ViscoSystem AVS - Windaus

SCHOTT INSTRUMENTS 

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ViscoSystem ® 

AVS 

Viscosity measuring systems suitable 

for every user’s application 

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VISCOSYSTEM ® 

AVS

Contents Page 

ViscoSystem ® 3 

ViscoSystem ® AVS 350 4 


WinVisco 8 


Transparent thermostats 12 

Flow-through cooler 15 

Measurement stands 15 

Order information 16 

This entire measurement system 

comprises the individual components 

AVS 350/360, thermostat CT 54, 

measurement stands and viscometers. 

ViscoSystem ® AVS 350, 360, 450 

Method of measurement 

The most accurate method to 

determine the viscosity of liquids 

is by using viscometers. 

The ViscoSystem ® range uses 

this method. What is actually 

measured is the time a defined 

volume of liquid requires to 

flow through a capillary tube of 

a specific length and width. 

Units of the ViscoSystem ® range 

can measure flow-through 

times with an accuracy of 

0.01 %. 

In all devices, the liquid meniscus 

in the viscometer can be 

measured in two different ways: 

opto-electronically or using 

TC sensors. 

Where as the optical system 

recognizes the liquid meniscus 

using optical fibres, the TC viscometers 

utilize the effect of 

different thermal conductivity 

of air and fluids. 

3

ViscoSystem ® AVS 350: 

from a single measuring station to a PC-controlled 

sample station with 8 samples 

The ViscoSystem ® AVS 350 viscosity 

measuring unit determines 

the flow times of liquids 

in capillary viscometers with 

crystal accuracy and a resolution 

of 0.01 s. Because it can 

utilize two different sensory systems 

(opto-electronically or TC 

sensors) for meniscus detection, 

the AVS 350 system is suitable 

for an extremely wide range of 

applications and enables transparent,black 

or even completely 

opaque liquids to be measured. 

The ViscoSystem ® 

AVS 350 automatically 

repeats the measurements 

and saves the measured values. 

Not only can it be installed as a 

stand-alone device, it can also 

be connected to a PC. 

A total of 8 units can be linked 

together in a daisy chain to 

only one RS-232C interface. 

Measurement operation and 

data evaluation are then controlled 

by the computer allowing 

the units to operate parallel. 

The available PC software Win- 

Visco is both versatile and user 

friendly. It allows the control 

and evaluation of up to 8 

ViscoSystem ® AVS 350 units. 

The single measuring 

station 

ViscoSystem ® AVS 350 is the 

inexpensive starter model for 

automatic viscosity measurements 

of black liquids using TC 

viscometers. If opto-electronic 

sensors are preferred, the 

appropriate measuring stand is 

used. 

The AVS 350 is easy 

to operate as the 

automatic sequence of the 

measuring process reliably eliminates 

subjective error sources. 

Measurements are initiated by 

pressing a button and the rest 

is automatic. After the pre-set 

temperature equilibration time 

has elapsed, the specified number 

of measurements are carried 

out. The measured values 

are displayed digitally and 

saved in the unit’s memory. At 

the touch of a button, all values 

of a measurement sequence 

can be viewed in a scrolling 

mode and are available until 

the start of a new measurement 

series. 

The automatic viscometer 

cleaner AVS 26 cleans and dries 

the viscometer after a measurement 

series without removing 

from the thermostat bath. 

Usually the single station works 

without being connected to a 

PC. However, upon request, the 

AVS 350 can be controlled by 

a PC which then also evaluates 

the measurement results. 

The multiple sample measuring 

station – PC controlled 

multi-tasking 

When up to 8 units are connected, 

the measurements for a 

number of samples – both 

black and transparent – can be 

taken in parallel, either all the 

identical ones together or all 

samples in a random sequence, 

then the results can be evaluated 

and documented. 

A PC can be used to control 

and evaluate the measurements. 

The Schott Software 

WinVisco supports fast viscosity 

measurements, calculations and 

their documentation. Users 

without any previous computer 

experience can learn to use 

the programme quickly and 

easily. More details are available 

on pages 8 and 9. 

Hardware and software of the 

ViscoSystems ® AVS 350 combine 

ease of use in the laboratory 

with Schott’s experience 

in capillary viscometry. 

