Appendix A - KU-2 Calibration Information ............................................................... 11
Appendix B - References ..........................................................................................16
Appendix C - Online Help and Addtional Resources .................................................17
Appendix D - Warranty Repair and Service ..............................................................18
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 3 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
I. INTRODUCTION
KU-2
VISCOMETER
POWER
KREBS UNITS
cP
HOLD
gm
KU1-74
KU1-10
KU1-73
The Brookeld KU-2 Viscometer measures uid viscosity in Krebs units. A paddle type spindle
is driven at 200 rpm by a constant speed motor. The reaction torque of the spindle rotating at
200 rpm is converted to viscosity in Krebs Units. The digital display of the Viscometer shows
viscosity in Krebs Units (KU), the associated grams value (gm), and viscosity in centipoise (cP).
The value for centipoise is a conversion from the Krebs value as described in the ASTM standard
D562. The Viscometer will measure viscosity from 40 KU to 141 KU, at weights of 32 to 1,099
grams (the equivalent centipoise range is 27 - 5,274 cP). Application reference information can
be found in ASTM D562.
I.1 Components
The KU-2 Viscometer package (Figure 1 and Figure 1.1) includes:
(1) KU-2 Viscometer, upright rod and base (1) U.S. pint can (KU1-34) - not shown(1) Paddle spindle (KU1-10) (1) Power Cord, 115 VAC (DVP-65) or(1) US 1/2 pint can adapter (KU1-73) 220 VAC (DVP-66)
(1) US pint can adapter (KU1-74) (1) Operating instructions (M/04-242)
Figure 1 (front view) Figure 1.1 (side view)
Please check to be sure that you have received all components, and that there is no damage. If
you are missing any parts, please notify Brookeld or your local Brookeld agent immediately.
Any shipping damage must be reported to the carrier.
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 4 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
I.2 Options
Air Purge Fitting
I.2.1 Air Purge
The air purge option, Part No. KU-2A (Figure 2),
allows the interior of the KU-2 to be pressurized
with air (or an inert gas) when the instrument is
to be used in a hazardous environment. A builtin pressure switch turns the instrument off when
the pressure drops below 2.0 PSI (falling). The
switch comes on at 10.0 PSI (rising).
Connect a regulated clean air (or inert gas) sup-
ply which is non-corrosive to brass to the tting
shown in Figure 2. Adjust the pressure to ap-
proximately 25 PSI.
Note: The pressure switch range is 0-40 PSI.
DO NOT CONNECT PRESSURE HIGHER
THAN 40 PSI TO THE SWITCH!
I.2.2 Optinal Paste Spindle
The paste spindle, Part No. KU1-75Y (Figure 3), is a special
spindle; it is not included in a standard shipment/order. The
design consists of offset rod-type vanes, approximately 2 mm
diameter x 19 mm long. This spindle is suitable for use with
high consistency materials such as roller mill pastes. Do not
use this spindle to report normal Krebs Unit measurements
or centipoise. Record the grams value shown in the digital
display and note that the paste spindle was used to make the
viscosity measurement.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 5 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
I.3 Specications
Range: 40–141 KU
32–1,099 gm
27 - 5,274 cP*
Accuracy: ± 1% of full scale range
Repeatability: ± 0.5% of full scale range
Paddle speed: 200 rpm ± 0.1 rpm
Printer output: 25D-Type Centronics Parallel Printer Output
Net weight: 22 lb. (10 kg)
Gross weight: 25 lb. (11 kg)
Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 20
Operating Environment: 0°C (32°F) to 40°C (104°F)
20% - 80% R.H.: non-condensing atmosphere
Electrical Certications: Conforms to CE Standards for: Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC), Low Voltage (LVD) and Safety Requirements for electrical equipment for measurement
control and laboratory use.
*Centipoise scale is for reference only. Do not use for calibration.
U.S. Half Pint 2.850" (7.24 cm) 2.875" (7.30 cm)
U.S. Quart 4.845" (12.31 cm) 4.230" (10.74 cm)
If you have a requirement for container dimensions other than those listed above, please contact
Brookeld or an authorized Brookeld agent.
