Xylem SI Analytics ViscoClock plus User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
ViscoClock plus
VISCOSITY MEASURING DEVICE

Gebrauchsanleitung................................................................................................. Seite 3 ... 32
Wichtige Hinweise:
Die Gebrauchsanleitung ist Bestandteil des Gerätes. Vor der ersten Inbetriebnahme bitte sorgfältig lesen,
beachten und anschließend aufbewahren. Aus Sicherheitsgründen darf das Gerät ausschließlich für die
beschriebenen Zwecke eingesetzt werden. Bitte beachten Sie auch die Gebrauchsanleitungen für eventuell
anzuschließende Geräte.
Alle in dieser Gebrauchsanleitung enthaltenen Angaben sind zum Zeitpunkt der Drucklegung gültige Daten.
Es können jedoch vom Hersteller sowohl aus technischen und kaufmännischen Gründen, als auch aus der
Notwendigkeit heraus, gesetzliche Bestimmungen der verschiedenen Länder zu berücksichtigen,
Ergänzungen an dem Gerät vorgenommen werden, ohne dass die beschriebenen Eigenschaften beeinflusst
werden.
Operating Manual .................................................................................................. Page 33 .. 62
Important notes:
The operating manual is part of the device. Before initial operation of the unit, please carefully read and
observe the operating instructions and keep it. For safety reasons the unit may only be used for the purposes
described in these present operating instructions. Please also observe the operating instructions for the units
to be connected
All specifications in this operating manual are guidance values which are valid at the time of printing.
However, for technical or commercial reasons or in the necessity to comply with the statuary stipulations of
various countries, the manufacturer may perform additions to the unit without changing the described
properties.
Mode d´emploi..................................................................................................... Page 63 ... 92
Instructions importantes:
Le manuel d'utilisation fait partie de l´appareil. Prière de lire et d’observer attentivement le mode d'emploi
avant la première mise en marche de l´appareil, et de le conserver. Pour des raisons de sécurité, l´appareil ne
pourra être utilisé que pour les usages décrits dans ce présent mode d'emploi. Nous vous prions de respecter
également les modes d'emploi pour les appareils à connecter.
Toutes les indications comprises dans ce mode d’emploi sont données à titre indicatif au moment de
l'impression. Pour des raisons techniques et/ou commerciales ainsi qu'en raison des dispositions légales
existantes dans les différents pays, le fabricant se réserve le droit d'effectuer des suppléments concernant
l´appareil pour séries de dilution qui n’influencent pas les caractéristiques décrits.
Manual de instrucciones...................................................................................Página 93 .. 122
Instrucciones importantes:
El manual de instrucciones forma parte del aparato. Antes de la operación inicial de aparato, lea atentamente
y observe las instrucciones de operaciones y guárdelas. Por razones de seguridad, el aparato sólo debe ser
empleado para los objetivos descritos en este manual de instrucciones. Por favor, observe las instrucciones
de operación para los aparatos a conectar.
Todas las especificaciones en este manual de instrucciones son datos orientativos que son válidos en el
momento de la impresión. No obstante, por motivos técnicos o comerciales, o por la necesidad de respetar
las normas legales existentes en los diferentes países, el fabricante puede efectuar modificaciones del
aparato sin cambiar las características descritas.
EG – KONFORMITÄTSERKLÄRUNG / EC – DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
CE – DECLARATION DE CONFORMITE / CEE – DECLARATION DE CONFIRMIDAD