ViscoSystem ® AVS 360. 

Vacuum for accurate results 

A high degree of safety 

with critical and highly 

viscous samples 

The viscometers ViscoSystem ® 

AVS 350 and ViscoSystem ® AVS 

360 use the same methods of 

measurement, measuring in 

capillary viscometers. This is the 

most accurate method for 

determining the viscosity of 

Newtonian liquids. 

There are differences in terms 

of the working principles 

between the two viscometers 

(pressure or vacuum), the 

pumps used for the measurement 

process as well as the 

ability to connect automatic or 

semi-automatic rinsing and 

cleaning units. 

Comparison between viscometers 

AVS 350 and AVS 360 

AVS 350 AVS 360 

Working principle pressure vacuum 

Pump type Oscillating membrane Oscillating membrane 

pressure pump vacuum pump 

Pump pressure 0.04 ... 0.1 bar -0.01 ... -0.4 bar 

controlled automatically controlled automatically 

Automatic cleaning Connection of only upon request! 

viscometer cleaner AVS 26 

5

The working principles ‘pressure’ and ‘vacuum’ 

The sample determines 

the principle 

The ViscoSystem ® AVS 350 uses 

the traditional principle of 

pressure, i.e. the sample to be 

measured is pressed into the 

viscometer with an excess pressure 

of up to 0.1 bar. 

Comparisons between preferred applications 

ViscoSystem ® AVS 350 and ViscoSystem ® AVS 360 

AVS 350 AVS 360 

Highly viscous samples e.g. oils and polymers yes yes 

Automatic cleaning of the 

capillary viscometer 

The ViscoSystem ® AVS 360 unit 

can be combined with a 

semi-automatic suction unit 

which includes a suction pump 

6 

(VZ 5625) and the associated 

suction set (VZ 5624). The 

semi-automatic suction unit 

enables the viscometer to be 

emptied in the bath and to 

rinse it with the next sample. 

(up to approx. 3000 mm 2 /s) (above approx. 3000 mm 2 /s) 

Solvents: (examples) highly volatile yes no 

sulphuric acid no yes 

dichloroacetic acid no yes 

toluene yes yes 

acetone yes yes 

hexafluorisopropanol no yes 

m-cresol no yes 

Scanning of the opto-electronically* yes yes 

fluid meniscus TC sensors* yes yes 

PC connection (RS-232-C) exists exists 

Software WinVisco Stand alone station yes yes 

* with the appropriate viscometer 

The viscometer Visco- 

System ® AVS 360 has 

been developed for the 

improved measurement of 

highly viscous samples. It works 

with vacuum to suction the 

sample into the viscometer. The 

‘vacuum’ working principle 

provides the user with a greater 

degree of safety: the sample 

and up to 8 units 

cannot splash out of the viscometer 

and this means the 

user is not exposed to health 

risks from solvents. 

Due to the vacuum principle, 

the ViscoSystem ® AVS 360 

makes it possible to achieve 

greater reproducibility of the 

measured values even when 

The sample which has already 

been measured is sucked into a 

waste bottle and hence the 

user no longer comes into contact 

with dangerous solvents. A 

further advantage of the semi- 

highly viscous samples are 

used. An additional advantage 

of the AVS 360 is that the uniform 

formation of the ‘suspended 

sphere level’ is guaranteed 

even for the minimum sample 

volumes required for Ubbelohde 

viscometers. 

automatic suction unit is that 

the viscometer no longer has 

be removed and cleaned separately. 

Technical specifications AVS 350 AVS 360 

Measurement range (time) up to 9999.99 s; resolution 0.01 s see AVS 350 

Measurement range (viscosity) 0.35 ... 1,800 mm 2 /s (cSt) 0.35 ... approx. 5,000 mm 2 /s (cSt) 