I.5 Utilities
Input voltage: 115 VAC or 230 VAC*
Input frequency: 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: 16 VA (watts)
Power cord color code:
USAOutside USA
Hot (live)BlackBrown
NeutralWhiteBlue
Ground (earth)GreenGreen/Yellow
*Main supply voltage uctuations are not to exceed ± 10% of the nominal supply voltage.
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 6 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
I.6 Safety Symbols and Precautions
Safety Symbols
The following explains safety symbols which may be found in this operating manual.
Indicates hazardous voltages may be present.
Refer to the manual for specic warning or caution information to avoid personal
injury or damage to the instrument.
Precautions
If this instrument is used in a manner not specied by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the instrument may be impaired.
This instrument is not intended for use in a potentially hazardous environment.
In case of emergency, turn off the instrument and then disconnect the electrical cord
from the wall outlet
The user should ensure that the substances placed under test do not release poisonous,
toxic or ammable gases at the temperatures to which they are subjected to during the
testing.
I.7 Printer Connection
The KU-2 is equipped with a parallel printer port located on the side of the instrument allowing
printing with a parallel printer. A standard parallel printer cable (25 pin, Type D Centronics, available from Brookeld as part number CAP-86) is
used to connect the viscometer to the printer.
When connected to a printer, the KU-2 will print
one line of data each time the "Hold Reading"
switch is moved to the down position.
The data line includes the viscosity (in Krebs
Units and centipoise) and the associated weight
(in grams):
xxxxgm xxxxxKU xxxxcP
51gm 46.6KU 120cP
Dashes in the printout indicate an "over-range"
condition or that the handle has risen to the top
position (i.e. the spindle is not rotating):
Parallel Printer Output Connection
PinFunction
1STB
2D0
3D1
4D2
5D3
6D4
7D5
8D6
9D7
25GND
Figure 4
- - - - g - - - . - KU - - - - cP
When connecting the cable to the KU-2, THE PRINTER POWER (AC mains) SHOULD
BE "OFF"!
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 7 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
I.8 Viscosity Units
The Krebs Unit is a special measure of viscosity that is not based on the Newtonian model of
ow. The ASTM test method D562 was originally developed around the special conditions of an
instrument that used gravity to drive a paddle spindle at 200 rpm. The weight required to achieve
200 rpm varied depending upon the viscosity of the uid under test. The Krebs unit was developed through the correlation of the weights used and the time required for 100 revolutions of the
paddle. The ASTM standard also provided a correlation from Krebs Units to the scientic measure
of viscosity in centipoise.
The Grams scale represents the weight required to drive the paddle through the test uid at a rate
of 200 rpm. The gravity drive system specied in ASTM D562 required that the weight be varied
until 100 revolutions were achieved in 30 seconds (200 rpm). The KU-2 drives the unit at 200 rpm
automatically and provides the grams value that would be required on the gravity drive system.
The grams scale is not a viscosity unit.
The Centipoise scale is available through a correlation originally dened in the ASTM test method.
Since this value is based on the Krebs Unit, it is not equivalent to centipoise values determined using
other types of viscometers, such as the Brookeld RVDV-I+. The centipoise values displayed on
the KU-2 are for reference only. Comparisons to measured values from other instruments should
not be made.
I.9 Cleaning
Make sure the instrument is in a decent working environment (dust-free, moderate
temperature, low humidity, etc.).
Make sure the instrument is on a level surface.
Hands/ngers must be clean and free of residue sample. Not doing so may result in
deposit build up on the upper part of the shaft and cause interference between the shaft
and the pivot cup.
Be sure to remove the spindle from the instrument prior to cleaning. Note left-handed
thread. Severe instrument damage may result if the spindle is cleaned in place.
Instrument and Keypad: Clean with a dry, non-abrasive cloth. Do not use solvents
or cleaners.
Immersed Components (spindles): Spindles are made of stainless steel. Clean with a non-
abrasive cloth and solvent appropriate for sample material.
When cleaning, do not apply excessive force, which may result in bending spindles.
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 8 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
II. OPERATION
KU-2
VISCOMETER
POWER
KREBS UNITS
gm
HOLD
cP
KU1-74
(pint adapter)
KU1-73
(1/2 pint adapter)
Knob
II.1 Set-Up
1) Be sure that the power switch is off. Attach the power cord to the appropriate power source.
