Cambridge Viscosity

VISCOlab pvt Recirculating Bath

High Pressure Fluid Management System

Reference Guide

VISCOpvt Reference Manual Rev C

 Table of Contents

1. OVERVIEW OF THE SYSTEM 3

2. SETTING UP THE SYSTEM 5

3. OPERATING THE PRESSURE GAUGE 8

4. OPERATING THE VISCOMETER 9

5. OPERATING THE HEATING/COOLING BATH 10

6. USING THE CONTROL SOFTWARE 11

7. PRESSURIZING AND TESTING A SAMPLE 12

8. REMOVING THE PISTON 15

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 1. Overview of the System

Pressure Fine-
Adjustment
Bath
Valve
Controller

Insulated Top
Cover
Julabo F12
Heating/
Viscometer Cooling Bath
Angle
Adjustment Viscosity
bar Display

Sample
Introduction
Valve
Pressure
Display

Figure 1. Overview of the VISCOlab PVT (Graphic User Interface not shown)

The VISCOlab PVT consists of a high pressure viscometer and plumbing inside an
insulated cover, a viscosity/pressure display, and a heating/cooling bath with controller.
A computer and VISCOlab PVT software may also be included. For security of the
instruments, the bath, pressure gauge and plumbed sensor may be shipped separately and
will need to be assembled and installed as shown in Figure 1.

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 Viscometer
Angle
Exhaust Adjustment
Valve Positioner

Pressure
Transducer

Conditioned Pressure Fine

Fluid Input Adjust Valve
Connection

440 Jacketed
Sensor

Conditioned
Fluid Return
Lower
Connection
Insulation

Sample Input
Valve

Sample Input
Leveling Foot Connection

Figure 2. The VISCOlab PVT with top cover removed

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2. Setting up the System
Please note that your system’s components may vary slightly in appearance from the depicted
system and that not all components are shown.

1) Mounting the arch to the base

A) Insert arch weld assembly into the ¾” guide holes
B) Bolt both flanges to base using the supplied ¼-20 x 7/8” Socket Head Caps
Screws.

2) Mounting the arm to the stand.

A) Holding the arm in a horizontal position, slide the arm into the arch.
B) Slide the arm’s Teflon Arch Guide around the curved section of the stand’s arch.
C) Fasten the arm to the stand by attaching cotter pins at the base brackets.

(A) (B) (C)

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3) Rotate the arm 90 degrees (to vertical position) and attach the T-handle base block,
using supplied #10-32 x 3/8” hardware and Teflon washers. (Place 2 washers under
head of screw, and 2 washers between arm sheet metal and T-handle base block.)

4) Mounting the lower insulation.

A) With the arm locked in the vertical position, press the lower insulation assembly
into the recess under the arm, ensuring that the Velcro strips are facing out as
shown.
B) Fold insulation flaps along the sides of the arm and snap all 8 sets of snaps.

(A) (B)

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5) Attaching the Bath Plumbing
A) Connect the tubing from the arm into the thermal jacket port near the sensor
outlet.
B) Connect the outlet of the bath to the other jacket port.
C) Connect the bath inlet to the arm’s outlet.

(C)

(B)

(A)

Figure 3. Bath connections to the VISCOlab PVT

6) Attach the sample inlet (1/8 HIP fitting- 5/8 open-end wrench needed) and outlet
connections.
7) Position the bar at the desired operating angle.
8) Attaching the Top Insulation cover (when operating at temperatures above 25°C)
A) Align the insulation cover so that the cut outs match the corresponding valves and
bath connections.
B) Firmly pull the Velcro straps down and connect them to the corresponding strips
on the bottom of the Lower Insulation cover.

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3. Operating the Pressure Gauge
The pressure gauge plumbing is designed to continuously measure the pressure of the
sample. It has been calibrated by Cambridge Viscosity, but can be re-zeroed by
following the manual directions. The pressure is displayed on the box that contains the
transducer electronics and on the PVT Graphical User Interface.

