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Lab Viscometer Manual Glossary

Adapter (KU-1004)
Component designed to hold US pint and half-pint cans for proper sample placement during tests

Administrator Account
User level in the Compliant Edition of the DVNext that has full access to administrative functions such as managing users, resetting settings, and configuring the device

Ambient Temperature
Temperature of the environment where the instrument operates

ASTM D562

Standardized test method for measuring paint consistency

Audit Trail
Record of system activities used for troubleshooting or compliance, exportable to a USB drive

AutoZero
Calibration feature or procedure that sets the baseline (zero point) of the viscometer’s measurement system, ensuring accurate measurements by eliminating residual torque errors

Backup and Restore

Features that allow users to save and load system settings, test programs, and data files via USB

Ball Bearing Suspension
Feature in the spindle system that ensures smooth rotation and minimizes resistance during operation

Barcode Scanner
Optional accessory for inputting sample, spindle, or accessory data, facilitating error-free data entry

Bath Icon
On-screen indicator showing the connection and operational status of a temperature control device like a water bath or Thermosel

Bluetooth Connection
Wireless communication method used to connect DVPlus or DVNext with external devices for data transfer and control

Bubble Level
Visual tool to ensure the instrument is leveled properly, critical for accurate measurements

Calibration
Process of aligning the instrument’s readings with certified viscosity standards to ensure accurate performance

Centipoise (cP)
Unit of dynamic viscosity measuring a fluid’s internal resistance to flow

Compliant Edition
Version of the DVNext Rheometer with features to meet 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, including user access control and electronic signatures

Cone Spindle
Precisely machined spindle used for measuring viscosity

Cone-Plate Geometry
Testing setup where a cone rotates over a flat plate to apply shear forces, ideal for high-shear rate measurements

Configure Viscosity Test
Interface or function for setting test parameters like spindles, speed, end conditions, and data collection preferences

Coupling Nut
Left-threaded mechanical component for attaching spindles securely to the viscometer

Custom Spindle
User-defined spindle configuration for specialized testing, specifying unique geometric and operational parameters

Data Collection
Settings that determine how and when viscosity or yield measurements are recorded, including single-point, multi-point, and averaged data

Density Input
Required parameter when displaying kinematic viscosity instead of dynamic viscosity

Device Reset
Function to return the rheometer to factory settings, used for troubleshooting or clearing user modifications

Digital Leveling
Feature ensuring the device is correctly leveled using on-screen indicators, improving measurement accuracy

Display Units
Measurement units shown on the device’s digital display

End Condition
User-defined criteria specifying when a test ends, such as reaching a defined time torque, viscosity, or temperature

External Control / External Mode
Capability to operate the viscometer remotely via connected software like RheocalcT

FTP Connection 
Network feature allowing the transfer of data files from the DVNext Rheometer to an FTP server for storage or analysis

Full-Scale Range (FSR)
Maximum measurable viscosity for a specific spindle and speed combination, expressed when torque reaches 100%

Global Alarm 
Setting that triggers an audible and visual alert when a measurement parameter exceeds user-defined limits during testing

Guard Leg
Protective attachment used with specific spindles to maintain standard testing conditions and prevent damage

Helipath Stand 
Accessory enabling vertical spindle motion, allowing the viscometer to test layered or thixotropic fluids

High Temperature Calibration Fluid
Viscosity standards designed specifically for calibrating at elevated temperatures

Hold Key
Button that freezes the current measurement on the display, even if spindle rotation stops

Hold Time
Time delay between initiating a test and starting spindle rotation, used for sample temperature stabilization

Immersion Mark
Marking on spindles indicating the correct depth for sample testing, critical for accurate stress and viscosity measurements

Integrated Helipath
Programming feature within the DVPlus interface to synchronize viscosity testing with precise spindle movements

Ingress Protection Rating (IP30)
Device’s resistance to solid objects greater than 2.5mm, but not protected against water ingress

Laboratory Stand
Platform that stabilizes the viscometer during testing

Log-In and Lock-Out
Security feature requiring user credentials to operate the viscometer and enabling test lockout during unattended operation 

Magnetic Coupling 
Attachment mechanism for spindles that enhances ease of use and reduces alignment errors

Manual Mode
Allows the spindle to rotate indefinitely without a preset run time, used for continuous testing

Measurement Accuracy
Precision of measurements, typically ±0.5°C for temperature and dependent on speed and FSR for viscosity

Multi-Point Averaging
Data Collection method that records average values over defined intervals for detailed analysis of sample behavior 

Navigation Icons
On-screen tools for accessing menus, files, and settings efficiently

Oscillation Check
Automatic diagnostic to verify the condition of the viscometer’s lower bearing, ensuring accurate measurements 

Paste Spindles
Optional spindles designed for high-viscosity materials, such as pastes

PG Flash Software
PC-based program for creating and managing complex test protocols 

Pre-Shear
Method to condition fluid samples by applying a set rotational speed before viscosity measurement 

Probe Clip (DVE-50A)
Accessory to attach the RTD temperature probe to the sample container or guard leg

Probe Offset
Temperature calibration adjustment for probes to ensure precise readings

Real-Time Graph
Live display of measurement data during a test, allowing users to monitor trends and identify issues

Results Screen
Interface for viewing, analyzing, and exporting test data, including parameters and calculated values

Rotational Speed (RPM)
Speed at which the spindle rotates during testing, adjustable from 0.1 to 200 RPM

Run Time
Total time the spindle rotates during a test, adjustable between 0 and 999 seconds

Sample Container
Vessel used to hold the test fluid during viscosity measurement 

Shear Rate 
Rate at which a fluid deforms under applied force, calculated based on spindle speed and geometry

Shear Rate Constant (SRC)
Constant for shear rate calculations, specific to each spindle type

Shear Stress
Force applied by the rotating cone over the sample area, reported in dynes/cm² or N/m²

Special Spindle
Custom spindle configurations defined by the user for specific testing needs 

Spindle Codes
Numeric identifiers for spindles, used to calculate viscosity and shear properties

Spindle Multiplier Constant (SMC)
Constant used to calculate viscosity from torque readings

Temperature Control 
Ability to manage sample temperature using connected devices such as water baths or Thermosel

Temperature Probe (DVP-94Y)
Accessory for real-time sample temperature measurement with a range of -100°C to +300°C

Temperature Stability 
Ensuring consistent plate and sample temperatures, critical for reliable viscosity measurements 

Torque
Rotational force measured by the viscometer, proportional to fluid viscosity

Torque Reduction
Parameter in yield testing specifying the decrease in torque that signifies the yield point of a material

Viscosity Standards
Certified fluids used to calibrate the viscometer, ensuring measurement accuracy across a range of viscosities 

Viscosity Wizard
Guided feature that assists in determining the appropriate spindle and speed for unknown fluid samples, optimizing test parameters

Yield Stress
Stress required to initiate flow in a material, commonly used for thixotropic materials

Yield Test
Procedure to measure the stress required to initiate flow in a sample

Zero Speed
Step in yield testing to eliminate residual torque before starting the test, ensuring consistent results