2) Move the operating handle to the top (upper most) position.
3) Connect the printer (if used) to the parallel port. Be sure the printer power is off.
4) Loosen the thumb screw on the Viscometer shaft; insert the paddle spindle into the Viscom-
eter shaft, as far as it will go. Line up the groove on the spindle with the hole that the thumb
screw goes into. Tighten the thumb screw.
5) For Quart Cans: The can will be placed directly on the viscometer base.
6) For Pint Cans: Place the pint can adapter (KU1-74) on the viscometer base, pulling the
spring loaded front locator out and placing the adapter against the rear locating pins. Release
the locator to secure the adapter in place.
7) For 1/2 Pint Cans: Follow the procedure for pint cans. Place the 1/2 pint can adapter (KU1-
73) on top of the pint can adapter (KU1-74).
II.2 Taking Measurements
1) Pour sample into the container. Fill to 3/4 inch (20 mm) below the con-
tainer lip.
2) Bring the sample in the container to the specied temperature.
3) Switch on the KU-2 power switch and then the
Figure 5
printer (if used). Switch the Hold Reading Switch
to the up position. (See Figure 5.)
4) Select the desired display (KU, gm or cP) using the
Display unit Selector switch. (This setting may be
changed at any time during the test.)
5) For Quart Cans: Place the sample container on the
Viscometer base by pulling the spring loaded front
locator out, placing the container against the rear of
the locating pins, and releasing the locator to secure
the can in place.
6) For Pint & 1/2 Pint Cans: Place the sample con-
tainer directly on the can adapter mounted on the
viscometer base.
Figure 6
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 9 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
7) Move the Viscometer handle down to the lowest position. This will automatically immerse
82g 55.9KU 272cP
----g ---.-KU ---cP
the spindle into the uid. If the correct amount of uid has been put into the container, the
surface of the uid will be at the immersion mark of the spindle.
8) The spindle will begin to rotate once the handle is within
9) Wait 5 seconds for the display reading to stabilize. A
10) Move the Hold Reading Switch to the down position to
11) Raise the handle to the top position. This stops the spindle from rotating.
Note: When using 1/2 pint cans, you must lift the can and then tilt slightly to remove the
CAUTION: When using the 1/2 pint can, do not lower the spindle directly into the
container. The narrow diameter of the can requires the spindle to be introduced at an angle. Tilt the 1/2 pint can while lowering the viscometer.
1/2 inch of the lowest position.
display of "----" indicates an over-range condition. If a
printer is being used, these dashes will print in place of
data (Figure 7).
"Hold" the display. If a printer is connected, a string of data will print as soon as the Hold
reading switch is moved to the down position (Figure 7). The display unit selector switch
may be used to change the display.
spindle.
Figure 7
12) Loosen the thumb screw and remove spindle for cleaning.
Note: Do not remove the thumb screw. If dropped, it may fall into the sample.
II.3 Troubleshooting
If the operating handle is in the DOWN position and the display locks up and/or the spindle does
not rotate the following should be checked:
• Be sure the HOLD switch is in the UP position. If the hold switch was in the DOWN position
prior to engaging the operating handle, dashes (——) or the previous reading may appear in
the display.
• The KU-2 requires a shutdown (power off) period of at least 30 seconds before it can be operated
properly. If the unit had previously been turned off and immediately turned back on (without
a 30 second shutdown period) both the display and rotation may temporarily lock up.
If you experience these problems, simply raise the operating handle, turn the unit off and wait a
minimum of 30 seconds before turning the power back on.
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 10 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
Appendix A - KU-2 Calibration Information
The accuracy of the KU-2 is veried using viscosity standard uids calibrated in Krebs Units, which
are available from Brookeld Engineering Laboratories or your local Brookeld dealer/distributor/
representative. Note: Calibration should not be veried using the centipoise scale. The centipoise
scale is for reference use only and is based on a correlation from the Krebs Unit details in the ASTM
test method D562. Viscosity Standards are calibrated at 25°C. Available standards are listed in
Table A-1 below:
We recommend that Brookeld Viscosity Standard Fluids be replaced on an annual basis, one year
from the date of initial use. These uids can be stored under normal laboratory conditions. Disposal
should be in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. Material Safety Data Sheets are
available on our website: www.brookeldengineering.com/support/documentation.
