The Viscometry Revolution Continues Leading to Powder Rheology
In October 2003 I wrote the editorial titled “Viscometry Revolution?”http://www.aandd.jp/editorial/archive/2003oct.html announcing we have come up with a totally new way of measuring the viscosity of a fluid. High repeatability and accuracy, together with quick stability in low viscosity measurements has been the key advantage of the SV-10 we had launched at the time. Its ease of use has turned out to be another great advantage numerous researchers have found. While it is still a very popular instrument in laboratories where new materials such as cosmetics and food glues are being developed, it has been pointed out acutely that it does not work for non-Newtonian fluids, as the tuning fork vibrates at a fixed frequency and amplitude. 
Now we have resolved this issue associated with shear rate. The new RV-10000A comes with adjustable shear rate by altering its tuning fork sensor plate amplitude while keeping the frequency at 30 Hz. The amplitudes of the sensor are converted to numerical shear rates based on shear stress being applied. We have encountered very interesting applications due to its adjustable shear rate and low viscosity measurement capability. Actually a customer who saw this at a show proved that it drastically improves measuring the powder he deals with. Powder behaves in strange manners when it is moves or flows. With particular powders, viscosity increases or changes drastically at certain shear rates, which can cause problems during manufacturing or handling. Sorry if my explanation is insufficient as I am an amateur in this particular field. In any event I expect the RV-10000A will expand our horizons not only in measuring fluids but also in handling different materials like powders, provoking a true Viscometry Revolution! For more information, please read the press release.