21
Print the stored viscometer parameters........................................................................................... 21
Setting a pre-heating time.................................................................................................................21
Setting the tube vacuum ...................................................................................................................22
Enter number of runs.........................................................................................................................23
Adjusting contrast .............................................................................................................................23
Adjusting sensitivity..........................................................................................................................23
Adjusting backlight............................................................................................................................24
Entering time and date ......................................................................................................................24
Replacing paper and ink ribbon.......................................................................................................... 24
RS232 communication.........................................................................................................................25
Preparation for measurement.............................................................................................................26
Precautions........................................................................................................................................ 26
Causes for incorrect measurement.................................................................................................. 26
The type of viscometer tube..............................................................................................................27
Cleaning of the glass viscometers ................................................................................................... 27
Preparation of the sample.................................................................................................................29

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 4 / 60
Charging the viscometer tube...........................................................................................................30
Measurement...................................................................................................................................... 32
Connecting glass viscometer tube and measuring head................................................................ 34
Fluid trap ............................................................................................................................................35
Adjustment of the AKV-system before performing a run................................................................36
Start a single run..................................................................................................................................37
Measurement examples.......................................................................................................................40
Aborting a run......................................................................................................................................42
Trouble shooting...................................................................................................43
Bath control..........................................................................................................................................43
Bath error messages .........................................................................................................................43
Bath temperature does not become stable......................................................................................45
Problems with measuring head: bad repeatability............................................................................46
Problems with measuring head: bad detection................................................................................. 49
Errors on LC display............................................................................................................................49
Displays locked, Error LED on..........................................................................................................49
AKV Display shows “No vacuum” .................................................................................................... 49
AKV Display shows “Vacuum too low” ............................................................................................49
AKV Display shows “Visco not empty”............................................................................................50
AKV Display shows “Connect visco sensor” ..................................................................................50
AKV Display shows permanently “Waiting for timing mark 1”....................................................... 50
Trouble shooting the measuring head ............................................................................................. 51
Technical specifications.......................................................................................53
AKV-system.......................................................................................................................................... 53
Specifications bath (TV2000) ..............................................................................................................54
Technical Drawing: AKV Unit.............................................................................................................. 55
Technical Drawing: Thermostatic Bath..............................................................................................56
Accessories and spare parts ..............................................................................................................57
Viscometer tubes Ubbelohde and Cannon- Fenske........................................................................57
Ubbelohde viscometers available:....................................................................................................57
Cannon Fenske viscometers available:............................................................................................ 57
Indicating Thermometers ..................................................................................................................58
Spare parts list bath...........................................................................................................................59
Spare parts list AKV-system .............................................................................................................60
Spare parts list measuring head.......................................................................................................60
Spare partlist for fluid trap................................................................................................................60
DISCLAIMER..........................................................................................................60

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 5 / 60
Tamson Instruments B.V.
van 't Hoffstraat 12
2665 JL Bleiswijk
The Netherlands
We wish to thank you for the purchase of this Tamson Thermostatic Bath. For a fast settlement of the one-
year warranty, please return this warranty certificate as soon as possible to the following fax number +31 10
522 43 73 or the above mentioned address.
Model Thermostatic bath : ………………………………………………………….
Name of your company : ………………………………………………………….
Name of user : ………………………………………………………….
Address : ………………………………………………………….
……….………………………………………………….
……….………………………………………………….
……….………………………………………………….
Tel. nr. : ……….………………………………………………….
Serial number : ……………………………….
Mains voltage: …………….. Mains Freq.: …………………Hz
Date of delivery : ……………..
Name of dealer: ……….………………………………………………….
……….………………………………………………….
………………………………….……………………….
Signature: …...………………………

