The NCY series viscosity meters (2-digit, 4-digit, 6-digit) are computerized testing equipment specifically designed and developed for the intrinsic viscosity, viscosity number, and average polymerization degree of plastics and chemical fibers, as well as the kinematic viscosity of petroleum products. Depending on the number of testing units configured in the system, the models are NCY-2, NCY-3, NCY-4, NCY-5, and NCY-6, each equipped with two, three, four, five, or six sets of testing units, respectively, allowing for simultaneous use by two, three, four, five, or six viscometers.

After using the NCY Automatic Viscosity Meter:

The measurement of the time required for a certain volume of solution, previously conducted manually as it flowed through a capillary, will now be handled by the system.

The manual aspiration of the solution will now be handled by the system.

The original manual determination of data validity is now handled by the system as well.

The system will instantly and visually display the flow of the solution in capillary viscometers within each unit;

The system will automatically repeatedly test and eliminate out-of-tolerance results, ensuring accurate flow time.

The Gaoxiao system has the capability to perform cross-work, allowing parameter modifications on non-tested units during the testing process of certain modules.

The system will automatically calculate and generate the values.

The system's database automatically records each test value and allows for easy user access.

The precision temperature-controlled bath featured in the system will provide a temperature fluctuation and distribution of ±0.01℃，ensuring consistency of test data at any moment and location.

Everything, the user will communicate with the system in Chinese with ease.

Instrument structure

The NCY Viscosity Meter consists of the following components (Figure 1):

Test units with glass capillary viscometers, internally equipped with signal input boards, available in models with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 units respectively.

Computers with printers, keyboards, monitors, and other terminal devices, featuring a CD drive, over 128MB of memory, over 10GB of hard drive space, and an RS232 serial port, running on the Chinese version of Windows 10.

* Drives and actuators;

The hub connecting the computer host to the drive mechanism ─ RS232 serial interface system.

Place the test unit in a precision temperature-controlled bath to ensure it operates in a normal working environment.

The drive and actuator are assembled with the RS232 serial interface system within the interface drive box.

The entire system operates seamlessly on a Chinese interface, utilizing our independently developed software (Copyright owned).

1. Test Unit

The test unit is composed of three main parts: Ubbelohde capillary viscometer, viscometer column, and test stand, with the viscometer arranged from bottom to top.

Place the column positioning plate (bottom is spring-locked), then insert the viscometer column into the test unit in position (Figure 2).

The Ubbelohde capillary viscometer consists of three glass tubes (all connected to the interface box's actuator via a tube coupling): a measuring tube with a ball, a vent tube, and a feeding tube. The solution is added to the space between the two feeding marks via the feeding tube. During testing, the vent tube is blocked, and pressure is applied to the feeding tube (air pressure) to raise the solution into the small ball above the measuring ball. Then, the three glass tubes are directly connected to the atmosphere, and the solution falls from the measuring ball through the capillary.

The test unit is equipped with a precise liquid level sensor and signal processing device. As the solution falls from the measuring tube, the liquid level passes over the measuring ball.

When the upper liquid level is at the top and the lower liquid level is at the bottom (with a volume of 4ml between the two levels), digital signals will be sent separately to the interface box via the sensor and signal processing unit. There are three indicator lights above the test unit, indicating the power status and upper/lower liquid level detection status of the test unit.

2. Computer System

This unit is equipped with a complete, independently operable computer system, which can be operated via a keyboard and an LCD color display on a Chinese platform. The instrument system software is pre-installed on the hard drive, and can be repaired using a spare CD if damaged. The software features a database, where valid test results are stored for routine use. Users can retrieve data by filename or print it out, with a color inkjet printer being the preferred choice.

3. Drive and Actuator

The drive and actuator are composed of an electronic drive circuit and a pneumatic valve actuator. Three hoses in the test unit are connected to the actuator, where the air pump and solenoid valve group within the actuator complete actions such as pressurizing the solution in the glass tube and releasing pressure (connected to the atmosphere). The electronic drive circuit controls the on/off of the air pump and various solenoid valves based on commands from the RS232 interface system, with the control of the actuator utilizing a contactless circuit, enhancing the reliability of the execution system.

Each test module is independently controlled by a set of separate drives and actuators. This instrument can be configured with up to 6 test modules, operating independently without interference.

