Operation and Calibration of Viscometer

  1. Objective

To lay down a procedure for operation and calibration of viscometer. It is used to determine the viscosity of solution / suspension / liquids.

  • Scope

This SOP is applicable for operation and calibration of viscometer (Make: BROOKFIELD; Model: DV-I+)in Quality Control.  

  • Responsibility

QC Chemist / Officer : Follow the procedure and maintain record as applicable.   

  • Accountability

Head Quality Control  : System Compliance

  • Procedure:  
    • Operation:
      • Ensure that equipment is clean.
      • Check the level of instrument with the help of spirit level on the top of the Viscometer, and if required set level with help of three screw on triangle bottom.
      • Check the connection of electric supply behind thermister plug with temperature probe (socket) on posterior panel.
      • Clean the spindle which you have to use and maintain the temperature of liquid as required.
      • Put ON the electric supply and switch on the switch of instrument at the posterior left.
      • Wait for some time; screen will instruct for PRESS ANY KEY.  Press any key.
      • Screen will show %, spindle code,   RPM, Viscosity (cps) and Torque (%).
      • For selecting the spindle code (as per requirement) press buttons  SELECT SPINDLE . Blowing start for change in press UP arrow and DOWN arrow and when desired number comes on   screen, again press SELECT SPINDLE. Blowing will stop.
      • For setting RPM ( as per required) press  SET SPEED ,  set number by using up and down arrow, again press  SET SPEED.
      • Fit the spindle (as per requirement) in horizontal screw pin by clock wise rotation carefully (up to spindle mark).
      • Move the spindle up with screw on horizontal stand and place beaker having liquid below the spindle down for immersing the spindle head in liquid completely (up to spindle mark).
      • Press the red switch MOTOR ON/OFF.
      • Spindle will start rotating; press the   SELECT DISPLAY again and again screen will express the reading %, mPas, SS, SR, reading one by one.  Note the reading as per requirement.
      • After completion of work clean the spindle and place it properly.
      • Switch OFF the equipment.
      • Enter the details in Instrument log).
    • Calibration :
      • Calibration of viscosity:

      Operate the viscometer.

  • Use the spindle No 1, and Viscosity Standard as per given below table.
    • Check the temperature of solution and it should be between 25 ± 1°C.
    • Take average of three readings.
S. No. Spindle No RPM Viscosity of Standard Solution (cps) Tolerance (cps)
1 1 6 As per Standard value ±2%
2 1 50 As per Standard value ±2%
3 1 100 As per Standard value ±2%
  • Enter the details in Annexure I.
    • Prepare the calibration tagand affix it on the equipment.
    • Enclose the old calibration tag with the record and don’t throw it.
    • Calibration of RPM :
      •      RPM calibration shall be done by external agency for 6RPM, 50 RPM, and 100 RPM.
      •      Acceptance criteria:  6 RPM ± 1RPM , 50 RPM ± 1RPM ,100 RPM± 2RPM 
      •      If the variation is not within the specified tolerance limits:
      •      Label the equipment with a tag, “OUT OF CALIBRATION”.
      •      Inform to the Department Head.
      • Do not use equipment until all errors are rectified. After rectification, again calibrate the equipment & record the observation.  
    • Frequency: Calibration of Viscosity: Monthly ± 3 days.

             Calibration of RPM (Outside calibration agency)       : 6 Months ± 15days.

  • Important:
    • Liquid must be free from air bubble.
    • Spindle must be in middle of the liquid.
    • Check carefully the Temperature, the Spindle code and the RPM.
    • If any problem exists in the equipment inform to the service engineer.
    • For more details refer instruction manual
  • Annexure(s)

NA

  • Reference(s)

Manufacturer manual

  • Glossary           

SOP                :           Standard Operating Procedure.

QC                  :           Quality Control

QA                   :           Quality Assurance

Cps                  :           centipoises

°C                    :           Degree Centigrade

  • Revision History
Rev. No. Details of changes Reason for change
 
 

Bhanu Pratap Singh

BHANU PRATAP SINGH IS EXPERIENCED IN PHARMACEUTICAL, AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF PHARMACEUTICAL GUIDESLINE (WWW.PHARMAGUIDESLINE.COM), A WIDELY READ PHARMACEUTICAL BLOG SINCE 2019. EMAIL:- INFO@PHARMAGUIDESLINE.COM

View all posts by Bhanu Pratap Singh →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!