Inline Viscometer
Real-Time Melt Viscosity Measurement - Promix Visco-P
Promix Visco-P inline viscometer is a high-precision process control solution that measures the viscosity of polymer melt directly within the flow during extrusion. By measuring the complete melt stream without any bypass, it provides accurate and stable data based on real production conditions.
The system calculates viscosity by simultaneously considering temperature, pressure, and the actual polymer composition, enabling true real-time quality control on the production line.
Key Advantages in Extrusion Processes
The Promix Visco-P inline viscometer directly improves production performance and quality control:
• Real-time viscosity measurement and process monitoring
• Immediate detection of raw material and process deviations
• Ability to intervene before scrap is generated
• Low maintenance requirements and high operational reliability
• Additional melt homogenization when combined with a static mixer
• