ERICHSEN 243/I, 243 Series, 243/II, 243/II/4, 243/III Technical Description And Operating Instructions

testing equipment for quality management

Flowcups
Models 243

A Simple Method

to Measure Viscosity

ASTM D 1200

SNV 37 110

SIS 18 41 15

DIN 53 211

ISO 2431

DIN EN ISO 2431

Technical Description and Operating Instructions

VISCOSITY CUPS, Models 243

Purpose and Application

Viscosity Cups remain the most important quick
and simple method to measure the consistency of
fluids in the laboratory and in production.

Viscosity Cups are, however, only suitable for
lower viscosities and not for highly viscous
substances such as pastes, etc.. The most
accurate results are achieved with fluids within
the range complying with Newton’s Law.

Design Details

Viscosity Cups consist of a hollow cylinder which
terminate in a nozzle in the bottom. Excess fluid is
collected in a gutter channel.

In general, the Viscosity Cups are made of
anodised aluminium and the nozzles of stainless
steel. Only the low price model 243/I is made
of Phenol resin (but still with stainless steel
nozzle).

Measuring Principle

The viscosity is established in terms of the time
in seconds in which a precisely controlled volume
of fluid flows out through the nozzle of the
viscosity cup.

Test Procedure

The general test process is described as follows:

♦ Level stand using spirit level
♦ Place cup in the stand or in the temperature

control jacket

♦ Close nozzle
♦ Fill with fluid
♦ Wipe off surplus material across the edge

of the cup with a glass plate, and close cup
with glass plate

♦ Open nozzle
♦ Pull off glass plate horizontally and

simultaneously set stop watch in motion

♦ At the first break off in the fluid flow stop

stop watch and note time

Further details are described in the various
standards. It is to be noted that the Cups are only
calibrated for the specified ranges and for the
specified flow times.

In addition, it is particularly important to follow the
instructions concerning temperatures carefully.
Only a very small difference could lead to
considerable changes and hence wrong
measuring results. Of particular importance is to
understand that it is not sufficient just to make
sure that the fluid is at the right temperature: the
Viscosity Cup must also be at the correct
temperature, if necessary by surrounding it with a
temperature jacket so that the intended
temperature is maintained. It is also essential to
check the temperature of the jet of fluid coming
out of the Cup, since it is at this point that the
actual temperature of the fluid being measured
can be established. Comparable, reproducible
results are only possible if the temperature is kept
fully under control.

Care and Maintenance

After making a measurement the flow cup -
particularly the nozzle - must be carefully cleaned
without, however, using any hard or sharp
implements.

Important:
If remnants of fluid (paint) remain in the nozzle,

the effective size of the nozzle will be altered and
the cup can no longer give accurate measuring
results.

Reference Class:

All versions of Models 243/III and 243/VII as well
as Model 243/II with nozzle dia. 4 mm are
supplied with a Manufacturer’s Certificate M
accordance with DIN 55 350-18 that includes
among others the following information:

Flow time with percentage deviation from setting
value, type of calibration oil, product identification,
test equipments used with calibration status, date,
name of inspector.

In the medium range of application the flow time is
determined by means of a retraceably calibrated
test oil. The maximum deviation from the setting
value should not exceed 3 %.

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