Tolerance of time measurement ± 0.01 % see AVS 350 

Display tolerance ± 1 Digit (0.01 s) see AVS 350 

Readout six figure LED display with 

floating decimal point, height = 14.2 mm; 

additional LED display for 

no. of measurements, height = 7.6 mm 

see AVS 350 

Pump pressure approx. 0.04...0.1 bar, automatically controlled approx. -0.01... -0.4 bar, 

automatically controlled 

Programmable temp. equilibration time 0 ... 20 min see AVS 350 

Programmable no. of measurements 1 ... 10 see AVS 350 

Rinsing unit connection viscometer cleaner AVS 26 upon request 

Data outputs two RS-232C interfaces see AVS 350 

Power supply 230 V~ 50 ... 60 Hz: power consumption 30 VA see AVS 350 

(115 V~ 50 ... 60 Hz specify when ordering) 

Ambient temperature 0 ... + 50 °C see AVS 350 

Casing shielded plastic/steel casing 

with chemically resistant two component 

coating, can be stacked 

see AVS 350 

Dimensions 225 x 155 x 395 mm (W x H x D) see AVS 350 

Weight approx. 5.2 kg see AVS 350 

WinVisco-Software Stand-alone station stand-alone station 

for Windows‚ 95 (or higher) or for multi-tasking with 2–8 units 

Capillary viscometer The following capillary viscometers manufactured by Schott can be used to 

(see separate catalogue ‘Capillary viscometers’) measure fluids without solid particles and with a viscosity between 0.35 – 10,000 mm2 /s: 

Ubbelohde viscometer in compliance with DIN and ASTM, micro Ubbelohde viscometer, 

Cannon-Fenske routine viscometer and Mikro-Ostwald viscometer. 

We reserve the right to make technical changes. 

ViscoSystem is a registered trademark of the SCHOTT group, Mainz, Germany 

7

WinVisco. 

PC software for the ViscoSystem ® 

User-friendly software is 

a pleasure to work with. 

WinVisco software for the Visco- 

System ® AVS 350 and AVS 360 

units is easy to learn and understand. 

Up to eight viscosity measuring 

units can be controlled 

by a minimum of operator controlled 

working steps. The 

device parameters constant, 

t0 running time, number of measurements, 

temperature equilibration 

time, viscometer type, 

date as well as sample descriptions 

can be entered easily for 

every measuring position. 

The Method Center displays all 

parameters (measuring data, sample 

parameters, viscometer) which are 

relevant for the viscosity determina- 

tion. User-defined parameters or for- 

mulas can be added, modified or 

removed. 

8 

The software uses the multitasking 

principle, i.e. during the 

measurements are being taken, 

◗ the screen display can be 

changed 

◗ additional measurements can 

be started or terminated 

◗ measured values can be 

printed or saved. 

WinVisco supports two user 

groups. Level 1 users are limited 

to operations such as selecting 

the viscometer and performing 

measurements, loading 

and saving methods and entering 

parameters. Level 2 users, 

or so-called administrators, can 

use all options of the software. 

Every user is given a user-id, a 

level and a password. 

All information is available on 

only 5 pages and can be called 

up and scrolled through. 

The menu item ‘AVS Center’ is 

sub-divided into ‘Revision 

Center’ and ‘Method Center’. 

In the ‘Revision Center’, the 

device address, status display, 

sample description, start/stop 

key are displayed with a maximum 

of 10 measured values. 

The ‘Method Center’ shows the 

measurement parameters on 

the left and the sample parameters 

on the right. If you wish 

to enter a new user-defined 

parameter, click on ‘Add parameter’ 

and the formula editor 

is displayed. 

All information about ‘Hardware’, 

‘Users’ and the ‘Viscometers’ 

used is held under ‘System 

Maintenance’. 

At the end of a measurement, if 

required, the protocol file with 

all the data of each measurement 

position (method, measured 

values, standard parameters, 

formula, results, viscometers 

etc.) are displayed. A hard 

copy of this information is available 

using a printer. 

The software is able to incorporate 

external programmes for 

documentation purposes (LIMS) 

or calculations. The current 

protocol file including headings 

can be subsequently processed. 

WinVisco is installed under 

Windows ® 95 or higher. 

Here you can choose the viscome- 

ters used for the measurements. 

Most important here are the capil- 

lary constant and the t 0-value. 

Moreover, the latest date of modifi- 

cation as well as the old constants 

resp. old t 0-values are stored. 

The Formula Parameter Editor is 

used to enter user-defined parame- 

ters and formulas respectively. 

