New polymer melt viscometer sits at die head

Hydramotion announces the introduction of a compact on-line polymer melt viscometer specifically designed for direct installation on the extruder die head with no need to divert any part of the flow

The new ViscoMelt 5000 Extruder Viscometer has a single all-welded probe with a sensing tip just 7mm across, making it easy to use with the industry standard 1/2inch-20 UNF fitting.

Installation is simple and takes minutes.

It will often be possible to install the viscometer on an existing port, so no new mounting will be required.

The viscometer is engineered so that the tip of the probe reaches the centre of the extruder pipe with minimal impact on flow.

For the first time, polymer manufacturers will be able to monitor melt viscosity in real time at the heart of the die head with minimum fuss.

The ViscoMelt requires no on-site calibration, has no moving parts, seals or bearings, and maintenance is virtually zero.

Viscosity is measured continuously in real time at pressures up to 200 bar (2900 psi) and at temperatures up to 400C (752F) without requiring any special cooling.

Sensitivity is high and repeatability is excellent.

The intrinsically safe version is certified for use in Zone 0 hazardous areas (explosive atmosphere continuously present), equivalent to Class I Div 1 Group A.

Outputs include a 4-20mA analogue viscosity signal and a serial data link, enabling the instrument to be hooked up to a viscosity monitoring or control system.

The ViscoMelt is ideal for detecting viscosity changes resulting from switches in compounding formulation or variations in the degree of polymerisation.

The ViscoMelt 5000 viscometer is already being successfully deployed at a polyamide production facility in Germany, where it is providing much more frequent and rapid monitoring than is possible using off-line methods.

The results are already showing through in improved process control and enhanced product quality.

Continuous in-process monitoring of melt viscosity reduces costs and leads to greater efficiency, all of which improves competitiveness.

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