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 6 / 60
EC declaration of conformity thermostatic bath T-Series
Manufacturer: Tamson Instruments B.V.
van 't Hoffstraat
2665 JL Bleiswijk
The Netherlands
Product: Thermostatic bath
Model: TV2000 - AKV
The products to which this statement relates, is manufactured and dully carried out in compliance with the
provisions of Directive 89/392/EEC, 91/368, 93/44 EEG and 93/68 EEG on the approximation of the laws of
the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
The products are in conformity with the following specification:
EN 50081-1 : 1992
EN 50082-2 : 1995
EN 61000-3-2 : 1995
1 January 1996, Tamson Instruments bv, The Netherlands
Ing. R.C. van Hall
Director

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 7 / 60
Delivery checklist
(For test result please see the separately added calibration certificate.)
Bath parameters:
Date
Operator
Bath type
TV2000 - AKV
Serial No
Power supply
230V
115V
50Hz
60Hz
Test Parameters:
Testing liquid
Testing Temperature
C
Reading with calibrated Thermometer (F250)
C
Offset used for correcting bath
C
Checklist:
Viscometer bath
Stability bath
Motorfuse tested
Fuses placed
Condition motor
Stirrer mechanism
Baffle plates
LED Board
Micro Processor print
Power supply board
Display print
Safety thermostat
Serial interface
AKV Module
Display print
Mains socket for vacuum pump
Vacuum valves
Printer
Measuring head
Tube connection(s)
Sensitivity

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 8 / 60
Precautions and hazards
Read all parts of this manual carefully to insure smooth operation and avoiding damage to the equipment or
its accessories. If a malfunction occurs, consult chapter "Trouble shooting". If a problem persists, call your
supplier or TAMSON INSTRUMENTS b.v. Never operate the equipment if not correctly installed. Qualified
personnel must operate the equipment.
Introduction to the TV-series
The TAMSON model TV-baths are designed to perform a variety of accurate temperature control required
for general laboratory use or as a constant temperature bath. The TV-series is intended for temperature
control of applications requiring a high degree of stability over a broad temperature range. The robust
construction incluiding advanced safety features give the bath a range of wide application.
Intended use
The AKV system replicates the manual kinematic viscosity measurement method as described in ASTM D445. In the
AKV system both Ubbelohde tube or Cannon Fenske(CF) tubes can be used. Two measuring heads are available.
The procedure handles as follows:
- Choose Ubbelohde or CF tube (routine) in the range of the expected visosity.
- Fill the tube with sample.
- Pre heat measuring head and sample.
- Start measurement:
Sample is drawn up by vacuum into the Ubbelohde or CF tube,
When vacuum stops, gravity will pull the fluid down again,
The miniscus of the fluid is observed by the optical system,
The time the miniscus needs to lower over an calibrated distance is than measured,
From the tube constant and time follows the kinematic viscosity.
With some dark fluids a residue may remain on the inside of the glass capillary, which hides the samples' miniscus. If
such is the case with the sample, the D445 method and routine flow tubes can not be used to perform methods for
these types of samples. Instead reverse flow tubes should be used. These unfortunately are not available for the AKV
system. A sample can always be send to Tamson instruments to make sure the unit can be used for these specific
samples.
The AKV is capable of testing the same sample multiple times in a so called run. This makes calculation of repeatabil-
ity an easy job.
Due to it's accuracy measuring times can be shortenend by choosing larger glass capliary. Measurement times thus
can be shortened drastically. However be aware that this does not comply to ASTM D445. Also pre heating times of
sample (15 minutes) have to taken into acount for every new sample.
General
The heat input is controlled by a microprocessor system. A special optimized electronic temperature
measurement circuit ensures an extremely high degree of accuracy and reproducibility of operation
conditions. The baths feature as standard a RS232C interface for connection to a computer, data logger or
terminal. The baths have an integrated cooling coil as standard, for rapidly reducing bath temperature
alternatively for working at or below ambient temperature.
Construction
The system contains a thermostatic bath and measuring unit. The bath can be operated from the front
panel left from the bath window. The measuring system is located in the top of the apparatus and contains
a microprocessor controller board, a printer, an alpha-numeric LCD, a key panel with numeric and function
key, and the connections for the AKV measuring head.
The TAMSON baths are constructed entirely from corrosion-resistant materials –stainless steel and PTFE
–entirely. A thick layer of glass wool between the inner bath and outher casing ensure effective insulation