9

ViscoSystem ® AVS 450. 

Intelligent viscosity measurements, calculations, documents 

State-of-the-art viscosity 

measurements 

The viscosity of liquids can be 

determined most accurately by 

using capillary viscometers. The 

time required for a fixed volume 

of liquid to flow through a 

capillary tube of known length 

and width is measured. The viscosity 

measuring unit ViscoSystem 

® AVS 450 uses this method 

and can measure the flowthrough 

times with an accuracy 

of 0.01 %. 

Operating the 

ViscoSystem ® AVS 

450 is very easy. At the push of 

a button the unit performs the 

complete measuring procedure 

– from correctly filling the measuring 

bulb to the printed final 

protocol. This is taken care of 

by the electronically controlled 

pump, the internal quartz clock 

and the electronic calculator 

integrated in the microcomputer. 

Independently of capillary 

size and viscosity, the flowthrough 

times are automatically 

measured accurately to one 

100th of a second up to 

9999.99 seconds. Repeatability 

accuracy of better than 0.1 % is 

possible. 

10 

After the specified temperature 

equilibration period has 

expired, the specified number 

of measurements are performed 

and an average is 

formed from the flow-through 

times. In addition, the absolute 

or relative viscosity can be 

determined using the saved viscometer 

constants or t0 running 

periods. All measurable variables 

are printed out with the 

appropriate units so that correct 

allocation is guaranteed. 

The input keyboard 

is automatically 

locked throughout the measuring 

procedure so that unintentional 

intervention is ruled out. 

The memory saves the entered 

parameters for months even 

after the unit has been 

switched off. When the unit is 

switched on, the data saved is 

printed out for control purposes. 

The Hagenbach corrections 

can also be carried out using 

the AVS 450. The standard 

deviation can also be calculated. 

And finally the ability to connect 

the automatic viscometer 

cleaner AVS 26 ensures that 

even after the most viscous and 

‘black’ measurements, the viscometer 

is left clean and dry 

ready for the next series of 

measurements. 

ViscoSystem ® AVS 450 – 

if you wish to measure 

black liquids. 

With its well designed level 

sensing system for capillary viscometers, 

the viscosity measuring 

unit AVS 450 enables you 

to take measurements between 

0.3 and approx. 5,000 mm2 /s 

for both black and transparent 

liquids. 

The reason for this extraordinarily 

wide range is due to the 

two TC sensors of the viscometers 

which can still ‘see’ even if 

transparency is a problem. 

This advantage becomes obvious 

when repeat measurements 

become necessary – when it is 

dark in the viscometer – as the 

TC sensors ‘feel’ the different 

thermal conductivity of air and 

liquid and provide an accurate 

signal. 

The two measurement sensors 

are coated with a glass layer 

and hermetically sealed. This 

way the liquid to be measured 

only comes into contact with 

the glass so that even the 

viscosity of hot and aggressive 

media can be measured. 

(U.S.-patent 4685328). 

You will really like the working 

programme of the integrated 

intelligent computer of the AVS 

450 if you place high demands 

on viscosity measurements. 

Technical Specifications ViscoSystem ® AVS 450 

Measurement range (time) 0.01... 9,999.99 s 

Measurement range (viscosity) 0.35 ... 5,000 mm 2 /s 

Time measurement tolerance ± 0.01 % 

Measurement display 6 figure seven segment LED display 

with floating decimal point, height = 17 mm. 

Function display six LED function display 

Pump pressure Micro processor controlled 0...80 mbar 

Printer 24 digits per line in 5x7 dot matrix, 

digit size = 3 mm 

Printer language German, English, French 

(please specify when ordering) 

Paper black printing thermal paper, width 58 mm 

Viscometer constant/ 6 digit, displayed with a floating decimal point, 

t 0 -running time overflow input to 8 digits possible 

Programmable temp. equilibration period 0 to 99 min. 

Programmable number of measurements 1 to 999 

Sample identification number max. 8 digits, date with oblique stroke 

Correction/additional evaluation Hagenbach correction (HC) 

Statistical evaluations standard deviation, outlier search 

Meniscus sensing principles thermal conductivity or optical fibres 

Rinsing connection viscometer cleaner AVS 26 

Ambient temperature 0 ... +50 °C 

Keyboard 10 keys 0...9, decimal point, function, 

constant/t0, no. of measurements, paper feed, 

display clear, start, stop-reset, VT, HC, D%, No. 