Calibration Check Procedure
The frequency of the calibration check should be based on your company's standard practice for test
and calibration of instruments.
1) Select any two viscosity standards listed in Table A-1 to perform your calibration check.
The viscosity standards are very temperature sensitive. The viscosity value of the uid will
change with temperature so it is important to control the temperature to 25.0°C.
Note: Do not use viscosity standards calibrated in centipoise.
2) Pour the selected uid into a standard US 1-pint can. The spindle and the uid in the can
should come to temperature equilibrium before proceeding with the calibration check.
It is important that the uid and the spindle come to 25.0°C, ± 0.1°C, before proceeding
with the calibration check.
3) Once the uid and spindle have come to thermal equilibrium, place the sample container
on the viscometer base, using the KU1-74 adapter. Switch the power switch and printer (if
used) to "ON". Switch the Hold Reading Switch to the "UP" position. Turn the Select knob
to "KU".
4) Move the viscometer handle down to the lowest position. The spindle will begin rotating
once the handle is within 1/2 inch of the lowest position.
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 11 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
5) Wait ve (5) seconds for the reading to stabilize. Switch the Hold Reading Switch to the
"DOWN" position. You will need to record measurements in KU and gm. These two
values work together to let you interpret the calibration results.
6) After you have recorded results in KU, then move the Selector knob to the "gm" position
and record your reading in grams. If you are using a printer, three measurements will be sent
to the printer and will print out as soon as the Hold Display switch is switched back to the
DOWN position.
Interpretation of Calibration Check Results
When verifying the calibration of the KU-2, the instrument tolerance and viscosity standard uid
tolerance must be combined to calculate the total allowable error.
The KU-2 is accurate to ± 11 grams, which is 1% of the full scale range in grams. The Brookeld
Viscosity Standard is accurate to ± 1% of the stated viscosity in KU.
The total allowable error should be stated in KU. Since the instrument accuracy is stated in grams,
you will have to use the comparison table (Table A-2) and convert from grams to KU.
Correct interpretation of your calibration results requires that you compare your readings in grams to
the equivalent in KU. You must then bracket your reading with upper and lower limits based on the
allowable error of ± 11.0 grams. Convert this acceptable range in grams (as dened by the upper and
lower limits) to KU units.
Example: Calculate the allowable error of the KU-2 using uid KU106; the stated viscosity
of the uid is 104.8 KU. The viscometer indicated a measured viscosity of 105
KU and 410 grams.
1) Measured results from the calibration check in grams were 410 grams. Locate 410 grams on
the conversion chart (Table A-2).
2) The KU-2 is accurate to ± 11.0 grams. Starting from 410 grams, count 11 places above and
below the 410 grams. This is called "bracketing" the acceptable range. In this case, the
acceptable range will be from 399 grams to 421 grams.
3) Convert the acceptable range in grams to KU. Locate the minimum and maximum grams
bracketed. Look to the right of each number for the conversion to KU. In this case, it will be
103.9 KU minimum and 105.7 KU maximum. The total difference between 103.9 and 105.7
KU is 1.8 KU. Therefore, the accuracy is ± 0.9 KU. This is the accuracy for the Viscometer
in KU, ± 0.9 KU.
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 12 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
4) Now that you have the accuracy for the instrument, you can add it to the accuracy of the
uid. The uid is accurate to ± 1% of the stated value in KU. The viscosity standard is
calibrated at 104.8 KU, ± 1% is equal to ± 1.0 KU.
0.9 KU (instrument accuracy)
+ 1.0 KU (uid accuracy)
1.9 KU (total allowable error)
5) Total allowable error for the calibration check in this example is 104.8 KU, ± 1.9 KU
(102.9 KU to 106.7 KU). Since the measured reading of 105 KU falls within this range, the
Viscometer is considered in calibration.