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 9 / 60
against heat loss, resulting in relatively cool external at high operating temps. The central microprocessor
within the control module manages and controlls, the functions for temperature measuring regulation, pro-
gram storage, safety control and error coding. A circulation stirrer is built-in for uniform temperature distribu-
tion within the bath.
Temperature control and setting
The bath temperature is regulated using a Pt-100 temperature probe Class A connected to a
microprocessor module. The advanced electronic control system continually computes the energy input
required for optimal temperature accuracy and stability. The controller will activate the heaters partially or in
full, taking into account the difference between actual bath temperature and set point taking into account
the type of bath fluid used and working conditions. This process does not interfere electrically with other
equipment since all heating elements are switched in zero-cross mode. Through the application of an
especially developed inlet circuit for the temperature probe, the sensitivity to external interference has been
reduced to a minimum. The required temperature is set by means of membrane switches on the front panel.
Read-out is on a 2-line times 16-character display. An absolute temperature offset is provided with a
resolution of 0.01C. This fine-tuning can be carried out at any time during operation of the bath.
Safety systems
A number of precautions are provided to ensure a safe working of the bath and to protect the equipment,
the bath fluid, the samples immersed and the workplace. A mechanical excess-temperature thermostat will
automatically switch-off the entire bath when its maximum value is exceeded. The maximum temperature
can be manually adjusted from 50C up to 270C.
A thermal protection of the stirrer mechanism will switch off the motor in case of malfunction. Both
thermostat and motor-fuse can easily be accessed and reset on the front panel.
A large number of integral electronic safety checks will cause the bath to shut-down in case of electronic or
electrical error. Any kind of activated safety system will be attended with an acoustic and visible alarm. On
the front display operating faults or component failures, are reported as numbered ’errors’. In this way there
is a continual check of the proper functioning of the bath.

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 10 / 60
Installation
Important
TAMSON INSTRUMENTS b.v. is not responsible in any way for consequential damage or harm caused by
using this bath.
1) Whilst cleaning, servicing or repairing always disconnect the bath from the mains (by unplugging the
power cord).
2) Well-trained and authorized persons may only carry out repairs on the electrical system of the bath.
Unpacking and connecting
Before leaving the factory Tamson baths are adequately packed to prevent damage during normal
transportation. Check the packing for external damage and make a note on the shipping documents if any
damage is found. Always retain the cartons and packing material until the bath has been tested and found
in good condition. (Transport companies generally will not honor a claim for damage if the respective
packing material is not available for examination).
The shipment contains at least the bath as mentioned in the delivery checklist. Further the consignment
might contain one or more viscometers, individually packed in small boxes with the calibration certificate
included in the box, as well as ASTM thermometers, thermometer holders etc. Please see packing list for
details concerning total contents of consignment.
Level the bath by using the adjustable feet.
Remove any remaining packing material from its interior before filling the bath. The interior of the bath can
be accessed by unscrewing the lid. Now the bath has to be filled with a liquid suitable for the maximum
operating temperature. It is very important to select a liquid with a viscosity of less than 20 cSt at the
operating temperature and a flash point which is well above the operating temperature.
Bath liquids
When the bath has been installed it must be filled with an appropriate liquid. When working with water the
bath should be filled to 1 cm below the lid. For oil the bath should be filled to not more than 5 cm below the
Caution
When operating at high temperatures the lid (of the bath), top plate and the window section of
the bath become very hot. Always use heat protective gloves. Care must be taken when placing or
removing material from the bath.
When changing the bath fluid from water to oil for operating at temperatures above 80C, com-
pletely remove all the water from the bath. Small drops of water may result in hazardous occur-
ingwhile reheating the bath with oil.
Water and oil must at all times be kept separate within the bath
Never mix oil and water in or around the bath
In order to avoid bath reporting erro or shutting down ensure a well earthed mains supply
which is clear of interference and able to carry the full load of the bath.