Figure 4. VISCOlab PVT Viscosity and Pressure Electronics

Figure 5. Optional Heise Pressure Electronics

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Pvt Pressure Transducer Zero Adjustment
The pressure transducer and display can measure and display pressures as high as 2069
bar (30,000 psi) with an accuracy of 1.0% F.S. Occasionally the value shown without
any applied pressure may indicate a value other than zero. While it is irritating, there is
no loss of accuracy. The pressure transducer can be adjusted quite easily to eliminate the
visual offset.
Adjusting the Zero Point of the Pressure Transducer
1. Remove all fluid from the pvt system.
2. Open all valves to eliminate any internal pressure.
3. Turn off the viscometer.
4. Ensure that the pressure transducer is attached to the digital readout and that it is
powered.
5. Find the stamped “Z” on the pressure transducer (Fig. 6).
6. Using a Phillips or flat blade screwdriver, remove the screw.
7. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, slowly turn the exposed screw (Fig. 7) until
the digital pressure display indicates 0.0.
8. Replace the Phillips head screw.

Figure 6: Zero Adjustment Marking Figure 7: Zero Adjustment

4. Operating the Viscometer

Please refer to the Cambridge Viscosity, Inc. SPL-440 viscometer manual for operation
of the viscometer. The general installation and operating procedures outlined in chapter 2
of the Cambridge Viscosity viscometer operations manual may vary from the more
specific procedures outlined in this guide. In such cases, this reference guide supercedes
the guidelines for the introduction of the sample.

Note: The system uses industry standard high pressure coned and threaded type
connectors. To assemble, first slide the gland over the tubing. Next, thread the collar
into the tubing so that the cone on the tubing is fully exposed (this is a left hand thread).
Finally, tighten the gland into the mating fitting using open-end wrenches. For further
information, please refer to the High Pressure Company website, www.highpressure.com.
The inlet and outlet both use 1/8” HIP connectors, which tighten with a 5/8” open end
wrench.

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 5. Operating the Heating/Cooling Bath
The Julabo F12 Heating/Cooling bath is shipped ready to operate with the VISCOlab
PVT 1.0 Graphical User Interface. It may also be operated either in manual mode.
To switch between modes;

1. Push the MENU button until “1r” is displayed

2. Push the RETURN button to display the mode
3. Push the UP or DOWN arrow keys until “no” is displayed (indicating the unit is
Not in remote mode)
4. Push the RETURN button once again, then the ESCAPE button
5. Push the T button to display desired bath fluid temperature (push the UP or
DOWN arrow keys to adjust)
6. Push I/O button to start bath

Power Button
Temperature
Display

I/O Button

T Button
Menu Button

Escape
Button Return Button

Arrow Keys

Figure 8. Julabo Bath Controller

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6. Using the VISCOlab PVT 1.0 Graphical User
Interface Control Software

The VISCOlab PVT is designed to be operated using a PC and VISCOlab PVT Software.
This allows remote monitoring and recording of sample viscosity, Pressure and
Temperature Corrected Viscosity, pressure and temperature as well as remote control of
the heating/cooling bath.

1. Install the software according to the instructions provided

2. Connect the pressure gauge, viscometer and bath to the PC using the supplied
cables and follow the software directions to configure the communication ports

Figure 9. VISCOlab PVT Software

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7. Pressurizing and Testing a Sample
1. Set system angle (system should be locked in the 45° position for fluid viscosity
measurement, 0° for use with gas/gas piston. The 90° position may be used for
off-gassing samples after the bubble point is reached.)
2. Secure top insulation on PVT arm
3. Set desired bath temperature
4. Begin sample introduction/measurement

Figure 10: System Schematic

For safety, industry accepted practices should be followed when measuring samples with
the VISCOlab PVT. Operators should be trained and experienced in handling fluids at
high pressure. Cambridge Viscosity warrants that the materials used are safe for
operation up to 20,000 PSI. However, damage or injury as a result of improper charging,
connections, or operation is the responsibility of the operator, and Cambridge may not be
held liable in the event of injury resulting from improper use. Figure 10 shows the
schematic layout of the system. Some examples of typical industry accepted practices are
as follows:

Measurement with Dead Sample Preloading:

Prefill the viscometer with “dead oil” sample. Slowly pressurize the viscometer with a
“dead sample” in order to bring the sensor up to the testing pressure prior to testing the
sample. This can be accomplished with the following procedure.