TABLE OF CONTENT
1Technical Specifications of the ViscoClock plus................................................ 35
1.1 Intended Use........................................................................................................................... 35
1.2 Specifications of the ViscoClock plus...................................................................................... 36
1.3 Description of the device......................................................................................................... 37
1.4 Warnings and safety information............................................................................................. 38
1.5 Mode of operation ................................................................................................................... 39
2Unpacking and Setup............................................................................................ 39
3Commissioning...................................................................................................... 40
3.1 Viscometer models to be used................................................................................................ 40
3.2 Selection of the viscometer..................................................................................................... 41
3.3 Preparation of the sample....................................................................................................... 42
3.4 Place the viscometer into the ViscoClock plus ....................................................................... 43
3.5 Place the ViscoClock plus into the thermostat bath................................................................ 44
3.6 Connection the ViscoClock plus.............................................................................................. 44
3.7 Connection of a USB drive or a printer to the ViscoClock plus............................................... 44
3.7.1 Connection of a USB drive...................................................................................................... 45
3.7.2 Connection of the printer TZ 3863 .......................................................................................... 45
3.7.3 Simultaneous connection of a USB drive and the printer TZ 3863......................................... 46
3.8 Prepare for measurement ....................................................................................................... 47
3.9 Start measurement.................................................................................................................. 48
3.10 Reading the flow time.............................................................................................................. 49
3.11 Standby and switching off ....................................................................................................... 49
3.12 Viscosity calculation................................................................................................................ 49
3.13 Evaluation example................................................................................................................. 50
4Description and use of software .......................................................................... 51
4.1 Display..................................................................................................................................... 51
4.2 Keys......................................................................................................................................... 51
4.3 Set time / activate sounds....................................................................................................... 51
4.4 Set up sample or viscosity numbers ....................................................................................... 52
4.5 Start measurement.................................................................................................................. 52
4.6 Stop measurement.................................................................................................................. 52
4.7 Save or print measurements................................................................................................... 53
4.7.1 Internal memory ...................................................................................................................... 53
4.7.2 Create PDF document............................................................................................................. 53
4.7.3 Printing measuring results....................................................................................................... 54
4.7.4 Simultaneous printing and creating of a PDF document......................................................... 54
4.7.5 Documentation format............................................................................................................. 54
4.7.6 Tips for using the USB interface ............................................................................................. 55
4.7.7 Idle mode................................................................................................................................. 55
4.8 Notes and error messages...................................................................................................... 55
4.9 Personalizing the header of a PDF document ........................................................................ 55
4.10 Master Reset........................................................................................................................... 56
4.11 Software update ...................................................................................................................... 56
5Maintenance........................................................................................................... 57
5.1 General notes.......................................................................................................................... 57
5.2 Cleaning .................................................................................................................................. 57
5.3 Inspection................................................................................................................................ 57
5.4 Repair...................................................................................................................................... 57
6Faults and error messages................................................................................... 58
6.1 Faults....................................................................................................................................... 58
6.2 Error messages....................................................................................................................... 60

7Guarantee............................................................................................................... 62
8Storage and transport........................................................................................... 62
9Recycling and disposal......................................................................................... 62
10 Accessories and Spare Parts ............................................................................... 62
10.1 Accessories............................................................................................................................. 62
10.2 Spare parts.............................................................................................................................. 62
Notes to the Manual
The provided manual will allow you the proper and safe handling of the product.
For maximum security, observe the safety and warning instructions in the Instructions.
The pictogram has the following meaning:
•Warning of a general danger to personnel and equipment.
•Non-compliance results (can result) in injury or material damage.
Important information for device use.
Refers to another part of the operating manual.
Status at time of printing
Advanced technology and the high quality of our products are guaranteed by a continuous development.
This may result in differences between this operating manual and your product. We cannot exclude mistakes.
We are sure you understand that no legal claims can be derived from the information, illustrations and
descriptions.
A potentially more recent version of this manual is available on our internet website at www.si-analytics.com.
The German version is the original version and binding in all specifications.
Copyright
© 2016, Xylem Analytics Germany GmbH
Reprinting - even as excerpts - is only allowed with the explicit written authorization. Printed in Germany.
Version 161219 US

35
1 Technical Specifications of the ViscoClock plus
1.1 Intended Use
The ViscoClock plus is an electronic viscosity measuring device.
Use only viscometers of the brand SI Analytics®(Ubbelohde, Micro Ubbelohde or Micro Ostwald)!
The ViscoClock plus automatically measures the time which a liquid requires to flow from the upper to the
lower timing mark of the measurement bulb through the capillaries of the viscometer. You can measure all
transparent liquids – for which the viscometer used is suited according to its operating instructions – with a
temperature of - 40°C up to a max. of + 150°C.
The relevant regulations regarding the handling of the substances used have to be observed:
The Decree on Hazardous Matters, the Chemicals Act, and the rules and information of the chemicals
trade.
For the measurement of the relative viscosity, all calibrated or uncalibrated DIN, ISO, ASTM, Micro
Ubbelohde and Micro Oswald viscometers can be used.
To measure the absolute kinematic viscosity, you must use viscometers that have been calibrated
for automatic measurements!
As a principle, the measurement of the flow time should be performed in a transparent SI Analytics®
thermostat bath in which the ViscoClock plus is fixed by the manual measurement insert of the bath and
which is suitable for the intended temperature range.
For tempering in the thermostat (tempering range: - 40 to + 150°C), the following tempering liquids are
permitted:
- Water
- Alcohol-water (e.g. ethanol, methanol)
- Glycerin
- Paraffin oil
- Silicone oil
- Glycol
For temperature ranges higher than 90°C, we recommend using silicone oils as a tempering liquid.
The ViscoClock plus must not be used for other work than the above-mentioned.
The manufacturer will not be liable for any damage resulting from this.
The ViscoClock plus must only be used by authorized persons whose training or knowledge
and experience ensure proper operation of the device and who are informed about the dangers!
On the part of the user it has to be ensured that the persons entrusted with the use of the ViscoClock plus
are experts in the handling of substances used in the environment and in the Device or that they are
supervised by specialized persons, respectively.
Not suitable for use in explosive environments!
Always attach the silicone cap perpendicular onto the ventilation tube! With a lateral load on the
ventilation tube, the glass tube may break!
Do not pump the sample liquid into the measuring sphere using the manual pump after
pressing the start key! Sample liquid will enter the unit via the ventilation tube. This results in damage
to the unit!

