Thermoanalytical Instruments

Model PPV-1000 for the
Log 9.0 to Log 5.0 Poise Viscosity Range
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Model PPV-1000 Brochure (140k)

The softening point of a glass is the most widely used production control parameter. Changes in the softening point temperature are indications of chemistry changes. The Orton Model PPV-1000 is viscous compression, parallel plate viscometer that was designed to measure automatically the viscosities of solid glass cylinders (6 to 12 mm OD by 3 to 6 mm thick) in the viscosity range of log 9.0 to log 5.0 Poise as a function of temperature according to the ASTM C-1351M procedure guidelines. Since this range includes the softening point range (approximately log 7 to log 8 poise), softening point temperatures of glasses that cannot be flame worked can still be measured quickly and easily.

(Note: If forming a fiber is desired and practical, the Littleton Softening Point temperature can be determined by the Littleton Softening Point Method, ASTM C-338.)

Automatic Viscosity Determination

It is easy to measure temperatures for a range of viscosities of a glass disc. The operator enters the disc dimensions into the computer system, places the sample between the plates, applies the weight, aligns the LVDT, begins the test, and walks away. The system does the rest. The operator is free to perform other tasks. A little while later, a table of viscosity / temperature relationship is available. It's that easy.Model PPV-1000 automatically calculates the viscosities for the test temperature range. This eliminates operator differences, operator judgments, operator biases and errors. Model PPV-1000 is an EASY, ACCURATE, RELIABLE, and REPRODUCIBLE instrument for R&D and for QC checks on batch chemistry changes.

EASY: The operator requires little training. After the test disc is prepared, the operator enters the dimensions, places the disc between the sample plates and on to the sample support, applies the weight, clicks the START button on the computer monitor, and walks away. The system does the rest, and the operator is free to perform other tasks. Upon test completion a short time later, a table of the viscosity / temperature relationship is available.

ACCURATE, RELIABLE, and REPRODUCIBLE: The LVDT system automatically monitors the disc compression, the computer calculates the rate of deformation, and the computer calculates the viscosities for the test temperature range. Operator differences, errors, and biases are eliminated. With good discs, >±1°C is routine.

FLEXIBLE: The user can select the ASTM C-1351M procedure, or modify the thermal cycle for individual testing requirements, such as high volume QC testing. The Model PPV-1000 determines the viscosity / temperature relationship for the viscosity range of log 9.0 to log 5.0 poise according to ASTM C-1351M.

POWERFUL: The data acquisition software displays the test and conditions while the test is underway. The data review software shows the test results, and generates a report that automatically compares the test results for a series of samples tests.



Description

Model PPV-1000 Series

Typical Report from Model PPV-1000

The sample is heated by a 1,000°C Kanthal wound vertical tube furnace with a type "S" control thermocouple and is mounted on a support frame with a motorized system to raise and lower the furnace for sample loading and unloading. The glass sample is placed between the top plate, a 44 millimeter diameter by 6 millimeter thick disc of a refractory metal alloy that is connected to the bottom of the probe rod, and the bottom plate, a 44 millimeter diameter by 6 millimeter thick refractory metal alloy disc. Two thin sheets of platinum foil, 0.001 inch thick by 40 millimeter diameter, lie between the glass sample and top and bottom discs to make sample removal easy. The sample and parallel plate stack rest upon a fixed position fused quartz tube pedestal.

Sample compression is monitored continuously by a vertical, counter-weighted, fused quartz probe rod and overhead LVDT (± 2.5 mm linear range) assembly. The load to the sample is adjusted by placing various static weights on either side of the counter-weighted pulley system. Three weights are included. Sample plate expansion and system movement is negated by a fused quartz compensation rod resting on a 12 mm tall compensation block (refractory metal alloy), and in contact with the LVDT coil assembly. Sample temperature is monitored by a type “S” thermocouple located immediately adjacent to the sample.

A higher temperature version of the PPV is available (1,600°C) and uses high alumina components in place of the fused quartz components, and a molybdenum disilicide heated furnace instead of Kanthal wire. The higher temperature version of the PPV also requires the sample plates to be made from a platinum alloy, which can be supplied by the user.

Operation

The heart of the Model PPV-1000 is the special Orton PPV Software. The Orton PPV Software is loaded into the user supplied computer, and is connected to the Orton PPV Control Console via the included RS-232 or USB interface cable (purchaser to specify which connector style). The operator selects the mode of operation, inputs the sample size and applied load, and the software does the rest. The Data Acquisition Software directs the PID controller to follow the thermal cycle, collects the data signals from the sample thermocouple and LVDT system, displays the data on the computer monitor in real time, performs the appropriate viscosity calculations, stores the data and calculations in a text file on the hard drive, and sends instructions to the PID controller to modify the thermal cycle accordingly. The Data Analysis Software also opens past data files for post testing review, analysis, and report generation.