The present invention provides an apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis, for example in coagulation testing of sample liquids, such as blood and/or its elements. In the apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis, the rotating means are provided below the cup, pin and cup receiving element. The present invention further provides capacitive detection means and temperature control devices, which may be used in the apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis. The present invention further provides a method of performing viscoelastic analysis, e.g. coagulation analysis, on a sample using the devices and apparatuses.

The present invention relates to devices for measuring property changes via in-situ micro-viscometry and methods of using same. The aforementioned device is inexpensive and can be used to quickly and accurately measure numerous physical and chemical property changes, including but not limited to the rate of chemical cure, change in tack, and rate of mass loss, for example, rate of moisture, solvent and/or plasticizer change.

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.

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel and at least two pressure sensors positioned along the liquid flow channel and configured to measure a pressure drop of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, and a dispensing mechanism configured to cause dispensing of a liquid from the syringe to the viscosity sensor at a known flow rate. The dispensing mechanism and the viscosity sensor are configured to couple with a syringe configured to contain a liquid. The viscometer further includes an electronic controller configured to control operations of the dispensing mechanism and receive and process data from the viscosity sensor. The viscometer includes a sample loading interface, included in the syringe, through which the viscometer is configured to receive the liquid. The sample loading interface includes a selection valve coupled with, and located between, the viscosity sensor and the syringe.

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel and at least two pressure sensors positioned along the liquid flow channel and configured to measure a pressure drop of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, and a dispensing mechanism configured to cause dispensing of a liquid from the syringe to the viscosity sensor at a known flow rate. The dispensing mechanism and the viscosity sensor are configured to couple with a syringe configured to contain a liquid. The viscometer further includes an electronic controller configured to control operations of the dispensing mechanism and receive and process data from the viscosity sensor. The viscometer includes a sample loading interface, included in the syringe, through which the viscometer is configured to receive the liquid. The sample loading interface includes a selection valve coupled with, and located between, the viscosity sensor and the syringe.

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.

A rheological property, for example a thixotropy property, of a fluid such as a drilling fluid, can according to various examples be determined by performing a method that includes providing measurement apparatus having a flowline having a first diameter section and a second diameter section; pumping the drilling fluid along the flowline; measuring at least one differential pressure in the drilling fluid upstream in the second diameter section, using at least one upstream sensor; measuring at least one differential pressure in the drilling fluid downstream in the second diameter section, using at least one downstream sensor; and using the differential pressures from the second diameter section to determine the rheological property and/or the thixotropy property. A method of determining a gelation property of the fluid is also described. Various apparatus for use in determining the rheological property, the thixotropy property, and gelation property are also exemplified.

A viscosity measuring system is equipped with a tank, a flow pathway, an external force applying unit, and a pump. The viscosity measuring system further comprises a first pressure detection unit which detects a pressure of the electrode ink, and a second pressure detection unit which detects the pressure of the electrode ink on a more downstream side than the first pressure detection unit. A detection processing unit calculates a viscosity of the electrode ink based on the pressure detected by the first pressure detection unit and the pressure detected by the second pressure detection unit.

The present disclosure provides a low-cost and accurate rheometer system and method capable of determining melt flow rheological properties of polymers, such as from Fused Filament Fabrication (“FFF”) polymeric materials. The device can include a filament feeding system, liquefier for filament melting, force transducer for measuring filament feeding force, and a temperature control system for controlling polymer melt temperatures. An electronic control system can capture data and manage operations. The system can measure a filament velocity and filament force required to extrude the FFF filament for printing. The filament velocity and force data can be used to compute data sets of melt volumetric flow relative to pressure drop across a FFF nozzle. An inverse analysis process transforms the computed data sets through nonlinear curve fitting to determine rheological parameters, independent of the customary calculation of apparent viscosity from shear stress and strain rate, that can assist in controlling the filament deposition.

Rheometer systems and related methods are provided. In accordance with an example, a rheometer system includes a rheometer and a platform supporting the rheometer and movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The rheometer system includes a fluid receptacle defining an opening. The rheometer system includes a receptacle housing having a housing side and adapted to receive the fluid receptacle. The opening of the fluid receptacle facing the rheometer when the fluid receptacle is received by the receptacle housing. The rheometer system includes a thermoelectric device coupled adjacent to the housing side. The rheometer system includes a controller in communication with the thermoelectric device and adapted to control a temperature of the thermoelectric device.