Successful Applications of the VISC-4

The VISC-4 by BARTEC BENKE (Germany) is a capillary type viscometer where the capillary temperature is controlled to +/-0.02K according to ASTM D 445.

The temperature control is the single most important parameter for obtaining accurate and precise Kinematic Viscosity measurements. This is especially true for petroleum products as their rate of viscosity per unit temperature is significantly greater than other products. Thus, a slight variation in temperature can have a very large effect on the viscosity of the fluid.

The VISC-4, with its precise temperature control design, has provided readings that show that the analyser meets and exceeds the requirements of ASTM. This excellent and reliable performance has led to significant orders of the VISC-4 from SK Innovation in Korea to optimise their production of Group III Base Oils and increase the yields of products with higher economic value.

Steve Kim, Analyser Professional Engineer, C&I Group, SK Innovation, states “…your VISC-4 viscosity analysers are working successfully and my maintenance people are very satisfied with their performance.”

Remarkable is the payback time for the VISC-4, which is in the region of only 6 months in lubricant base oil plants. The VISC-4 is available in several variants for different measurement ranges and temperature ranges: depending on the respective ranges and their combinations, Kinematic Viscosities from 0.7 cSt to 1,000 cSt can be measured at temperatures from 20°C to 100°C. The VISC-4 is ATEX and CSA approved for use in zone 1 of hazardous areas. The continuous display of the kinematic viscosity, the high temperature precision and the minimised maintenance expenditure show the high process efficiency of the Viscosity Process Analyser VISC-4 which has been confirmed by the tests that have been conducted. Other products that can be measured using the VISC-4 include bunker fuels, gasoils and crude oils.