Data input/output RS-232-C 

Power supply mains: 230 V~ (115 V if requested), 

50 ... 60 Hz, permanent memory; 

devices comply with protection class 1 

Power consumption 70 VA 

Casing materials shielded plastic/aluminium casing with 

chemically resistant two component coating 

Dimensions 375 x 215 x 145 mm (W x H x D) 

Weight approx. 5 kg 


ViscoSystem is a registered trade mark of the SCHOTT group, Mainz, Germany 

11

Transparent thermostats – CT series 

High temperature 

constancy and visual 

observation 

Transparent thermostats manufactured 

by Schott have been 

specially designed to measure 

the viscosity of Newtonian 

liquids in capillary viscometers. 

They can be used for both 

manual measurements and, 

when used in connection with 

viscosity measuring equipment, 

for automatic measurements. 

The most important characteristics 

of the transparent thermostats 

are their ability to 

maintain a constant temperature 

and capability of visual 

observation of the flow of the 

fluid in the viscometer. 

The transparent thermostats of 

the series CT 53 and CT 54 are 

suitable for viscosity measurements 

in compliance with 

DIN 51 562 (Part 1) and ASTM 

D 445. They are comprised of a 

stainless steel bath with insulating 

glass, a coated steel casing 

12 

and a bath thermostat. In addition, 

the CT 54 has an integrated 

discharge outlet on one 

side to drain the bath. An RS- 

232-C interface enables it to be 

connected to a PC. 

The viscosity of Newtonian 

liquids is 

extremely dependent on temperature. 

Depending on the 

measurement medium, a deviation 

of 0.5 to 2% can be 

expected for a temperature 

deviation of 0.1 K. For this reason, 

the significant influence of 

temperature on the viscosity 

of a fluid must be taken into 

consideration when selecting a 

thermostat. All Schott thermostats 

have the possible temperature 

stability of 0.01 K (see 

Technical Specifications) under 

optimum ambient conditions. 

CT 52 

The transparent thermostat 

CT 52 is made of acrylic glass 

and it is able to take up to two 

automatic measurement positions 

or brackets for manual 

measurements. Due to its 

design its ability to keep the 

temperature constant is not 

quite as great and it can only 

be used up to temperatures of 

+ 60 °C. If temperature constancy 

is not a top priority, the CT 

52 is a cost-effective alternative. 

2 or 4 measuring points 

All CT 53 models enable the 

user to position 2 measurement 

stands or brackets into the 

thermostats. Up to 4 micro-TCviscometers 

can be positioned 

in the thermostats using the 

special VZ 7191 holder. 

CT 53 TT 

These thermostats have been 

specifically designed for use at 

temperatures well below room 

temperature. 

Viscosity measurements can be 

measured between -40 °C and 

+102 °C. For measurements 

under +5 °C, a cryostat is necessary 

to reach the low temperatures. 

CT 53 

This thermostat is for use with 

temperatures between +5°C 

and +102°C. Between +5°C and 

+50°C cooling is recommended 

to maintain the temperature 

constancy. Either a flowthrough 

cooler (e.g. CK 300, 

see Accessories) or simple cooling 

with circulated water can 

be used. 

CT 53 HT 

The high temperature version 

of the thermostats is used to 

measure viscosity at temperatures 

above +80°C (see Technical 

specification). 

13

Recommended temperature equalization fluids 

Fluid Alcohol Water Paraffin oil Silicon oil 

Temperature range -40 °C ... +10 °C +5 °C ... + 80 °C +40 °C ... +150 °C +80 °C ... +150 °C 

The following applies to all temperature equalization fluids: 

The viscosity of the temperature equalization fluid should be a max. 10 mm3 /s (cSt) at 25 °C. 

14 

CT 54 

The main technical features of 

this thermostat are identical to 

those of the CT 53. The main 

differences are the number of 

measuring positions (the number 

doubles) and the additional 

discharge outlet to drain the 

bath. Up to 8 micro-TC-viscometers 

can be positioned in 

the thermostats if 2 special 

VZ 7191 holders are used. 