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 11 / 60
lid. Depending on the operating temperature the liquid level in the bath should be observed and excessive
fluid should be removed. Take care when removing hot fluid:
-Never empty hot oil in a plastic container.
-Use heat protective clothing and wear safety glasses.
-Do not spill water in hot oil.
-Do not mix hot oil in water.
The liquid level should be maintained between 1 and 3 cm below the lid during normal operation.
A lower level than 5 cm below the lid will damage the heaters.
When selecting a bath fluid it is very important that the viscosity of the fluid at the operating temperature is
not more than 20 cSt preferably less (e.g. 10 cSt).
We recommend the use of the following liquids for the respective ranges:
Recommended bath fluids
Range
Ordering code
Description
Ambient to
80C/176F
N.A.
Clean tap water (preferably decarbonized)
NOT DISTILLED OR DEMINERALIZED
80..150C /
176..302F
00T0220 (20 litres)
Tamson mineral oil 150. Transparent, 11cSt @ 80°C/176°F; 3cSt @
150°C/302°F; F.P. 200°C/392°F.
80..160C /
176..320F
00T0226 (25 Kg)
Silicon oil 50DC200, transparent. 100cSt @ 25°C/77°F;10cSt @ 150°C/301°F.
F.P. 315°C/599°F. When not polluted lifetime is unrestricted.
80..160C /
176..320F
00T0229 (25 Kg)
silicon oil 100DC200, transparent. 100cSt @ 25°C/77°F; 18cSt @ 150°C/301°F.
F.P. 315°C/599°F. When not polluted lifetime is unrestricted.
80..180C /
176..356F
00T0222 (20 litres)
Mineral oil Calflo HTF. 9.4cSt @ 80°C/176°F; 2,8 cSt @ 150°C/302°F. F.P.
212°C/413,6°F.
The oil used has a limited lifetime. The type, brand and operating temperature mainly determines lifetime.
Spilling of sample may also reduce lifetime,in some cases can start chemical reactions. Silicon oil has the
tendency to form gel, for this reason silicon oil has to be replaced as soon as visible changes are noticed
like string forming. Within a few hours silicon oil can transform itself into solid gel, which is very difficult to
remove. When not totally cleaned, very small pieces of left over gel will catalyse new oil to form gel!
The use of other liquids is allowed as long as the viscosity of the fluid is low enough at the operating
temperature. The viscosity must be approximately 10 cSt, but may definitively not exceed 20 cSt. High
viscosity will result in poor stability as well as poor uniformity of the bath.
The fluid flashpoint must be well above the maximum operating temperature. Fluid must not be aggressive
when in contact with stainless steel 304, 316, glass or PTFE and silicon sealing.
Please note following:
- Do not use distilled or demineralized water. This will cause serious corrosion.
-Only use water as a bath fluid below 80C /175F. Working for a longer period with water at
temperatures above 80C will damage the stirrer bearings.
-When working at temperatures below 10C / 50F ethylene-glycol should be added to the water. For
example in the volume proportion of 50 / 50%.
- Using the bath for long periods at low temperatures will cause condensation on the glass window
resulting in complete invisibility of material placed in the bath.
Cooling
The bath is provided with an integral cooling coil. Because of the friction-heat generated by the stirrer
mechanism the bath will slowly heat-up. The lowest operating temperature at which the bath can be
controlled depends on the fluid used and the ambient temperature. As an indication, when operating with
water as a bath fluid the lowest achievable temperature without cooling is approx. 30C / 86F. When
operating at lower temperatures it is therefore necessary to pass a small amount of tap water through the