36
1.2 Specifications of the ViscoClock plus
(Release: 19. December 2016)
CE sign: As per the low voltage directive 2014/35/EU;
test basis EN 61 010-1: 2011-07 for laboratory devices
As per the EMC directive 2014/30/EU; test basis EN 61 326 Part 1: 2012
As per the EMC directive 2011/65/EU; test basis EN 50 581: 2013-02
FCC mark
Country of origin: Germany, Made in Germany
Measuring range time:up to 999.99 s; resolution: 0,01 s
Accuracy of time measurement: ± 0.01 s / ± 1 digit; but not more precise than
0.1 %; indicated as measuring uncertainty with a confidence level of 95%
Measuring range viscosity:
0,35... 10,000 mm²/s (cSt)
The absolute, kinematic viscosity is also dependent on the uncertainty of the
numeric value of the viscometer constants and on the measuring conditions,
specifically the measuring temperature.
Types of viscometers:DIN, ISO, ASTM-Ubbelohde viscometer; Micro Ubbelohde viscometer and
Micro Ostwald viscometer of the brand SI Analytics®
Voltage supply: via external multi-range power supply 100 - 240 V~, 50/60 Hz
Input: 9 Volt DC, 450 mA
Power Input: 4 W
Corresponds to protective system III, protection class for dust and humidity
Protection type for dust and moisture IP 50 as per DIN 40 050
Use only the included power supply TZ 1858 (labeled: FW 7650/ 9)
or another released power supply by the manufacturer!
Materials:
Casing: Polypropylene (PP)
Stand: Polyphthalamide (PPA)
Seals: Silicone
Dimensions: ~ 515 x 90 x 30 mm (H x W x D)
Weight: ~ 450 g; power supply approx. 220 g
Environment:
Ambient temperature: + 10... + 40 °C for storage and transport
Operating temperature: Stand: - 40 … + 150 °C
electronic measuring unit: + 10 … + 40°C
Humidity as per EN 61 010, part 1:
80% for temperatures of up to 31°C, linear decrease to up to
50% relative humidity at a temperature of 40°C
Interfaces: USB Host to connect a printer or a USB drive
USB OTG to connect a PC to document the data,
to connect a printer or a USB drive
Plug connections: Socket for low voltage connection:
Hollow plug (5.5 mm, interior contact Ø = 2.1 mm, plus pole on pin contact,
connection of a multi-range power supply TZ 1858)
USB-B mini socket (OTG)
USB-A socket (host)
Not suitable for use in explosive environments!
The ViscoClock plus can be used in all SI Analytics®transparent thermostats.

37
1.3 Description of the device
1 Leg made from stainless steel to weigh down the unit
2 Centering prism for positioning and holding the viscometer
3 Stand
4 Lower measurement level
5 Upper measurement level
6 Guide plate for viscometer centering
7 Fixation plate for positioning and holding the viscometer
8D Silicone plug for fill tube for pushing operation
8S Silicone plug for capillary tube for suction operation
9 Handle plate
10 Silicone cap for ventilation tube of the viscometer, VZ 5101
11 Electronic measuring unit
12 LC graphic display
13 key <Down> in the front keypad
14 key <Set> in the front keypad
15 key <Up> in the front keypad
16 key <Start> on the top side of the casing
17 USB connection OTG
18 USB connection host
19 Socket for power supply hollow plug
20 Power supply TZ 1858 / 100…240V~, 50/60 Hz
1
2
3
13
14
12
11
15
6
4
17
18
16
7
5
10
8D
8S
19
9
Fig.
1 Description of the ViscoClock plus
20