1. Open Valves 2 and 3 and close Valve 1

2. Put the viscometer in Measure Viscosity
3. Flood the system with a “dead sample” at ambient pressure at valve 1 until several
cc’s have been bled through valve 3
4. Close valve 3

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 5. Gradually increase the pressure of the system (1000psi/minute) until the testing
pressure is reached.
6. Close Valve 1
7. Disconnect the dead sample cylinder. Connect the pressurized sample to the
system, ensuring that the pressure cylinder and pvt system are at equal pressures.
8. Open Valve 1. Using your pump to maintain a constant pressure, slowly bleed
out the “dead sample” through valve 3 until the actual sample completely replaces
the dead sample. Typically at least 3-5 system volumes (1 system Volume is
roughly 3 ml/3 cc) should be exchanged to ensure that the dead sample has been
completely replaced. A change in viscosity readings to a new stable value will
also help to indicate when the sample has been completely replaced.
9. After the sample has been completely exchanged, close Valves 1 and 3.
10. Allow the system to stabilize for temperature, pressure and viscosity before
recording a reading. The viscometer reports both the change in temperature and
the viscosity standard deviation as indicators of stability. Standard Deviation
values (SD) should typically be less than 1% and as low as possible for best
accuracy and repeatability. Temperature Stability (indicated by dT) should be less
than 0.5°C.
11. Once a stable viscosity reading is obtained bleed 1 cc. of sample
12. Once the reading has re-stabilized, the viscosity value should repeat the prior
reading. This indicates pure sample is in the chamber and testing can proceed. If
the reading differs, repeat steps 11 and 12 until contamination is eliminated and
viscosity value repeats.
13. Fine adjust the system pressure by turning Valve 2. Large decreases in pressure
are accomplished by alternately closing Valve 2 and releasing the fluid between
Valves 2 and 3 by opening Valve 3.
14. Allow the system to stabilize at each pressure and/or temperature stop
15. Repeat steps 10-15 until all measurements are recorded
16. Release all of the pressure in the system by opening Valves 1, 2 and 3. Leave
these valves open when cleaning the sample.

Direct Live Sample Measurement (when dead sample preloading is not possible or desirable):
1. Evacuate the sensor measurement chamber through the exhaust port (Valve 3)
2. Put the sensor in Measure Viscosity Mode
3. Close Valve 3
4. Slowly regulate valve 1 so the pressure increases in the line gradually. The
pressure gauge will give you readings.
5. Close Valve 1
6. Slowly regulate the valves so that the pressure in the viscometer climbs at no
faster than 1000 psi/ minute (a sudden change in pressure may damage the piston)
7. Close valves 1 and 3
8. Fine adjust pressure with Valve 2
9. Allow the system time to stabilize before taking a reading. This will be visually
apparent in the graphic user interface.
10. Slowly regulate the valves until you reach the next test point. Allow the system
time to stabilize.
11. Repeat these steps for each test point

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8. Removing the Piston
In the following diagrams please note that your current system may vary slightly from the depicted PVT
system and not all components (such as quick disconnects and hardware) are shown.

1. Depressurize the system and lower the temperature to a safe handling level.
2. Place the arm in the 0o position.
3. Shut off the VISCOlab PVT electronics and remove the connector from the back
(this is only needed if the sensor needs to be moved to access a vise.)
4. Remove the top insulation from the system and disconnect the quick-disconnect
jacket connections.

The system’s arm will now resemble the following:

Upper valve

Reducers

Lower Valve
T-Block

Sensor

5. Break the plumbing connections at the following connections:

a. the 1/8” (5/8” hex) side of the reducer between the lower valve and the sensor
b. the 1/8” (5/8” hex) side of the reducer between the sensor and the T-block

6. Turn the thumbnuts located on the bottom valve ½ turn counter-clockwise, but do not
remove.

7. Slide the lower valve back, removing the tubing from the valve port.

8. Gently slide the sensor down until the tubing is removed from the upper reducer.

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 9. Remove sensor and secure the sensor’s large hex in a vice.

9. The sensor will either have only a large (1-3/16” hex) gland nut or both large and small
(5/8” hex) gland nuts at the end opposite the large hex. If the sensor only has the large
gland nut, remove the inlet tube by turning it counter-clockwise. If it has both large
and small nuts, remove the inlet tube by turning the small gland nut counter-clockwise
while securing the large nut with another wrench.

Inlet Tube

Small Gland
Nut

Large Gland
Nut

11. Using a clean magnetic wand, remove the piston from the chamber.

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