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 12 / 60
cooling coil. Generally the temperature of the cooling coil water
should be 5 degrees (or more) below the operating temperature
of the bath. To operate at 40C / 104F with an ambient
temperature of 21C / 70 F and a cooling water temperature of
approx. 16C / 60,8F an amount of 100 to 200 ml/min. is
sufficient. When the set point is achieved and the first heater
blinks short every second, the amount of cooling water is
sufficient. It is not advisable to pass much more cooling water
through the coil than necessary.
Front panel layout
Item
Description
Function
1
Thermostat
Safety feature
2
Reset pin
Press to reset thermostat(1)
3
Lamp
Indicates that bath temperature
exceeded thermostat(1) value
4
Display
Shows bath parameters
5
Switch
Press to show menu-item
6
Switch
Next value
7
Switch
Previous value
8
LED
Heater 200 Watt
9
LED
Heater 1000 Watt
10
LED
Heater 1500 Watt
11
Switch
Mains switch
12
Fuse
Protects stirrer motor
MOTOR FUSE
Mode
Off
On
200
Safety cutout
0
50
300
1
2
3
4
7
6
5
10
9
8
12
11
Heaters
III
II
I
Figure 2 Front panel layout
Figure 1 Cooling
apparatus TLC10
and TLC15

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 13 / 60
Operating the bath
When the bath is ready for use it can be switched on by pressing the mains switch. Because the bath is
equiped with an automatic calibration facility, the microprocessor controller first calibrates the analogous
part of the controller. The display of the bath will indicate the text ”calibrating bath”.
The controller will automatically recalibrate the analogous part several times during heating. To guarantee
stable working of the analogous electronics, this part of the board is kept at 45C. It takes approximately 15
minutes before the analogous section is at this operating temperature and the display gives accurate
reading.
The electronics are suited for both 50 and 60 Hz. The mains frequency is checked during start up. The
frequency is displayed with an accuracy of 1 Hz. Due to this it is possible that the display shows e.g. 49 or
51 Hz when connected to a 50 Hz power supply. After a few seconds the display will show the actual bath
temperature, the heating power installed by the controller and the calibration offset.
When the electronics detect an error during the start or heating the display will show an error. For an
explanation of these error reports please see the chapter “Bath error messages”.
The controller of the bath is equipped with a so called ”scroll menu”, which means that all parameters are
accessible by using only one key. This is the MODE key which, by pressing it, show you:
•BACKLICHT
•CALIBRATE BATH
•CONTRAST
•LOG TIME
•MAX. POWER
•OFFSET
•PASSWORD
•SET POINT
•TEMPERATURE
•MODE
•TIME CONSTANT
Password
The controller has the possibility to enter a password to prevent
the value of the parameters to be changed by unauthorized staff.
To enter a password select Enter security code with the mode
key. By pressing the ”UP” and ”DOWN” keys it is possible to
enter a value between 1 and 9999. Entering ”0” will disable the
password function. During the first 100 seconds after entering the
password it will not be active. During this time all parameters can be accessed and altered. If the MODE
key is pressed after 100 seconds the display will message to enter the password first. When this value is
not correct a message appears ”Illegal value”. When the value is correct all menu items will be visible by
pressing the MODE key.
Changing the password can be done by selecting ”Enter security code” again. Entering ”0” will disable
the password function.
Before plugging into a mains socket (use a ground well connected to the earth), make sure the
voltage of the bath corresponds to the local voltage. Also see “Installation page 10”
Figure 2 Location of DIP-
Switch
Switch "1"

