Versatile Online Viscometer Makes Real-Time Viscosity Monitoring Easy and Cost-Effective

The XL7 online viscometer from viscosity measurement specialists Hydramotion Ltd (UK) is the ideal solution to the problem of monitoring fluid viscosity in virtually any process.

Uniquely advanced technology makes the high-performance XL7 one of the most robust and adaptable viscometers on the market. A typical application for the XL7 is in the methane fermentation of activated sludge, a process used in many waste water treatment plants. High sludge viscosity can adversely affect the performance of pumps, mixers and bioreactors, so it is important that it be reduced to an acceptable level. Continuous viscosity measurement using an on-line viscometer such as the XL7 makes it possible easily to monitor the progress of the fermentation in real time without having to undertake laborious, time-consuming and costly measurements of samples in the laboratory.

Ready for use straight out of the box, the XL7 provides continuous real-time viscosity measurement with high resolution, excellent repeatability and virtually unlimited range. The XL7 can be installed directly on a pipeline or tank at any location and in any orientation with no need for any ancillary pipework. The latest model stores all instrument-specific data on the transducer, giving complete flexibility of installation.

Measurements are unaffected by variations in the rate of flow or mixing, or by the presence of suspended solids or gases. The sensor naturally rejects typical plant vibration frequencies, which gives a very high output stability even in extremely noisy environments.

The XL7 is factory-calibrated to certified viscosity standards traceable to NIST and requires no on-site calibration. The sensor is an all-welded construction which can be mounted at any location and in any orientation using any process fitting. Calibration is unaffected by installation or environment. As there are no moving parts, maintenance is negligible and no spares or accessories are required.

The accompanying VP550 readout unit has a clear, easy-to-read display showing measured viscosity and/or viscosity corrected to a user-defined reference temperature. The user can select from a range of standard viscosity units including centipoise (cP), pascal-seconds (Pa·s) or centistokes (cSt) as desired.  Conversion to other units is also possible. User-friendly intuitive software offers rapid access to any function or parameter for configuring or updating the system. Menu navigation is quick and easy using the simple-to-operate keypad. No programming is required. There are three user-selectable 4-20mA analogue outputs, all fully configurable, as well as an RS485 serial data link for remote viscosity monitoring and control. 

Simple to hook up and use, the XL7 offers a reliable, easy-to-use and durable viscosity measurement system with an unbeatably low cost of ownership.