Rheometers

The rheometer, or viscometer, measures the rheological

properties of fluids by either the resistance to flow under

a known force or the force produced by a known amount of

flow.[1-3] Selecting the right rheometer, which offers reli-

able and accurate data for the specific application, is the

first step in solving rheological problems. Commercial

rheometers can be divided into analytical and empirical

rheometers. Analytical rheometers give the actual viscos-

ity and consist of capillary tubes and rotational rheometers.

Empirical rheometers are frequently the industry standard,

and can in some cases be converted to viscometers. Many

of the manufacturers are listed in Table 1.