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 14 / 60
Adjusting set point
When switched on the set point temperature will be set on the previous temperature setting. To change the
working temperature select ”Set point” with the “MODE” key and change the value ”UP” or ”DOWN”.
The desired temperature can be set with a setting accuracy of 0.1 degree. To check the actual temperature
setting just select “Set Point” together with the temperature set and the unit Celsius or Fahrenheit.
When there is no power limit entered and the new set point is more than 1 degree but less than 2 degrees
above the bath temperature the bath will switch-on 50% of the heating power. When the new set point is
more than 2 degrees above the bath temperature all available heating power (which can be limited with the
option POWER LIMIT) will be used to reach the new working temperature.
Setting offset
The absolute accuracy of the calibration of the controller is 0.01K at -100C / -148F and 0.1K at +250C /
+482 F. The sensor used in the bath is a Class A Pt-100 in 4-wire connection which is the most accurate
temperature sensing system obtainable. Nevertheless when all inaccuracies are added, the total
temperature inaccuracy may be unacceptable thogh.For this reason the bath is equipped with an option
which allows fine tuning of the temperature with an offset of 0.01 degree.
///’’’’’’’
Select “Offset” and use the ”UP” and ”DOWN” keys to adjust the temperature. The temperature reading
can be adjusted in the range of -1.99C up to +1.99 C(-3.58F up to +3.58F). As soon as an offset is
introduced and accepted by the controller the CALIBRATED –LED will light up.
Switching Celsius/Fahrenheit
The controller of the bath is suitable to operate in the C as well as in the F mode. To switch from the
Celsius mode to the Fahrenheit mode or reverse you have to press the MODE key several times until the
display shows the text Temp. mode. By using the ”UP” or ”DOWN” key it is possible to toggle between
these two modes. The displayed temperature, set point as well as the offset will be converted to the new
unit. Switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit may result in a small drift of the bath temperature. Also the
reading may change max. 0.1 degree for the temperature and 0.01 degree for the offset. This is due to the
round off in the calculations carried out by the microprocessor and is inevitable. Therefore it is advisable to
- Only well skilled staff should perform this operation. -
If the password is forgotten or unknown the controller has to be reset. In this procedure the
mains can be contacted. Be very careful.
Switch off the power and remove the mains cable from the power plug. Remove the left side panel
of the bath. Switch the DIP-switch NR. 1 on the large printed circuit board to ON (see figure 2).
(In this situation the bath must be started after placing the plug in the wall socket). Be carful
with the next step. Whilst the bath is running and the display shows the actual temperature
switch DIP-switch 1 back to “off-position” again. (All bath parameters will be reset when the
switch is not reset to off position) Now switch off the bath, remove power, and close the left
panel.
Due to non-linearity of the PT100 temperature sensor, the offset is only valid for the actual set
point temperature. When changing the set point a recalibration at this new set point has to be
done for maximum accuracy or when working according to ATSM D445 / IP71.

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 15 / 60
select the temperature unit first and after that to set the desired temperature and if necessary the offset.
Setting power limit
The bath has an option to limit the maximum heating power that can be installed by the microprocessor
control led. Effective power is limited by not switching on every half sign in the mains. If the temperature of
the bath fluctuates strong due to external influences like placing cold material in the bath, overshoot of the
temperature can be reduced by lowering the power limit, stabilizing the bath much quicker.
To install a power limit, choose the option “Max Power”, by pressing the MODE key. Edit the limit with the
”UP” or ”DOWN” key. A changed power limit will become effective when the entering mode on the display
is left. The bath is equipped with 3 heaters of respectively 200, 1000 and 1500 Watts. When setting power
limit you do not have to take in account the individual value of the heaters. To prevent the third heater from
being used simply enter a power limit of 1200W or less.
Time constant
This parameter fixes the time within the microprocessor controller will not be able to change the installed
power of the heaters as Iong as the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature
setting is less than 0.1K. When the difference is more than O.1K the time constant is half the value set
with this option. The change in power by the controller will never exceed the value set with the parameter
Max. power.
Press the “MODE” key until the option “TIME” constant is displayed. Change the time by pressing the
”UP” and ”DOWN” key to select the desired value. The value to be chosen depends on the application of
the bath and the fluid used. A disadvantage of a short time constant generally is the decrease of the
controller accuracy. When a bath is used for an application where it needs almost no power long time
constant will have a negative effect on the stability of the bath. Available time constants are:
•50 seconds
•100 seconds
•150 seconds
•200 seconds
The default time constant is 100 seconds.
Recalibrating controller
From the moment the bath is switched-on, until the moment that the controller is stable the analogous part
of the controller is automatically recalibrated at regular time intervals. The necessary calibration reference is
included in the analogous part of the microprocessor board.
The time interval between 2 recalibrations also depends on the time constant installed. As soon as the
controller is stable, which is shown on the display by the word STABLE in the lower right corner, the
controller will be recalibrated a last time. The operator can manually recalibrate the controller during
operation. Select by pressing the “MODE” the option “Calibrate bath” and press the ”UP” and ”DOWN”
key simultaneously. After a few seconds the display will show the text Calibrating bath. If only one of the
keys is pressed it will not result in a recalibration of the controller.
During the recalibration of the controller all heaters should be switched-off. It is possible that after the
recalibration of the controller the temperature of the bath will deviate a little from before. After the calibration
procedure is completed the display automatically returns to normal operation.
Contrast
The display used in this bath is an LCD-display with an adjustable contrast. One of the properties of an
LCD-display is that the contrast of the display defines the viewing angle under which the display can be