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 13 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
Table A-2
g KU cP g KU cP g KU cP g KU cP g KU cP g KU cP g KU cP g KU cP
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 15 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
Appendix B - References
The KU-2 Viscometer is compatible with:
ASTM D 562Standard Test Method for Consistency of Paint Using the Stormer
Viscometer
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 16 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
Appendix C - Online Help and Additional Resources
www.brookeldengineering.com**
The Brookeld website is a good resource for additional and self-help whenever you need it. Our
website offers a selection of “how-to” videos, application notes, conversion tables, instructional manuals,
material safety data sheets, calibration templates and other technical resources.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BrookeldEng
Brookeld has its own YouTube channel. Videos posted to our website can be found here as well as
other “home-made” videos made by our own technical sales group.
Viscosityjournal.com
Brookeld is involved with a satellite website that should be your rst stop in viscosity research. This
site serves as a library of interviews with experts in the viscosity eld as well as Brookeld technical
articles and conversion charts. Registration is required, so that you can be notied of upcoming
interviews and events, however, this information will not be shared with other vendors, institutions, etc..
Article Reprints
-Available in Print Only
-Brookeld has an extensive library of published articles relating to viscosity, texture and
powder testing. Due to copyright restrictions, these articles cannot be emailed. Please request
your hardcopy of articles by calling our customer service department directly or by emailing:
marketing@brookeldengineering.com
-Available Online
-Brookeld has a growing number of published articles that can be downloaded directly from
the Brookeld website. These articles can be found on our main site by following this path:
http://www.brookeldengineering.com/support/documentation/article reprints
More Solutions to Sticky Problems
Learn more about viscosity and rheology with our most popular publication. This informative booklet will
provide you with measurement techniques, advice and much more. It’s a must-have for any Brookeld
Viscometer or Rheometer operator. More Solutions is avaiable in print and also as a downloadable pdf
on the Brookeld website by following this path:
http://www.brookeldengineering.com/support/documentation
Training/Courses
Whether it is instrument-specic courses, training to help you better prepare for auditing concerns, or
just a better understanding of your methods, who better to learn from than the worldwide leaders of
viscosity measuring equipment? Visit our Services section on our website to learn more about training.
** Downloads will require you to register your name, company and email address. We respect your
privacy and will not share this information outside of Brookeld.
Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 17 Manual No. M04-242-D0612
Appendix D - Warranty Repair and Service
Warranty
Brookeld Viscometers are guaranteed for one year from date of purchase against defects in materials
and workmanship. They are certied against primary viscosity standards traceable to the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Viscometer must be returned to Brookeld Engineering Laboratories, Inc. or the Brookeld dealer from whom it was purchased for no charge
warranty service. Transportation is at the purchaser’s expense. The Viscometer should be shipped
in its carrying case together with all spindles originally provided with the instrument. If returning
to Brookeld please contact us for a return authorization number prior to shipping.
For repair or service in the United States return to:
Brookeld Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
11 Commerce Boulevard
Middleboro, MA 02346 U.S.A.
Telephone: (508) 946-6200 FAX: (508) 923-5009
www.brookeldengineering.com
Before shipping the viscometer to Brookeld:
1. Visit our website and download the Repair Return Form. Complete this form and place
it inside the viscometer carrying case. www.brookeldengineering.com
2. Contact Brookeld to receive a Return Authorization Number. Please have the viscometer
model number and serial number available.
This return authorization number must be listed on the attention line of the shipping label.
For repair or service outside the United States consult Brookeld Engineering Laboratories, Inc. or the
dealer from whom you purchased the instrument.
For repair or service in the United Kingdom return to:
Brookeld Viscometers Limited
1 Whitehall Estate
Flex Meadow, Pinnacles West
Harlow, Essex CM19 5TJ, United Kingdom
Telephone: (44) 27/945 1774 FAX: (44) 27/945 1775
www.brookeld.co.uk
For repair or service in Germany return to:
Brookeld Engineering Laboratories Vertriebs GmbH
Hauptstrasse 18
D-73547 Lorch, Germany
Telephone: (49) 7172/927100 FAX: (49) 7172/927105
www.brookeld-gmbh.de
For repair or service in China return to:
Guangzhou Brookeld Viscometers and Texture Instruments Service Company Ltd.
Room C1, 5/F, Tianxing Building East Tower, No. 21, Zhongshan Yi Road, Yuexiu District