Kinexus pro

Overview

The Kinexus rheometer incorporates technological innovations that enable optimal flexibility in rheological test capabilities and protocols - for both shear and vertical testing.

• All modes of rheological operation – stress control, shear rate control and direct strain controlled oscillation at demand strain amplitude for accurate control of sample strain history.
• Exceptional vertical travel and gapping capabilities with ultra-responsive and highly sensitive normal force system for class-leading performance.
• Unique rSpace software interface that offers total flexibility of test set-up - from sequence-driven Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)-type functionality to fully customizable test design for new and advanced research capabilities.
• Wide variety of measurement geometries optimized for rheological characterization of complex fluids and soft solids, including dispersions, emulsions, polymer and surfactant solutions, pastes and gels.
• Intelligent geometry recognition with full auto-configuration and user feedback on system status to guarantee robust data for all measurements.
• Complete sample history from the point of loading onto the rheometer available in data file as standard – because ensuring reliable rheology data for complex non-Newtonian materials actually starts before a measurement takes place.
• Unique ‘plug and play’ cartridge system for all temperature and environmental controllers – all mechanical, power, communication and fluid connections made in one simple action.
• Multifunctional accessory design – plate cartridges with interchangeable lower plates for a cost-effective solution addressing the widest application coverage.

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How it works

Kinexus is a rotational rheometer system that applies controlled shear deformation to a sample under test, to enable measurement of flow properties (such as shear viscosity from flow tests) and dynamic material properties (such viscoelastic modulus and phase angle from oscillation tests).

A rotational rheometer system comprises several key components to enable robust, reliable and accessible rheological measurements for a particular sample or application:

• Rheometer base unit. Control of key system functions, including torque (for stress control), rotational position change (for strain or rate control), normal force and vertical position change (for sample loading and gap set).
• Measuring system or geometry. The measuring system is the link between the rheometer and the sample, and defines the applied shear field. The type of measuring system must be appropriate to the sample type and the test under consideration.
• Temperature or environmental control unit. Accurate control is essential since rheological properties are a strong function of temperature and environmental conditions.
• Instrument software. Rheological testing can be, by its nature, relatively complex to set up. Malvern’s cornerstone Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approach to material testing has been enhanced in rSpace software to revolutionize and simplify user interaction, and to bring ‘expert system’ guidance and SOP-driven testing to rheological measurements for the first time.

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Specification

If you are unsure as to specifying an appropriate rheometer model for your application, Malvern recommend contacting us for further advice and/or a sample test and evaluation report.

Understanding the application under consideration, and the associated rheological test requirements, is a key factor in selecting the most appropriate rheometer system.

General

Standard operating modes:

Direct strain control.
Shear rate control.
Shear stress control.

Torque range (Viscometry -
Controlled Rate and
Controlled Stress):

0.05µNm to 200mNm.

Torque range (Oscillation -
Controlled Strain and
Controlled Stress):

0.05µNm to 200mNm.

Torque resolution:

0.1nNm.

Position resolution:

<10nrad.

Angular velocity range:

10nrads^-1 to 500rads^-1

Step change in strain:

<10ms.

Frequency range:

6.28µrads^-1 to 942rads^-1 (1µHz to 150Hz).

Motor inertia:

13µN.m.s.

Normal Force range:

0.001N to 20N (50N optional).

Normal Force response time:

<10ms.

Vertical lift speed:

0.1µms^-1 to 35mms^-1

Vertical lift range (measurable):

230mm.

Gap resolution (over full vertical lift range):

0.1µm

Fully configurable vertical profiles:

By speed and by Normal Force.

Raw instrument variables:

5kHz constant streaming data.

Complete sample history:

Data available from loading to unloading as standard.

Instrument interface:

USB2 – plug and play.

Quick-connect geometries:

Auto-identification and auto-configuration – plug and play.

Interchangeable lower plates:

Varying pedestal diameters and surface finishes.

Cartridge environmental controllers:

Auto-identification and auto-configuration – plug and play.

Temperature control range:

-40°C to 200°C (Peltier plate and active hood cartridges).
-30°C to 200°C (Peltier cylinder cartridge)

Temperature resolution:

0.01°C.

Weight and dimensions:

Dimensions:

680mm (H) x 490mm (W) x 485mm (D).

Weight:

47kg.

Operating environment:

Nominal operating voltage:

110V or 220V.

Temperature:

15°C – 40°C.

Humidity:

35% - 80% non-condensing.

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Accessories

Designed for the rheological testing of complex fluids and soft solids, and gelling and curing materials.

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