iX77 Rheometer

The FANN^® iX77™ HPHT Rheometer has emerged as a very robust and accurate instrument for testing rheological properties at 600°F and 30,000 psi. While the expanded range of temperature and pressure is in itself a compelling reason to use the iX77 Rheometer, the instrument offers numerous features that improve accuracy and efficiency.

The iX77 Rheometer is fully automated and comes equipped with user-friendly software that helps the operator set up the test parameters ("test sequence") and designate the output types and timing. A full-capacity computer with a Windows^® XP operating system is itegrated into the Rheometer so that test progress can be viewed at any time on the integrated touch screen monitor.

After the cell is assembled and filled with the fluid sample, the user loads the desired test sequence (or generates a new test sequence if requried) and simply clicks the "Start Test" button. The instrument does the rest on its own, including sending email notifications to the user and others who are designated to see the results. The outputs are delivered in CSV format, and while the test is running, the user can zoom in on a particular temperature/pressure combination, view raw data, call up graphical displays and generally monitor all aspects of the test.

For viscosity testing below ambient temperatures Fann offers an optional chiller for the iX77™ Rheometer. The Model D4004 Chiller provides controlled sample cooling and is capable of regulated sample cooling from ambient temperature to -10°C

Chiller Model D4004

The Model D4004 Chiller provides controlled sample cooling for an iX77™ Rheometer. The chiller is capable of regulated sample cooling; from ambient temperature to -10°C. The amount of time required to cool a 200 centipoise silicone calibration fluid from room temperature to -7°C is less than 30 minutes (with sample stirred at 40 RPM).

The digital controller allows temperature regulation of +/- 0.1°C. Sample temperature is indicated on the display screen of the i X77™ Rheometer and within the normal display screen of the host computer.

Viscometer Model 35

Widely known as the Standard of the Industry for drilling fluid viscosity measurements.

Fann produces a range of true Couette coaxial cylinder rotational viscometers. The test fluid is contained in the annular space or shear gap between the cylinders. Rotation of the outer cylinder at known velocities is accomplished through precision gearing. The viscous drag exerted by the fluid creates a torque on the inner cylinder or bob. This torque is transmitted to a precision spring where its deflection is measured and then related to the test conditions and instrument constants. This system permits the true simulation of most significant flow process conditions encountered in industrial processing.

Direct Indicating Viscometers combine accuracy with simplicity of design, and are recommended for evaluating materials that are Bingham plastics. These instruments are equipped with factory installed R1 Rotor Sleeve, B1 Bob, F1 Torsion Spring, and a stainless steel sample cup for testing according to American Petroleum Institute Specification RP 13B. Other rotor-bob combinations and/or torsion springs can be substituted to extend the torque measuring range or to increase the sensitivity of the torque measurement. Shear stress is read directly from a calibrated scale. Plastic viscosity and yield point of a fluid can be determined easily by making two simple subtractions from the observed data when the instrument is used with the R1-B1 combination and the standard F1 torsion spring.

Model 35 Viscometer Accessories

Certified Viscosity Standard Fluids

Cold Water Rheology Kit

The Cold Water Rheology Kit provides controlled sample cooling for a Model 35 Viscometer. The circulating chiller is capable of regulated sample cooling; from ambient temperature to -10°C.
The amount of time required to cool a 200 Centipoise silicone calibration fluid from room temperature to -7°C in approximately 30 minutes (with sample stirred at 100 RPM). The Digital Controller allows temperature regulation of +/- 0.1°C. Sample temperature is indicated on the display screen of the circulator bath.

Marsh Funnel Viscometer

The Marsh Funnel is a simple device for indicating viscosity on a routine basis. When used with a measuring cup the funnel gives an empirical value for the consistency of a fluid. The number obtained depends partly on the effective viscosity at the rate of shear prevailing in the orifice, and partly on the rate of gelation.

