ViscoQC with PTD 100 Cone-Plate

Importance of Topic

Cone-plate viscometry plays a critical role in quality control, research and development, and process monitoring across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and polymers. Its capability to deliver precise shear measurements with small sample volumes makes it indispensable for characterizing viscosity, thixotropy and temperature-dependent flow behavior.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note introduces the PTD 100 Cone-Plate accessory for the ViscoQC rotational viscometer system. It aims to demonstrate how integrated Peltier temperature control, automated gap adjustment and digital monitoring can expand testing capabilities, prevent user errors and streamline laboratory workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The core components and features include:

• PTD 100 Cone-Plate accessory: installable in under one minute without additional viscometers
• Integrated Peltier module: rapid temperature control from 0 °C to 100 °C
• Toolmaster™ automatic spindle recognition and magnetic coupling for cone spindles
• Automatic gap-adjustment and leveling monitoring to ensure valid geometry alignment
• ViscoQC display control of measurement and temperature setpoints
• Compatible measuring systems: CP40, CP41, CP42, CP51, CP52
• ViscoQC models: 100 (single-point speed 0.1–200 rpm) and 300 (multi-point speed 0.01–250 rpm)

Main Findings and Discussion

Key performance improvements include:

• Up to 50 % faster temperature adjustment compared to recirculatory thermostats
• Automatic gap-adjustment monitoring prevents at least five minutes of troubleshooting per error
• High accuracy (±1 % full-scale range) and repeatability (±0.2 %)
• Minimal sample volume requirement (0.5–2 mL) and compact footprint (saves 0.4 m² of bench space)
• Elimination of maintenance costs related to thermostat liquids, hoses and water-bath components

Practical Applications and Benefits

The PTD 100 Cone-Plate accessory enables laboratories to:

• Perform rapid, reliable viscosity measurements under precise thermal control
• Reduce operator-induced variability through automated alignment and spindle recognition
• Optimize throughput and space utilization in QC and R&D settings
• Minimize maintenance and consumable costs associated with external temperature baths

Future Trends and Possibilities

Emerging developments may include integration of viscometers with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), AI-driven method optimization, expanded temperature and pressure ranges, and adaptable geometries for advanced rheological profiling. Remote monitoring and IoT connectivity are likely to further streamline data acquisition and instrument management.

Conclusion

The ViscoQC system equipped with the PTD 100 Cone-Plate accessory offers a versatile, accurate and user-friendly platform for rotational viscometry. By combining fast temperature control, automated gap adjustment and digital monitoring, it enhances measurement reliability while reducing setup time, maintenance demands and operational costs.

References

• Anton Paar GmbH. ViscoQC with PTD 100 Cone-Plate Application Note. 2022.