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 16 / 60
observed conveniently. As the bath can be used at different viewing angles, depending on the application of
the bath the contrast of the display is adjustable To adjust the contrast of the display press the MODE key
until the option “Contrast” is displayed and can be adapted in 16 steps (0..15) by pressing the ”UP” and
”DOWN” keys.
Backlight
The display used in this bath is an LCD-display which is equipped with an adjustable backlight. To adjust
the intensity of the backlight select the option Backlight with the “MODE” key. Using the ”UP” and
”DOWN” keys to adapt the intensity of the backlight in 16 steps (0 .. 15).

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 17 / 60
AKV (Viscometer) manual
Setting up the viscometer unit
After initiation of the controller the display will show:
The next step is to adjust the vacuum for drawing-up
the sample into the viscometer.
Therefore press the “Mode” key until the display
shows:
After pressing the “E” key the display shows two op-
tions:
-Relative pressure indication,
-Absolute pressure indication.
When option either option "0" or "1" is selected the
wall socket at the back of the bath will be activated.
When a vacuum pump is connected to this socket the
pump will start to run. The display now shows the ac-
tual vacuum pressure.
The vacuum pressure can be regulated by turning the
vacuum nozzle screw located at the rear side of the
bath. A vacuum set too strong will result in a fountain
AKV - Module
Item
Description
1
Display
2
Numerical keys
3
Paper line feed printer
4
Printer
5
Connector viscometer
head
5
4
3
2
1
VISCO: 3964
START, E or MODE
DISPLAY VACUUM
START, E or MODE
0=REL 1=ABS
Vacuum -xxx hPc
START, E or MODE
TV2000/AKV
Viscometer: 5461
FLOWTIME: 315 sec
4
5
6
Mode
7
8
9