The Marsh Funnel Viscometer Model 201 and Measuring Cup Model 202 are made of rugged, break-resistant plastic that resists temperature change deformation. The Measuring Cup, graduated in cubic centimeters and fluid ounces, is designed specifically for use with the Marsh Funnel. This easy to operate equipment is used for making rapid, on the spot measurements of fluids viscosity. The Marsh Funnel readings are only general measurements, but the frequent reporting of the Marsh Funnel Viscosity will indicate changes in the fluid viscosity that could require corrective action.

Funnel Viscosity is the ratio of the speed of the sample fluid as it passes through the outlet tube (the Shear Rate) to the amount of force (the weight of the fluid) that is causing the fluid to flow (the Shear Stress). Marsh Funnel Viscosity is reported as the number of seconds required for one quart of sample fluid to flow out of a full Marsh Funnel.

In addition to the Marsh Funnel, the viscosity measurement procedure requires a graduated container (Measuring Cup) to receive the fluid as it flows out of the funnel, a means to measure elapsed time (Stopwatch), and a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the sample.

Rheometer Model 280 Hand-Powered

Requires very little field maintenance, and is the lightest field instrument available for determining plastic viscosity and yield point.

The Model 280 is a hand-powered, two-speed rotational Rheometer designed specifically for field testing the rheological properties of drilling fluids. A small crank drives the rotor at a pre-selected constant speed through a precision gear train governor. Rotor speeds of 300 or 600 are obtained by setting the position of the speed control lever. Measurements are read directly from the deflection scale. The readings obtained are used to determine the plastic viscosity and yield point of the test fluid.

Gel strength measurements are read directly from the deflection scale. When making gel-strength measurements, force is applied manually by turning the gel knob and observing the maximum reading on the deflection scale before the gel breaks.

The API recommended Torsion Spring, Rotor, and Bob are supplied with the Model 280 Rheometer. A stainless steel sample cup is also included. An optional High Impact plastic carrying case is available.

The Rheometer Cup Heater allows measuring viscosity at elevated temperatures. Heater Cups are fitted with a removable stainless steel sample cup for easy cleaning, and are designed to fit snugly on the Rheometer base. The Thermostat control allows heating up to 200°F (93°C).

Rheometer Model 286 Variable-Speed Electronic

A precision rotational viscometer designed for conveniently testing the rheological properties of drilling fluids using two modes of operation.

The variable mode allows continuous speed from 3 to 600 rpm, while the second mode offers settings at conventional speeds of 100, 200, 300, 600, and gel strength (3 rpm). Closed loop speed control allows accurate testing of shear thinning fluids because the speed remains locked at the desired speed throughout testing. The rpm readout resolution is 1 rpm on a digital display. The dial indication is read directly through a cover-mounted magnifier.

The Model 286 Rheometer utilizes a universal power supply input and will operate at either 120 VAC, 230 VAC, or 12 VDC. This instrument is not affected by frequency variations.

The API recommended Torsion Spring, Rotor, and Bob are supplied with the Model 286 Rheometer. A stainless steel sample cup and a plastic carrying case are also included.

The Rheometer Cup Heater allows measuring viscosity at elevated temperatures. Heater Cups are fitted with a removable stainless steel sample cup for easy cleaning, and are designed to fit snugly on the Rheometer base. The Thermostat control allows heating up to 200°F (93°C).

Rheometer Model 50SL High Temperature

Fann coaxial cylinder viscometers are the most widely used of this type in the world

The Model 50SL High-Temperature Rheometer is a rotational viscometer designed for testing fluids at temperatures to 500°F (260°C) and pressures to 1,000 PSIG (7,000kPa) in a coaxial cylinder chamber. Heating, pressurization and rotor speed are controlled by input from specialized software.

The xpRt50™ software is optimized for use with drilling fluids and fracturing fluids, and is designed to allow a single computer to control two Model 50 Viscometers using RS-485 serial communications. Once the sample has been loaded and the heater bath raised for testing, all control of the viscometer is accomplished via the computer and the specialized software.

The torsion springs are designed for ease of interchangeability, which permits the shear stress range of the instrument and, hence, the viscosity measuring range to be optimized for a given testing problem.