4. RS232 Serial Interface System

In comparison to the computer system of this system, this interface is an independent single-chip microcomputer system, which, when paired with the system software, also includes a complete set of execution software. Within this instrument, the interface system integrates the computer system software with the measuring and actuating mechanisms. The level sensor signals emitted by the test unit are randomly fed into the system, which then transmits the sensor signals to the computer with an accuracy less than 0.01 seconds. The computer, based on the system software, sends control words to the interface system to control the actuator according to the program. The execution results are then reflected back to the interface by the level sensor, which in turn sends the signals to the computer. The computer, based on the current operating status and calculation results, automatically determines the next step.

5. Precision Constant Temperature Bath

The precision temperature-controlled water bath is a classic product of our company.

The temperature control requirements for viscosity testing are quite stringent. For determining the characteristic viscosity of many materials, both ISO and our national standards specify a range of 25±0.05℃. In contrast, the ASTM method stipulates an even more precise range of 25±0.01℃. The precise thermostatic bath provides such a constant temperature environment for viscosity testing, with the viscometer in the testing unit placed within the bath.

The temperature-controlled water bath is composed of a self-designed microelectronic temperature control circuit, a unique stirring and flow guide device, and a refrigeration system with a compressor. It features an observation window, background lighting, smooth water flow, clear visibility, temperature fluctuation ≤ ±0.01°C, and temperature distribution ≤ ±0.01°C, unaffected by environmental temperature and power fluctuations.

• System layout and connection

1. System Layout

Please arrange from left to right with the refrigeration unit, thermostatic bath main unit, interface controller and main unit, monitor, and printer, and sequentially place the test unit into the thermostatic bath.

2. Electrical Connections

A white cable with a dual 9-pin plug, connecting the interface box to the computer's serial port.

Insert the cable plug of the corresponding test unit into the nine-core socket of the interface box at the unit number specified for that unit.

Keyboard, monitor, printer, and mouse should be connected according to the computer's manual.

PCs, monitors, printers, interface boxes, and thermostatic baths' power cords must be plugged into the same power board; the ground wire of the power board must have a good ground connection.

3. Airline Connections

The filling tube, measuring tube, vent tube, and interface box of the U-tube viscometer are connected with silicone tubes to form a unit air circuit system. An air cushion is also inserted in the vent tube circuit.

Fortunately, there are clear prompts at each connection, so you won't find these tasks too cumbersome.

● Brief Operation Description

Based on the procedures described in this section, once you have conventionally injected the solvent (liquid) into the capillary viscometer, placed the viscometer securely in the stand, inserted the stand into the test unit (① lower the press plate lever as shown in Figure 2. ② Align the base of the stand with the bottom plate of the test unit. ③ Release the lever to insert the viscometer tube into the clamp sleeve as shown in Figure 2), after achieving a constant temperature, you can now test the capabilities of your new partner.

1. Log in to the system

First, turn on the interface box power, then turn on the computer, monitor, and printer power (the printer can remain off temporarily). Otherwise, the system will not operate normally (a restart is required). The temperature-holding tank's power should have been turned on long ago; otherwise, how can it maintain a constant temperature? Double-click the "NCY Automatic Viscosity Meter" icon, the screen will display the startup interface, and enter the system initialization (Fig. 3):

Figure 3:

After system initialization, proceed to the main menu (Figure 4).

If there are previous test data in the instrument database, the detailed data of the most recent saved test will also be displayed alongside the main menu.

• Select Test Units and Items

Click on the "Test Unit" at the upper left corner, select the test unit number. Click on "Test Unit 1", and the page will display...

"Test Unit-1" data table (Figure 5).

Figure 4:

Figure 5:

Hover your mouse over the colored rows at the top of the table, hold down the left mouse button, and you can freely move the data table to any position on the screen.

Now select the test type, click the dropdown key for test types, there are 25 items available for selection (can be added or deleted according to customer requirements), such as:

Blank time – Used to measure the time solvents take to flow through a capillary.

Property Viscosity [N1] — Used for measuring the property viscosity when the solvent ratio is phenol: perchloroethylene = 1:1.

Properties Viscosity [N2] - Used to measure the specific viscosity when the solvent ratio is phenol: tetrachloroethane = 3:2.

Click "Blank Time" to select the test type.

When selecting "Wash-Off Viscosity Meter" as the test type, the test will only perform the solution suction operation without displaying the test results.

3. Set Parameters

Next, set the parameters: the viscosity tube number you are currently using, the sample number being tested, and then enter the number of tests = 5, t1 = 3s, t2 = 15s, constant temperature time = 0 (constant temperature time is in minutes; if the sample has already reached a constant temperature, set it to 0). If the constant temperature time is set to 15, after pressing the start test, the instrument will wait for 15 minutes of constant temperature before automatically initiating the test (Figure 6).

