PCE Americas Inc. PCE Instruments UK Ltd. 711 Commerce Way Units 12/13 Suite 8 Southpoint Business Park Jupiter Ensign way FL-33458 Hampshire / Southampton USA United Kingdom, SO31 4RF From outside US: +1 From outside UK: +44 Tel: (561) 320-9162 Tel: (0) 2380 98703 0 Fax: (561) 320-9176 Fax: (0) 2380 98703 9 [email protected] [email protected] www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com Version 1.0 27.08.2014 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Table of contents 1 General Information................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Area of Application .............................................................................................................................. 3 1.3 Hazard Symbols .................................................................................................................................. 3 1.4 Safety Precautions .............................................................................................................................. 4 1.5 Certification, Warranty and Documentation ........................................................................................... 5 2 Technical Data .......................................................................................................... 6 3 Putting Viscometer into Operation ............................................................................. 7 3.1 Unpacking the Viscometer ................................................................................................................... 7 3.2 Delivery Content .................................................................................................................................. 7 3.3 Battery Replacement ........................................................................................................................... 8 3.4 Inserting the Spindle ............................................................................................................................ 8 3.5 Installing the Spindle Guard ................................................................................................................. 9 3.6 Stand Construction (optional) ..............................................................................................................10 4 Operation ................................................................................................................ 12 4.1 Switch on and Configuration ...............................................................................................................12 4.2 Measuring ..........................................................................................................................................14 5 Calibration of the Equipment ................................................................................... 16 5.1 Viscometer Function Check ................................................................................................................16 5.2 Viscometers Automatic “Zeroing” ........................................................................................................16 6 Optional accessories ............................................................................................... 17 7 About the Viscosity .................................................................................................. 18 7.1 Description .........................................................................................................................................18 7.2 Further information about Fluids ..........................................................................................................18 8 Viscosity Table ........................................................................................................ 20 9 Problem Solution ..................................................................................................... 20 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 1 General Information 1.1 Introduction The PCE-RVI 3 is a portable viscometer used to determine the viscosity of liquids. The ergonomical design of the viscometer (can also be used in combination with a sturdy optionally available stand), allows it to be used as either a mobile device or as a part of a permanent laboratory installation. The PCE-RVI 3 is battery powered and operates at a constant speed (20, 30, 50 or 60 rpm). The low energy consumption of the device enables it to be used non-stop for more than 24 hours without the need to replace the batteries. When ordering the device, the desired speed (rpm) must be stipulated, this is dependent upon the measuring range in which the viscometer is to be used. The viscosity values will be displayed in Milli-Pascal-Seconds (mPas). In order to cover the whole range of potential readings, the viscometer is supplied with a spindle set (R2- R7, or optionally R1). An outstanding feature of the PCE-RVI 3 is its user friendliness, enabling it to be used during the production process, in laboratories or research facilities, providing fast and reliable viscosity values. 1.2 Area of Application The Viscometer PCE-RVI 3 has been developed in order to determine the viscosity of a variety of liquids. The device should only be used by appropriately trained and qualified personnel. When using the Viscometer the normal laboratory precaution and safety measures should be observed at all times. The Viscometer must not be used for any purposes other than those stipulated in the operating instructions. If the advice above is not adhered to, any statutory guarantee is declared null and void. 1.3 Hazard Symbols The commissioning and operation of the PCE-RVI 3 is quite straight forward providing that the instructions within the operating instructions are adhered to at all times. It can be hazardous to use the device for any purposes other than those for which the equipment was intended. For this reason, certain points within this operating instruction are highlighted as potentially hazardous, and must be carefully observed to prevent equipment damage or personal injury. Hazard This symbol in conjunction with the appropriate advice, warns the user of any potential danger or hazard. If due care is not observed, this could result in damage to the equipment or personal injury. Caution This symbol combined with the appropriate advice warns of the danger of potential equipment damage, should the advice not be heeded. 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Information This symbol warns of specific details relating to the viscometer which must be heeded all times. Users must pay close attention to the advice in this operating instruction, and be aware of and take into account all safety and hygiene standards concerning the local working conditions. Before operating the equipment, each user of the device should have read and fully understood the operating instructions. 1.4 Safety Precautions Operator safety cannot be guaranteed should the following advice not be heeded. Battery Operation The Viscometer is battery powered. The casing of the viscometer must never be removed when the device is in operation. The exchange or replacement of parts or components or the changing of settings of the viscometer must only be carried out by trained and qualified personnel. Only original manufacturer’s parts must be used. Before changing the batteries, the device must be turned off and the spindle removed. Explosive Environment Hazard The device must be used in areas where there is a danger of explosion or within the proximity of inflammable gases, or where there could be a potential build up of explosive gases. Malfunction Risk In order to avoid any potential damage, the equipment should not be used within strong electro-magnetic fields. For instance transmitters such as cell phones should not be used within close proximity of the viscometer. Should an error occur despite these precautions, then the device should be powered off and the supplier should be contacted. 4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 1.5 Certification, Warranty and Documentation Certification The Viscometer PCE-RVI 3 has been thoroughly tested and inspected prior to dispatch. The output readings have been checked and fully correspond with the appropriate data input. The device conforms to statutory international safety standards. Warranty The Viscometer PCE-RVI 3 has a two year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. During this period, any defective parts will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Warranty claims other than those previously mentioned are expressly excluded. Improper modifications, or repairs carried out by unauthorized third parties will result in the warranty being declared invalid. Inappropriate use of the device or neglecting to observe the safety precautions in the operating instructions will also lead to the invalidation of the warranty. At the end of the warranty period, it is advisable to arrange for a service contract to be taken out, so as to guarantee continued trouble free use of the device. For further information, please contact your supplier. Documentation An operating instruction is applied with each device. Extra copies of the operating instruction may be obtained from your supplier, please quote the serial number of the device and the manual which is required. We endeavor to review and edit this manual and assume no liability for printing errors or