38
1.4 Warnings and safety information
The ViscoClock plus unit is protected as per protection class III.
It was manufactured and tested according to DIN EN 61 010 - 1, Part 1, "Protective Measures for
electronic measurement devices and control devices" and has left the factory in an impeccable
condition as concerns safety technology. In order to maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation,
the user should observe the notes and warning information contained in the present operating instructions.
Development and production is done within a system which meets the requirements laid down in the
DIN EN ISO 9001 standard.
Please also note the corresponding Operating instructions for the devices to be connected.
For reasons of safety, the device must only be used for the range of application described in the
present operating instructions. Nonobservance of the intended proper use of the device may result in
personal injury or damage to property.
For reasons of safety, the unit and the power supply TZ 1858 must be opened by authorized persons
only; this means, for instance, that work on electrical equipment must only be performed by qualified
specialists. In case of nonobservance of these provisions the titrator and the power supply may
constitute a danger: electrical accidents and a fire hazard! Moreover, in the case of unauthorized
intervention in the titrator or the power supply, as well as in the case of negligently or deliberately caused
damage, the warranty will become void.
Prior to switching on the unit, it has to be ensured that the operating voltage matches the mains
voltage. The operating voltage is indicated on the type plate (bottom side of the unit and backside of the
power supply). Nonobservance of this provision may result in damage to the unit and the power
supply, or in personal injury or damage to property!
If it has to be assumed that safe operation is impossible, the unit has to be taken out of
operation and secured against inadvertent putting to operation! For this, switch off the unit, pull plug
of the mains cable out of the power supply, and remove the meter from the work station.
Examples for the assumption that a safe operation is no longer possible,
•if the package is damaged,
•if the unit shows visible damages,
•if the power supply TZ 1858 shows visible damages,
•if the unit does not function properly,
•if liquid has penetrated into the casing.
•if the unit has been altered technologically or if unauthorized personnel tried or succeeded to open the
instrument as attempt to repair it.
In case that the user operates such a device, all thereof resulting risks are on the user.
The unit must not be stored or operated in moist rooms.
The relevant regulations regarding the handling of the substances used have to be observed:
The Decree on Hazardous Matters, the Chemicals Act, and the rules and information of the chemicals
trade. On the part of the user it has to be ensured that the persons entrusted with the use of the unit are
experts in the handling of substances used in the environment or that they are supervised by specialized
persons, respectively.
For all work with chemicals: Always wear protective goggles! Please observe the memorandums of
the employer's liability insurance associations and the safety data sheets of the manufacturers.
Please observe the standard regulations and Standards for capillary-viscosity measurements!
The manufacturer of the unit has a list of the national and international standards available.
Always attach the silicone cap perpendicular onto the ventilation tube! With a lateral load on
the ventilation tube, the glass tube may break!
Do not pump the sample liquid into the measuring sphere using the manual pump after
pressing the start key!Sample liquid will enter the unit via the ventilation tube. This results in damage
to the unit!

39
1.5 Mode of operation
The ViscoClock plus automatically measures the flow time of a liquid in an SI Analytics®viscometer to
determine the relative and kinematic (absolute) viscosity. The time measured is the time which a liquid
requires to flow from the upper to the lower measurement mark of the measurement bulb through the
capillaries of the viscometer. The detection of the liquid takes place by the capturing of the liquid meniscus
by means of IR light barriers. The measurement takes place in an SI Analytics®thermostat bath
(e.g. transparent thermostats of the series CT 72).
The switch of the viscometer is performed outside the thermostat bath!
The ViscoClock plus consists of a stand tor accommodating the viscometer and the electronic measuring
unit. The two IR light barriers for the meniscus detection are integrated in the plastic stand (PPA). The
electronic measuring unit is built into a polypropylene casing. Owing to the use of heat-carrier liquids as
bath media, color changes may occur on the stand, which do not affect the measurement accuracy.
2 Unpacking and Setup
Check packing tor damage. In case of damage contact your supplier.
Scope of delivery: ViscoClock plus
Power supply TZ 1858
Primary adapter for Europe
Primary adapter for USA
Manual pump "pressure“ VZ 6550
Instructions for Use
There are no viscometers included in the scope of delivery.
Remove the ViscoClock plus, the power supply TZ 1858 and the manual pump VZ 6550 from the
packaging.
Place the ViscoClock plus in a dry environment on a plane surface.
Ambient temperature: + 10 ° C ... + 40°C (see 1.2 Specifications).
Owing to the small stand foot and the relatively high center of gravity we recommend storing the
ViscoClock plus always in a horizontal position outside of the bath.
Use only the included power supply TZ 1858 (labeled: FW 7650/ 9)
or another released power supply by the manufacturer!
Place the power supply easily accessible in order to be able to remove the ViscoClock plus anytime
easily from the power circuit.