4. Initiate testing

Next up, the fun really begins. Would you like to test it now? Great, just click on "Start Test." The system asks you to confirm (Figure 7) - of course, click "Yes."

Figure 6:

Figure 7:

Currently, the system is very busy. Under the action of the air pump and valve, the liquid inside the capillary undergoes continuous up and down changes, and the simulated image will vividly display the current liquid level changes (Figure 8):

After several runs, the effective data is sequentially recorded in the spaces, and the test results are displayed in the data output and result spaces, as shown in (Figure 9):

Figure 8:

Figure 9:

If the time error of each test exceeds the set value due to issues such as the cleaning of the viscometer, filtration of the solvent (liquid), or problems with temperature control.

When the error threshold value is reached, the system will issue a warning. Please check the aforementioned issues and then restart the test (Figure 10):

If the initial test deviations are acceptable, but subsequent test deviations exceed the set error threshold, the test unit data table has already calculated the results, but their validity awaits your personal confirmation (Figure 11):

Figure 10:

Figure 11:

The test ended smoothly, wasn't it? Now we can print out the entire parameters and results. Don't forget to turn on the printer and prepare the paper (A4).

5. Document Printing

5.1 Direct Printing

Click the "File" menu and then "Print" to open the print dialog box (Figure 12):

Select the number of prints, then click "Confirm." The printer will start up, and a test report will soon appear.

5.2 Print Preview

Click the "File" menu and select "Print Preview" to view the print preview (Figure 13):

Click "Print" on the interface to enter the print dialog box shown in Figure 13 for printing.

Figure 12:

Figure 13:

5.3 Print List

Click on "File" menu and then "Print List" to open the data dialog box (Figure 14):

Hold down the Ctrl key and use the left mouse button to select the data you wish to print, up to 25 pieces of data can be selected. Release the Ctrl key after selection, then click.

Preview appears when "Open" is selected (Figure 15). Click on "Print" on the interface to enter the print dialog box shown in Figure 12 for printing.

Figure 14:

Figure 15:

6. File Save

To save the above results, click "Save" in the File menu. A database and filename will pop up, and the file will be automatically named according to the following rules:

Test Type - Year Month Day - Unit No. - Sample No. - Save Sequence No.

Test Types Such As: B-Blank Test

N1-1: 1:1 Ratio Solvent

N2-3:2 Ratio Solvent

Of course, you can also change the file name yourself.

Click "Save."

After saving, select "Open" from the File menu to find the filename of the file you just saved. If you close the original test unit's data table, click "Open" on the file table, and the data table with that filename will appear on the screen.

Detailed Description

Open the Test Unit Parameter Input Data Sheet

There are two ways to open a data table. First, after clicking "Test Unit" on the main menu, select from the submenu. Second, click "Open" under "File" in the main menu, which will open the database file name. You can choose and open a file with the same input parameters as the current ones. This way, you won't need to enter parameters again; simply click "Test Start" and confirm to run with the preset parameters (original test results will be automatically canceled), or you can run with modified parameters.

2. Data Overview

"Data Overview" under the main menu "Test Unit" lists multiple sets of data that are being tested simultaneously or displayed on the screen at the same time.

3. Multi-unit printing

To print out multi-unit data that is being tested or displayed on the screen simultaneously, simply click "Data Overview" under "Test Unit," then click "Print" in the "File" menu.

4. Printout of Viscosity Test Summary Report

When it's necessary to print multiple test results together, follow the following procedure:

4.1 Click "Print List" in the file tab, and the screen will pop up with the filenames of the recorded test data from previous trials (Figure 14).

4.2 Select the file name to print: Hold down the Ctrl key (lower left corner of the keyboard) and then click to select the file name.

4.3 Click "Open," and the table to be printed will appear on the screen (Figure 15).

4.4 Click "Print" on the screen to enter the print dialog box (Figure 12).

5. Requirements for Parameter Input

Viscosity Tube Number: Up to 6 characters

Sample Number: up to 12 characters, 6 Chinese characters

Test Runs: Refers to the number of valid test runs. The input numbers are 3, 4, or 5. For viscosity timing after rinsing, it can be set to 1.

