GNEUSS Online Viscometer VIS Technology
The GNEUSS Online Viscometer VIS is a highly precise measurement system developed to measure the viscosity of polymer melts in real time during plastic extrusion and recycling processes. This system continuously monitors the rheological properties of the polymer melt, allowing the production process to remain under control and helping maintain stable final product quality.
The viscosity of a polymer melt is directly influenced by several parameters such as the molecular structure of the material, chain length, moisture content, and thermal degradation. For this reason, viscosity measurement is one of the most critical parameters determining product quality in plastic processing and recycling processes. The GNEUSS VIS system makes it possible to continuously monitor this key parameter during extrusion.
Through online viscosity measurement, quality variations that occur during production can be quickly detected and process parameters can be adjusted accordingly. This enables more stable process conditions and ensures that final product properties remain within the specified tolerance range.
Importance of Online Viscosity Measurement
In plastic extrusion processes, polymer viscosity has a direct impact on mechanical properties, tensile strength, impact resistance, and overall product quality. Online viscosity measurement allows these parameters to be controlled during production.
The GNEUSS Online Viscometer VIS system measures the viscosity of the polymer melt in real time, enabling active process control. This is particularly important in recycling processes where the quality of recycled raw materials may fluctuate.
For example, in PET recycling processes the moisture content and quality of the input material can vary continuously. The VIS system detects these variations and ensures that viscosity values remain within the specified range.
Operating Principle of the VIS Online Viscometer
The GNEUSS VIS system operates according to a bypass principle in which a small portion of the polymer melt is diverted from the main melt stream for measurement.
The operating process is as follows:
A small amount of polymer melt is taken from the extruder or melt pipeline.
This melt is transported to the measurement unit using a high-precision gear pump.
The polymer melt flows through a specially designed capillary channel.
Pressure measurements are taken at the inlet and outlet of the capillary.
At the same time, the melt temperature is measured.
The viscosity is calculated using the measured pressure and temperature values.
With this system, the viscosity of the polymer melt can be continuously monitored and process parameters can be automatically optimized.
The capillary geometry used in the system is specifically designed to eliminate measurement errors caused by the elastic properties of the polymer during testing.
Key Features of VIS Measurement Technology
The GNEUSS Online Viscometer VIS system includes several innovative technical features.
Main features include:
high-precision viscosity measurement
real-time process monitoring
polymer temperature and pressure measurement
capillary-based viscosity calculation
automatic data recording and analysis
The VIS system also allows measurement results to be displayed via a user-friendly touchscreen control panel. The system can also be integrated into existing production line control systems.
This enables all process data from the production line to be monitored through a centralized control system.
Measurement Range and Technical Capabilities
The GNEUSS VIS Online Viscometer system operates within a wide viscosity measurement range.
Typical measurement range:
1 mPa·s - 20,000 Pa·s
This broad range allows the system to be used in the processing of many different polymer types.
The measurement system also uses interchangeable capillary plates, enabling accurate measurement across different viscosity ranges.
System capacity:
Sample flow taken from the main melt stream: maximum 3 kg/hour
Thanks to this small sample volume, no significant material loss occurs in the production line.
Technical Components of the VIS System
The GNEUSS Online Viscometer VIS system consists of several precision measurement components.
Main system components include:
high-precision gear pump
capillary measurement module
pressure sensors
melt temperature sensors
heating system
control and analysis software
These components work together to measure polymer viscosity with high accuracy.
The system also features a compact design that allows easy integration into production lines.
Advantages of the VIS System
The GNEUSS Online Viscometer VIS system offers many advantages in plastic extrusion and recycling processes.
Key advantages include:
real-time viscosity measurement
high measurement accuracy
compact system design
easy integration into existing extrusion lines
cleaning capability without stopping production
measurement without material loss
The system is designed without dead zones in the melt channels, preventing polymer accumulation and material degradation.
In addition, the wide melt channels prevent temperature increases during measurement.
Integration with Extrusion Systems
The GNEUSS VIS Online Viscometer system can be used in combination with various extrusion technologies.
Typical integration areas include:
MRS extruder systems
MDS extruder systems
MRSpure extruder systems
plastic recycling lines
polymer compounding lines
When used in combination with MRS extruder technology, the VIS system helps optimize the process by controlling the viscosity of the polymer melt.
This allows the intrinsic viscosity (IV) of the polymer to be maintained at the desired level.
Application Areas of the VIS Online Viscometer
The GNEUSS VIS system has a wide range of applications in the plastic processing and recycling industries.
Typical applications include:
PET recycling lines
plastic film production
polyester fiber production
plastic pellet production
plastic compounding lines
bottle-to-bottle PET recycling
The system is particularly important for quality control of recycled plastics.
Process Optimization Through Online Viscosity Control
In modern plastic recycling facilities, process stability and product quality are among the most important parameters.
Online viscosity measurement allows the following parameters to be optimized during production:
extruder vacuum level
melt temperature
process pressure
screw speed
By controlling these parameters correctly, the polymer chain length can be preserved and product quality remains stable.
Importance of VIS Technology in Plastic Recycling
In recycled plastics, the quality of raw materials often fluctuates. Therefore, continuous monitoring of polymer properties during processing is essential.
The GNEUSS Online Viscometer VIS system detects these changes instantly and ensures that the production line operates under optimal conditions.
As a result:
product quality becomes stable
raw material fluctuations are controlled
process efficiency increases
energy consumption decreases
Today, GNEUSS VIS technology is considered one of the most important process control tools used in modern plastic recycling lines.