40
3 Commissioning
3.1 Viscometer models to be used
The following viscometer models can be used in the ViscoClock plus:
Ubbelohde Micro Ubbelohde Micro Ostwald
(complies with DIN 51562 (complies with DIN 51562)
or ASTM D 446)
Fig. 2 Description of the usable viscometer models
Use only original SI Analytics®viscometers! If you are using viscometers by other manufacturers
the function of the ViscoClock plus cannot be guaranteed. Non-compliance can lead to personal injury or
damage to the equipment.
21
22
23
27
26
24
25
21
22
27
24
21 Filling tube
22 Capillary tube
23 Venting tube
24 Measuring
bulb
25 Feeder bulb
26 Level vessel
27 Reservoir
vessel

41
3.2 Selection of the viscometer
The flow time of the liquid to be measured depends on the size of the capillaries. The capillary size of
the viscometer should be selected in such a manner that flow times greater than 100 s result1.
We only guarantee original SI Analytics®viscometers that they will fit into the ViscoClock plus and that the
calibration of the calibrated viscometer models yields correct measured values.
Viscometer Type No. uncalibrated Calibrated for measurements Viscosity determination
manual
automatic
relative
absolute
DIN-Ubbelohde 532… - -   
DIN-Ubbelohde 501… - - -
DIN-Ubbelohde 530… - - -
ASTM-Ubbelohde 527… - - 
ASTM-Ubbelohde 525… - - -
ASTM-Ubbelohde 526… - - -
Micro Ubbelohde 537… - - 
Micro Ubbelohde 536… -  - -
Micro Ubbelohde 538… - - -
Micro Ostwald 517… - - 
Micro Ostwald 516… - - -
Micro Ostwald 518 … - - -
Table 1 List of viscometers for the selection of viscometers that are suitable to measure the flow
time for the application and to determine the viscosity by means of the ViscoClock plus.
Based on their construction, viscometers type 502 41, type 502 43 and type 502 50 are not suitable!
To measure the absolute kinematic viscosity, you must use viscometers that have been calibrated for
automatic measurements!
Prior to the first use, we recommend a cleaning procedure as per DIN 51 562, part 1.
After this, the viscometer must be dried and free of dust!
1To measure the absolute (kinematic) viscosity with Ubbelohde viscometers, many standards assume
minimum run times of 200 seconds. Shorter run times are permitted if you use Micro Ubbelohde
viscometers or for measuring relative viscosities.

42
3.3 Preparation of the sample
If the samples to be measured (measuring liquids) may contain particles, they must be filtered prior to
being introduced into the viscometer.
For low viscosity liquids, the following filters are recommended
a) Low-viscosity liquids:
•Glass filter, e.g. Duran®porosity 2 to 4 (10…100 µm)
•Syringe adapter filters (laboratory suppliers) that are used in combination with disposable syringes
with Luer connections. A pore width of approx. 5 µm is suitable for use in capillary viscometry.
When selecting suitable filters, you must pay attention to the chemical resistance against the
samples to be measured.
Syringe adapter filters are intended for use by pushing; i.e. the sample is filtered from the
syringe through the filter. If this is not performed correctly, there is a risk of the syringe filter
detaching itself from the syringe due to the created pressure and of the sample being
spilled! Therefore, you should use syringes with Luer lock connections that are fixed to the
syringe filters. Hazardous liquids should not be filtered by pushing through the filter holder for
safety reasons.
•Especially for aggressive or toxic liquids used in polymer analytics, SI Analytics®offers the filtering
system ProCleanII (VZ 7090), where the sample is filtered by suction through a small filtering
plate. Here, there is no risk of spilling during filtering.
b) High-viscosity liquids:
•Sieve with 0.3 mm mesh size
Fill the measuring liquid through the fill tube (21) into the reservoir vessel (27).
Also see the respective operating manualof the viscometer.