Technical specifications CT 52 CT 53 TT** CT 53 CT 53 HT CT 54 

Operating temperature +10 ... +60 °C -40 ... +102 °C +5 ...+102 °C +5 ...+150 °C +5 ...+102 °C 

Measurement points for AVS/S 2 2 2 2 4 

Measurement points for TC 2 2 2 2 4 

Measurement points Micro-TC 2 4* 4* 4* 8* 

Temperature constancy in com- ± 0.02 K ± 0.01 K ± 0.01 K ± 0.01 K ± 0.01 K 

pliance with DIN 58 966 at 25°C 

Dimensions (WxHxD in mm) 355x370x250 355x370x250 355x370x250 355x370x250 605x370x250 

Volume 18 l 15 l 15 l 15 l 27 l 

Weight (empty) approx. 5 kg approx. 13.5 kg approx. 13.5 kg approx. 13.7 kg approx. 28 kg 

When using in the normal temperature range it is necessary to cool the system (+5 °C to approx. +50 °C) to maintain the temperature 

constancy. This can be achieved either by using circulated water or a flow-through cooler (e.g. CK300). 

* When using with 4 or 8 micro-TC-viscometers, a special holder (Type: VZ 7191) is required for two of the existing measurement positions. 

** When using at very low temperatures (well below room temperature) a cryostat is required. Cryostats can be included in delivery (at the list price of the manufacturer). 

Accessories 

Flow-through cooler 

CK300 

The fluor-hydro-carbon gas free 

flow-through cooler serves to 

mechanically cool the bath fluid 

and is filled with environment 

compatible coolant R 134a. It 

works at ambient temperatures 

between +5 and +50°C. 

Refrigeration power is 300 W at 

20°C. The CK300 is very compact 

(200 x 430 x 300 mm/ 

W x H x D) and very stable 

(approx. 25 kg). 

The flow-through cooler is 

available for all standard international 

voltage and frequency 

ranges (230 V, 50 Hz; 115 V, 

60 Hz). Other voltage and frequency 

combinations are only 

available upon request as special 

productions. 

AVS-Measurement stands 

For the use of capillary viscometers for 

opto-electronic measurement recording. 

Type no.: AVS/S Metal measurement stand, preferably for non-aqueous bath fluids For use with temp. range: -80 ... + 80 °C 

Type no.: AVS/SK PVDF measurement stand, corrosion free, suitable for For use with temp. range: 0 ... +80 °C 

Type no.: AVS/SK-CF 

both aqueous and non-aqueous bath fluids 

PVDF measurement stand specially for use of Cannon-Fenske- For use with temp. range: 0 ... + 80 °C 

Routine viscometers 

Type no.: AVS/SK-V PVDF measurement stand specially for the use of dilution viscometers For use with temp. range: 0 ... + 80 °C 

Dimensions 90 x 90 x 460 mm (W x D x H) 

Weight approx. 1.1 kg 


15

Order information 

Viscosity measuring systems manufactured by Schott are co- 

mposed of individual components which must be ordered 

individually. Please always request a detailed offer. 

Type no. Order no. 

AVS 350, 230 V 28 541 3454 




WinVisco 28 541 9576 



AVS 26 28 541 4483 

CT 52 28 541 8247 

CT 53 28 541 8399 

CT 53 TT 28 541 8452 

CT 53 HT 28 541 8436 

CT 54 28 541 8255 

CK300, 230 V 28 541 4348 

CK300, 115 V 28 541 4331 

AVS/S 28 541 0502 

AVS/SK 28 541 0876 

AVS/SK-CF 28 541 0892 

AVS/SK-V 28 541 0905 

Bracket 28 540 5043 

Holder VZ 7191 28 542 1968 

SCHOTT –Instruments GmbH 

Hattenbergstraße 10 

55122 Mainz 

Germany 

Phone: +49 (0) 61 31 / 66 - 5111 e-Mail: avs@schott-instruments.com 

Fax: +49 (0) 61 31 / 66 - 5001 www.schott-instruments.com

ViscoSystem AVS - Windaus

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