Omnitek U-Visc Automatic Viscometry System



Kinematic viscosity is of primary importance in the design and selection of a wide range of petroleum products. Calibrated capillary viscometers are used to measure flow under gravity or vacuum at precisely controlled temperatures.

  • Applicable for fuels, base oils, formulated oils, and other petrochemical fluids as well as diluted polymers
  • Meets all ASTM, EN, ISO, and DIN standards related to kinematic viscosity and diluted solution viscosity 
  • Extremely accurate temperature control
  • Extremely accurate flow-time measurement independent of fluid type
  • Viscometer filling by either vacuum or pressure method
  • Little sample volume / little solvent consumption
  • High Capacity; up to 10 measurements per bath per tube per hour
  • Innovating viscometer tube cleaning allowing cross contamination free operation
  • Easy viscometer tube exchange
  • Suitable for petrochemical fluids and diluted solution viscosity samples
  • Chemically resistant to an extended range of fluids and solvents
  • Multiple versions available covering a wide variety of requirements
  • Compact design

The Omnitek U-Visc is the next generation of completely automatic viscometry systems. The system combines several unique features, making it the instrument of choice in many applications, ranging from QC to R&D to used oil analysis. While offering full compliance with ASTM D445/D446, the specially designed viscometer tubes cover a 100-fold range, e.g. from 1 to 100 mm2/s. The tubes are based on the well-known and proven Ubbelohde design, but only require 8-16 mL of sample and approx. 12-15 mL of solvent for cleaning. Available with single or dual solvent cleaning, the instrument measures kinematic viscosity in Newtonian fluids like lubricants, fuels, or dissolved plastics between 0.15 and 25,000 mm2/s. 

Designed to be versatile and flexible, yet easy to use. Different models are available from one bath with one or two viscometer tubes, up to two baths with one or two viscometer tubes per bath, where each bath works independently. Sophisticated temperature control ensures that measurements are carried out well within limits specified by ASTM D445. Each bath features a 32-position sampling tray (16 samples per tube, allowing completely unattended operation). Depending on the viscosity of the sample, the instrument can process up to 40 measurements per hour, satisfying even the needs of high volume labs running several hundred samples per day. 

Samples can be introduced using vacuum or pressure. The latter avoids evaporation of sample, which can be a point of concern in some dilute viscosity applications. Viscometers are easily exchanged in minutes instead of hours, minimizing downtime. All surfaces of the viscometer tubes, including the outside bottom, which is in contact with the sample, are thoroughly cleaned and dried using solvents and air. 

Omnitek U-Visc requires a PC for operation (not included) but can also be controlled as a stand-alone unit through the responsive color touchscreen interface with a storage up to 10,000 measurement results. For full data collection, storage, calculations, and reporting, an advanced PC software application is provided with the instrument, which can gather data from multiple instruments simultaneously.  

While using the software during a run, several kinds of information are shown like measured flow times, average, spread and calibration / viscosity result. Also, actual status like filling, cleaning, etc. is shown for every unit involved. Measured flow times are presented in left or right column, depending on whether the upper or lower measuring bulb is used for testing. Sample queue is permanently present and can be edited any time without interrupting running samples. 

  • 16 Position Autosampler per Tube
  • 100-fold Viscometer Tube(s)
  • Bath Oil
  • Cooling Coil
  • Reference Standards
  • Dual Solvent Injection
  • Advanced PC Software

Conforms to the specifications of: 

ASTM D445, D446, D2270; IP 71; ISO 3104, ISO 3105, ISO 2909; DIN 51562; FTM 791-305; NF T 60-100

Measuring Range: 0.15 - 25,000 mm2/s @ 40 °C

Temperature Range: 15 to 150 °C (59 - 302 °F)

Temperature Stability: 15 - 100 °C ±0.01 °C; Up to 150 °±0.03 °C (*For temperatures around ambient, and external chiller is required)    

Timer Accuracy: 0.001 s

Sample Volume: 8 - 16 mL

Sample Introduction: Vacuum / Pressure

Solvent Consumption: 10 - 12 mL per cycle (single), 12 - 15 mL per cycle (double)

Sample throughput: 

    U-Visc 110: Up to 10 measurements per hour

    U-Visc 120: Up to 20 measurements per hour

    U-Visc 210: Up to 20 measurements per hour

    U-Visc 220: Up to 40 measurements per hour

    ** Measurements per hour depends on the viscosity, tube, temperature and solvents chosen

Viscometer Type: Ubbelohde based

Sensor Type: Thermal / Optical

Communication: RS232

PC Control: Multiple instruments can be controlled with one PC

Data Export: USB

115V 60Hz
230V 50Hz

wxdxh,in.(cm)

U-Visc 110/120: 15 x 20 x 30.7 (38x51x78)
U-Visc 210/220: 29.5 x 24.4 x 30.7 (75x62x78)

Net Weight
U-Visc 110/120: 85 lbs (119.05kg)
U-Visc 210/220: 92 lbs (202.8kg)

  • Sample Preheating
  • Pedestal Base
  • Cooling Circulator (for measurement around room temperature)
  • Compressor
  • PC for Instrument Control
  • Polyethylene Sample Cups (750/pack)
  • Glass Sample Cups (50/pack)
  • Viscometer Tubes
  • Spare Parts Kit