“The T10 viscometer can be fitted in all locations, unlike most probes which need pipes of a certain diameter to accommodate them,” said Rob Simpson, marketing manager of Hydramotion; the supplier of on-line viscosity measuring equipment based in the UK.
“With no seals and bearing to become seized up and no moving parts to wear out, the T10 is maintenance free,” he added.
Spray drying
A key application for the probe is the production of baby foods, coffee, soup mixes and dyestuffs as well as the chemicals industry, according to the manufacturers. The viscometer is used in the production of powders by spray drying.
Concentrated solutions are forced through fine nozzles into chambers of hot air. The efficiency of the drying process is influenced by the degree of atomization which is, in turn, proportional to the viscosity of the feed solution.
“Inserting a T10 probe in the feed line gives the production manager tight control over the viscosity of the concentrate before it’s pumped into the drying chamber,” Simpson told FoodProductionDaily.com.
“This improves productivity and enhances the uniform quality of the product,” he added.
The probe is an all-welded 316 stainless steel tool with a 10mm diameter probe. It is supplied with a three-quarter inch threaded process fitting but other fittings, including sanitary or flanged, can also be delivered.
Custom Coating
Capable of operating up to 250°C without special cooling, the probe can be ordered with a high polish, PTFE or custom coating.
“Every instrument is factory-calibrated to international standards, so there is no need for any on site calibration,” said Simpson.
No information was available on prices.