What efficiencies are gained by measuring in-line?Īutomatic control of the process fluid viscosity insures consistent product all the time and reduces or eliminates human errors and expensive sample testing. While it is difficult to control all the factors that are present in the process that affect the fluid's viscosity (such as temperature, air bubbles, shear history, turbulence, pressure variations, etc.), if these factors are kept relatively constant, then good control can be achieved. In-line measurements give real-time, continuous readings of the fluid's viscosity during processing and consequently provide a means to automate the modification and viscosity control of the process fluid.

What are the benefits to bringing your measurement in-line? However, if done properly, the results will follow the same trend, making in-line measurement useful for ensuring consistent production quality. The demands of these two environments are so different that it is unlikely that the same equipment can be used for both or that the exact same results will be generated. In-line viscometers are immersed in the process stream and measure continuously under process conditions. A bench-top viscometer has generally been used for off-line measurements wherein a sample of the process fluid is drawn and tested under controlled conditions (temperature, shear history, shear rate, etc.). Process measurements are made in-line or off-line. In general laboratories require a more scientifically correct measurement, while process control requires a stable, repeatable signal. These methods have very different accuracies and benefits, and may work well for process monitoring or control, but may not be in agreement with laboratory or analytical requirements. There are many ways that viscosity can be measured, such as capillary, vibration, falling object, rotational, even mixer or pumping force. How are pharmaceutical manufacturers measuring viscosity? Enjoy the discussion.įor more information, or to contact Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, click here. The editorial staff at Pharmaceutical Online recently sat down with David Brookfield, President and CEO, Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, to discuss methods of measuring visocosity, the advantages of bringing measurements in-line, and the company's extensive viscometer product line.

The line spread test for viscosity