43
3.4 Place the viscometer into the ViscoClock plus
Press the guidance plate (7) up against the handle plate (9) (see Fig. 3).
- The following applies to the use of Ubbelohde and Micro Ubbelohde viscometers:
•Insert the viscometer sloped through the guidance plate (6), and then insert it vertically into the
centering (2) prism.
> The capillary tube of the viscometer is located underneath the IR light barriers.
•Lower the guidance plate (7).
•Check for correct seating of the silicone plug on the fill tube (21) (silicone plug 8D) and capillary
tube (22) (silicone plug 8S).
•The viscometer is now seated.
•Attach the silicone cap (10) to the ventilation tube at a 90° angle!
With a lateral load on the ventilation tube, the glass tube may break!
- The following applies to Micro Oswald viscometers:
•Insert the Micro Ostwald viscometer into the stand (3) of the ViscoClock plus so that the fill tube is
inserted into the elongated hole of the guidance plate (6).
•Lower the guidance plate (7).
•With Micro Ostwald viscometers, the manual pump set "suction" VZ 6554 is required.
Fig. 3 Inserting the viscometer into the ViscoClock plus
6
7
3

44
3.5 Place the ViscoClock plus into the thermostat bath
The transparent thermostat has to be equipped with a VZ 5402 manual measuring insert in order to
accommodate the ViscoClock plus.
Insert the ViscoClock plus, including the viscometer filled with measuring liquid,
into the manual measuring insert of the thermostat bath (see Fig. 4).
Fig. 4 Placement of the ViscoClock plus into the thermostat bath
3.6 Connection the ViscoClock plus
Prior to plugging the power supply (20) into the socket, check that the operating voltage matches the
power voltage. The operating voltage is indicated on the type plate (bottom side of the unit and backside
of the power supply). Nonobservance of this provision may result in damage to the unit and the
power supply, or in personal injury or damage to property!
•Plug the 9 VDC jack plug into the socket (19) on the back of the electronic measuring unit (11).
(see 1.3)
•Plug the power supply (20) into the mains socket.
Use only the included power supply TZ 1858 (labeled: FW 7650/ 9)
or another released power supply by the manufacturer!
Place the power supply easily accessible in order to be able to remove the ViscoClock plus
anytime easily from the power circuit.
3.7 Connection of a USB drive or a printer to the ViscoClock plus
On the back of the electronic measuring unit (11) there are two USB connectors:
•USB type A (18, Host)
•USB Mini-B (17, OTG).

45
3.7.1 Connection of a USB drive
To transfer the measured data to a USB drive, this can simply be connected to the USB-A connector (18).
As an alternative, the connection can also be made via the USB Mini-B socket (17) via an optional USB
OTG adapter cable VZ6570.
Fig. 5 Connection of a USB drive to the ViscoClock plus
3.7.2 Connection of the printer TZ 3863
To print the measured data to the printer TZ 3863, this can simply be connected to the USB-A connector
(18). As an alternative, the connection can also be made via the USB Mini-B socket (17) via an optional
OTG adapter cable VZ6570.
Fig. 6 Connection of a printer to the USB A connector on the ViscoClock plus
17
18
17
18

46
3.7.3 Simultaneous connection of a USB drive and the printer TZ 3863
For the simultaneous connection of both USB drives and the printer, one device is connected to the USB-
A connector (18) and the other device is connected to the USB Mini-B connector (17) via the OTG adapter
cable VZ6570 (optional accessory).
Fig. 7 Connection of a peripheral via USB OTG cable VZ6570 to the USB Mini-B connector (17)
of the ViscoClock plus
17

47
3.8 Prepare for measurement
•Wait for the tempering time of the sample in the thermostat bath, depending on the application
type, 5…15 minutes
•Pumping the sample into the measuring sphere of the viscometer:
The liquid should be pumped to approx. 1 - 2 cm above the top measuring level.
For Ubbelohde viscometers, the feeder bulb (24) is located above the measuring bulb (25)
(see Fig. 2). This feeder bulb should be filled with liquid to at least half by the end of the
pumping process.
The pumping process must be ended in due time to prevent sample liquid from spilling out of
the viscometer!
Description of the handling:
Manually place the adapter (28) of the manual pump onto the silicone plug (8), either
(a) with pressure applied to the silicone plug (8D) above the filling tube (see Fig. 8)
Fig. 8 Pressure mode liquid handling with manual pump VZ 6550
The pressure mode is the standard procedure.
The manual pump VZ 6550 required for this is part of the delivery scope of the ViscoClock plus.
Do not pump the sample liquid into the measuring sphere using the manual pump after
pressing the start key! (16)!The installed ventilation valve of the ViscoClock plus is open. When using
Ubbelohde viscometers (with ventilation tube) and for pushing operation, the sample would be pumped
into the ViscoClock plus via the ventilation tube. This results in damage to the unit!
8D
28

