This invention relates to a method for measuring viscosity of a fluid using particle diffusometry (PD). The method finds practical applications in detecting structural and functional changes of a biomolecular composition by comparing the viscosity change as compared with the standard of the biomolecular composition. This method may also find uses in clinical diagnosis and quality control of clinical biological medicines, food and feeds during the process of manufacturing, distribution and consumption.

Techniques for determining rheological properties of a fluid include actuating a resonator disposed in a volume that contains a fluid sample to operate the resonator in the fluid sample at a predetermined actuation scheme; measuring at least one characteristic of the resonator based on the operation of the resonator in the fluid sample; comparing the at least one measured characteristic to a rheological model that associates characteristics of the fluid sample to one or more rheological properties; and based on the comparison, determining one or more rheological properties of the fluid sample.

Techniques for determining rheological properties of a fluid include actuating a resonator disposed in a volume that contains a fluid sample to operate the resonator in the fluid sample at a predetermined actuation scheme; measuring at least one characteristic of the resonator based on the operation of the resonator in the fluid sample; comparing the at least one measured characteristic to a rheological model that associates characteristics of the fluid sample to one or more rheological properties; and based on the comparison, determining one or more rheological properties of the fluid sample.

Methods for determining the gelation period of a gel solution are provided. The methods provided include introducing a first inert ball, or first inert hollow ball comprising a polymer solution, into a gel solution container containing a gel solution where upon the first inert ball, or inert hollow ball, reaching a bottom of the gel solution container, at least one subsequent inert ball, or inert hollow ball, is introduced sequentially into the gel solution container until the at least one subsequent inert ball, or inert hollow ball remains fixed in place prior to reaching the bottom of the gel solution container. Methods also include determining the gelation time of the gel solution based on a sum of distances traveled by the first inert ball, or inert hollow ball, and at least one subsequent inert ball, or inert hollow ball.

Methods for determining the gelation period of a gel solution are provided. The methods provided include introducing a first inert ball, or first inert hollow ball comprising a polymer solution, into a gel solution container containing a gel solution where upon the first inert ball, or inert hollow ball, reaching a bottom of the gel solution container, at least one subsequent inert ball, or inert hollow ball, is introduced sequentially into the gel solution container until the at least one subsequent inert ball, or inert hollow ball remains fixed in place prior to reaching the bottom of the gel solution container. Methods also include determining the gelation time of the gel solution based on a sum of distances traveled by the first inert ball, or inert hollow ball, and at least one subsequent inert ball, or inert hollow ball.

Described is a measuring drive for a measuring instrument, in particular a rheometer. The measuring drive has: i) a motor, ii) a shaft, which is coupled to the motor in such a way that the shaft is drivable by the motor, and iii) an ultrasonic device, which is configured to provide ultrasound to the shaft in such a way that at least a part of the shaft is bearable substantially without contact by the ultrasound. Furthermore, the measuring instrument, a method, and a using are described.

An apparatus for simultaneously measuring permittivity, density and temperature of a fluid test sample. The apparatus includes a solid state temperature control means for conditioning the fluid test sample temperature in-situ and a test cell for receiving the fluid test sample. The test cell includes a density sensor, a permittivity sensor, and a temperature sensor. The apparatus further includes a controller communicably coupled to the density sensor, the permittivity sensor, the temperature sensor and the solid state temperature control means.

An apparatus for simultaneously measuring permittivity, density and temperature of a fluid test sample. The apparatus includes a solid state temperature control means for conditioning the fluid test sample temperature in-situ and a test cell for receiving the fluid test sample. The test cell includes a density sensor, a permittivity sensor, and a temperature sensor. The apparatus further includes a controller communicably coupled to the density sensor, the permittivity sensor, the temperature sensor and the solid state temperature control means.

Disclosed is a material testing system that includes an output shaft configured to be moved by operation of a motor, the output shaft coupleable to a test specimen such that movement of the output shaft imparts a mechanical force on the test specimen. The material testing system includes a haptic feedback system configured to provide an operator of the material testing system haptic feedback related to a position or state of the output shaft relative to the test specimen during setup. Methods of testing using haptic feedback are also disclosed.

Method for carrying out rheologic measurements of a drilling mud, comprising: providing a first toroidal conduit (10); inserting into said first toroidal conduit (10) a drilling mud, comprising drilling debris; determining conditions to be simulated for said mud, said conditions to be simulated comprising a path length and/or a flow time to be simulated for said mud; determining, as a function of said conditions to be simulated, operating conditions to be applied to said mud, said operating conditions comprising a number of laps around said first toroidal conduit (10) and/or a flow time in said first toroidal conduit (10); regulating the temperature inside said first toroidal conduit (10); regulating the pressure inside said first toroidal conduit (10); providing a displacement device (20) comprising a first projectile (21), wherein said first projectile (21) fills substantially entirely a cross-section of said first toroidal conduit (10); moving, by means of said first projectile (21), said mud in the first annular conduit (10) according to said operating conditions. The method further comprises: a first operating step, wherein a force is determined, which is applied by said displacement device (20) to move said mud in the first toroidal conduit (10); a second operating step, wherein a rheologic parameter of said mud is determined as a function of said force.