1
2
3
Start
Stop
.
0
E
Viscometer
sensor
LF

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 18 / 60
of liquid coming out of the capillary when drawing-up
the sample. This will cause false triggering of the opti-
cal detection system. For this reason the vacuum pres-
sure should be set in the region of –40 and –200 hPc.
The vacuum setting depends on the kind of fluid to be
measured.
After adjusting the pressure press the “E” key and the
display will return. To go back to the main menu press
the “Start/Stop” key again. The system is now ready
for use.
The AKV menu structure
The AKV contains a menu, which can be scrolled using the “Mode”-key. The menu contains following
items:
AKV Menu
Item
Description
SELECT VISCO
Select a glass viscometer tube with programmed constant
ENTER VISCO
Enter new glass viscometer tube-constant in memory
DELETE VISCO
Delete a glass viscometer tube-constant tube from memory
ENTER SAMPLE NR
Modify counter for sample
PARAM OVERVIEW
Print glass viscometer tube-constants from memory
ENTER DELAY TIME
Enter pre-heating time
DISPLAY VACUUM
Display the pump vacuum
ENTER RUNS
Enter number of runs for repeat
SET SENSITIVITY
Adjust sensitivity of sensor (Transparent or opaque liquids)
SET CONTRAST
Set displays contrast
SET BACKLIGHT
Set intensity background
SET BAUDRATE
Set baudrate for external data logging
SET TIME&DATE
Set system time and date
These items are explained in detail in the following chapters.
How to select a viscometer
The non-volatile memory of the controller can store up to 25 different viscometers with their corresponding
constants. Before you can start a test you must select the corresponding number of the viscometer you are
using. If a wrong viscometer is selected for measurement this will result in a wrong calculation of the viscos-
ity.
When using a new glass viscometer tube for meas-
urement its constant should be stored into the AKV
memory first. Press the “MODE” key until the display
reads:
Now press the “E” key and the display will show:
The cursor is blinking on the first figure. Enter a numer-
ical value of max. 4 digits.
DISPLAY VACUUM
START, E or MODE
SELECT VISCO
START, E or MODE
VISCO NR: XXXX
E

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 19 / 60
SELECT VISCO
START, E or MODE
After entering press the “E” key. Now the display re-
turns to:
Press the “Start” key to return to the standard display
mode.
When a mistake is made during input (before confirm-
ing the number with “E” key), the backspace key ““
can be used to correct the false character.
If the wrong value has been confirmed using the “E”
key, the menu item “SELECT VISCO” has to be cho-
sen again and the right value can be typed in again.
If 0000 has been entered the system will not accept
this as a valid number and the display will show
“Number <> 0”
If a number is chosen which is not in the systems
memory the number will be accepted but it is not pos-
sible to start a test.
Store new viscometer parameters
The non-volatile memory of the controller can store up to 25 different viscometers with their corresponding
constants. To add a new viscometer to the memory select the option ENTER VISCO using the Mode key.
When this option appears press the “E” key.
The cursor now is blinking on the first digit. A numeric
value of 4 digits can be entered. After completing this
four-digit number, again press the “E” key.
The tubes constant can now be entered. Confirm the
value using the “E”.
The entered value will be stored into the systems non-
volatile memory.
After completion of this operation the display automati-
cally returns.
Number <> 0
Press any key
Number <> 0
Press any key
ENTER VISCO
START, E or MODE
VISCO NR: XXXX
E
Const: 00.000000
Writing table

Tamson Instruments bv, van 't Hoffstraat 12, 2665 JL Bleiswijk, Netherlands . [phone] Fax. [phone]
\\word\manuals\tv\akv.doc Date 10-2010 Rev. 1.02jUK page 20 / 60
When a mistake has been made when entering the
constant, it can be corrected using the ““key. If the
value has been confirmed using the “E” key just re-
peat the whole procedure and type in the correct value.
After a new viscometer is added to the memory an
overview can be printed of all viscometers stored. This
option can be found under menu item “PARAM
OVERVIEW”.
Delete a viscometer from memory
Select the option “DELETE VISCO” using the “Mode” key. Press the “E” key and the display will show:
The cursor is blinking on the first digit. The number of
the viscometer to be used can now be entered. Con-
firm the number by pressing the “E” key.
Removing the viscometer from the memory also auto-
matically removes the corresponding constant from the
memory. Before confirming by pressing the “E” key
one has to be absolutely sure that the viscometer has
to be removed.
The system removes the data from memory and the
data table is re-organized and again written to the non-
volatile memory.
To verify if the viscometer is deleted from the memory
the option “PARAM OVERVIEW” can be selected.
SELECT VISCO
START, E or MODE
The last entered viscometer will also be the
selected viscometer.
VISCO NR: xxxx
E
Writing table
DELETE VISCO
START, E or MODE
When the deleted viscometer was the one used
for measurement, a new viscometer tube has to
be chosen for measurement under the option
“SELECT VISCOMETER”