48
(b) on silicone plug (8S) above the capillary tube (22) for suction operation (see Fig. 9)
Fig. 9 Suction mode liquid handling with manual pump VZ 6554
The suction operation with manual pump VZ 6554 (optional accessory, not included in the scope of
delivery), is recommended especially for aggressive liquids which must never enter the thermostat bath
inadvertently. Furthermore, this operating mode is recommended for foaming samples.
3.9 Start measurement
Remove the adapter (28) of the manual pump.
Considering that the measurement liquid will immediately start flowing down, the <START>
key (16) must be pressed immediately!
16
8S

49
Fig. 10 Start measurement
This will:
•set the display to zero
•release the venting tube (1) (only applies to Ubbelohde viscometers)
•trigger the measurement
Once the meniscus of the measuring liquid runs through the upper measurement level (5), the time
measurement begins and when it passed the lower measuring level (4), time measurement ends.
Do not touch the ViscoClock plus during the measurement process, as the vibration may cause
measurement errors!
3.10 Reading the flow time
The ViscoClock plus stops the time as soon as the meniscus of the measuring liquid passes the lower
measuring level (4).
Read the flow time on the display (12) in seconds. If a USB drive or a printer is connected, the measured
value can also be documented (see 4.7)
The evaluation of the flow time is done as per
•3.12, 3.13
•the respective operating manual of SI Analytics®viscometers, and,
•if necessary by referencing the tables of the Hagenbach corrections (kinematic energy correction)
Do not start the next measurements until the capillary has run dry!
Otherwise, there is a risk of the formation of bubbles and thus erroneous measurements!
A description of the internal software of the ViscoClock plus can be found in Chapter 4.
3.11 Standby and switching off
If the ViscoClock plus is not used for a duration of 60 minutes, it will switch to standby mode. Pressing any
key will awaken the ViscoClock plus from the standby mode.
The ViscoClock plus is switched off by unplugging the power supply (20) from the wall socket or by
removing the hollow plug from the socket (19) of the ViscoClock plus.
3.12 Viscosity calculation
In order to calibrate a viscometer, please read the document "Visco_QS", which is attached to your
SI Analytics®viscometer.
The result obtained using capillary viscometry is kinematic viscosity, measured in the unit of mm²/s
(formerly Centistokes, cSt). Considering that viscosity is highly dependent on temperature, the measuring
temperature has to be maintained accurately and included in the result (± 0.02 K).
The correction time indicated in the tables for Hagenbach corrections (kinematic energy correction, ∆tH)
must be subtracted for the different viscometers. The Hagenbach corrections can be found in the manual
for the viscometer or the attached documents. Intermediate values can be interpolated.
As the calculation of the Hagenbach corrections bears a high uncertainty due to physical reasons, the
value of the correction should be a max. of 2% of the flow time, depending on the requirements of the
measuring accuracy.

50
For absolute measurements of viscosity, the corrected flow time multiplied by the constants indicated in
the viscometer certificate Kresults immediately in the kinematic viscosity in the unit mm2/s.
ν = K(t-∆tH)
Relative viscosity is the quotient of the viscosities of a solution and the pure solvent. This has a high
significance in the evaluation of plastics. In polymer analytics, further parameters are derived from the
relative viscosity, such as the specific and inherent viscosity as well as the viscosity number and the
Fikentscher K value.
3.13 Evaluation example
DIN Ubbelohde viscometer type no. 532 10, calibrated for automatic measurements.
Capillaries no. I
Constant K= 0,009987mm2/s2
Flow time (averaged) t= 180,00s
Hagenbach correction for 180.00 s ∆tH = 0,30s (correction table in the manuals for viscometer)
Kinematic viscosity
ν = K (t-∆tH)
= 0,009987mm2/s2• (180,00s - 0,30s)
= 1,795mm2/s*