During automatic testing, the first run is considered empty, and subsequent runs are not valid if the error is greater than 0.2 seconds (can be preset).

     t1: A typical viscometer has two scale lines, t1The time it takes for the liquid level to rise above the next imaginary marking after reaching the upper marking.1Too long, the liquid may enter the hose due to excessive rise. Too short, it's too close to the upper line. Generally, it's better to reach the upper ball bubble.1Recommended value is 3s (solvent ratio of 1:1).

t2: Refers to the time required for the liquid level to drop below the lower reference line (imaginary) and continue descending (it is preferable for the solution above the capillary to completely flow to the bottom of the viscometer, otherwise bubbles may form when drawing the liquid up again).

t2Recommended value is 15s (solvent ratio of 1:1).

t1,t2The value depends on the flow rate of the liquid.

When measuring specific viscosity, the following parameters need to be entered:

Sample Weight: Refers to the amount of sample in a 25mL solution, typically 0.1250 grams/25mL according to standards.

T0(Blank Time): The time measured when using the same solvent and test unit (including the same Ubbelohde capillary viscometer).

6. Detailed Test Times

As previously explained, if you select 3, 4, or 5 in the "Test Times," the testing process will be:

Upon startup, the first test results are discarded. Compare the second and third tests, and if the error is less than the set value (currently 0.2 seconds), the second and third test values will serve as the first and second formal test values, respectively. Continue testing until the 3rd, 4th, or 5th selected test is completed. Conversely, discard the second test, treat the third test as the second, and retest once for comparison until the two errors are less than 0.2 seconds (otherwise, exit the dialog box after the 5th test, declare the test finished), and then continue testing until the selected number of tests is reached.

This plan may result in the first two trials meeting the accuracy requirements, but not necessarily within the selected number of valid test trials. Therefore, there may be instances where a dialog box will pop up, allowing you to make a decision.

7. Image

The parameter table displays a simulated image of the solution flowing in the viscometer being tested in the lower right corner.

8. Interruption Test

During the testing process, you may interrupt at any time. After clicking the "Interrupt" button, once confirmed, the system will revert to the state before the test. If you need to retest, simply click the "Test" button again.

9. File Purging

Open the database (Main Menu "File", "Open"), click on the file name with the mouse, hold down the left mouse button and drag it to the "Trash" or right-click on the file name to select "Delete."

10. Entry to the Viscosity Measurement System

There are two methods to enter the viscosity measurement system:

After powering on, double-click the NCY Automatic Viscosity Meter shortcut on the desktop to enter the testing system.

② Access the NCY Automatic Viscosity Meter by clicking on Programs in the Windows Start menu.

● Recovery of system damage

System damage? We can quickly repair it with our company-provided CD.

Insert the disc, open File Explorer, start the CD drive, can you see the "Installation Instructions" file? Open it, and it will guide you.

Technical Specifications

Temperature Control Range: (10-80)℃ (JWC Series)

Temperature Fluctuation: ±0.01℃ (JWC Series)

Temperature Distribution: ±0.01℃ (JWC Series)

Measurement Range: 0.01s - 999.99s

Repeatability: 0.02s (after excluding the influence of residual impurities in the solution within the viscometer)

Power Supply: 220V 10A 50Hz

Interface box rated power: 0.1 kW (refer to respective manuals for other thermostatic baths and refrigerators)

● Restoration of Fiber Optic Signal Transmission Issues

The change in liquid level within the capillary viscometer is detected by an optical fiber signal. After the instrument has been used for a while, dirt may accumulate at the end of the fiber, causing poor signal transmission, with the solution (agent) surging up the capillary, resulting in a fault (determined by the cleanliness and quality of the water inside the water tank). At this point, you may notice the green light above the test unit blinking, or at least one red signal light not changing as the solution passes through the detection point, with no bubbles or suspended particles in the detection area. Generally, this can be determined as a poor signal transmission, and it can be resolved by gently wiping the ends of the two fibers with a "fiber optic cleaner" (located on the right side of the main housing).

Maintain clear and transparent water quality without suspended particles. Using pure water is crucial. The mineral sediments in heavy water are highly detrimental. Keeping the water clean regularly actually greatly enhances work convenience.

After-Sales Service

Our products come with a one-year free warranty. The NCY series (2-digit, 4-digit, 6-digit) viscometers are covered by a two-year free warranty, with lifetime repair services. Please contact us promptly if any issues arise, and you can be assured of satisfactory service. For any changes, you will definitely find us online, at the 021-114 information booth, or in the Shanghai Yellow Pages.

Thank you for reading this manual.

Welcome to use the NCY Automatic Viscosity Meter

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