Automatic Viscometer for Aviation Fuels @ -20C

The RHEOTEK JETVISC Sub Zero Kinematic Viscometer offers determination of kinematic viscosty in full compliance with ASTM D445, IP 71 and ISO 3104.

After just over a year of development, Poulten, Selfe & Lee Ltd, United Kingdom has launched the first automatic viscometer for aviation fuels at -20C. Refinery laboratories worldwide now have the option to automate a complicated and time-consuming test procedure.

The RHEOTEK JETVISC is a self contained, fully automated kinematic viscometer for aviation fuel, which employs an ASTM Ubbelohde Calibrated Glass Capillary Viscometer for the flow time determination.

The integrated computer system calculates the results, which are available for  print out on the built-in thermal printer. Electronic transfer of the results to the laboratory's LIMS system is also an option. Total time from introducing the sample to the viscometer until the result is available is 20-30 minutes.

In the design of the instrument, the development team at Poulten, Selfe & Lee Ltd has adhered to all the steps of the procedure as specified in ASTM D445, including the drawing up of the sample prior to lowering the temperature. Following the test, the viscometer tube is cleaned & dried in situ. The JETVISC employs a dessicant to maintain dry air within the viscometer tube at sub-zero temperatures.

The development of the RHEOTEK JETVISC has taken place in resonse to industry desire for a simple, time saving solution to automating the kinematic viscosity measurement of jet fuels. During the December meeting of ASTM Committee D02, the RHEOTEK JETVISC will be presented to industry professionals from all over the world.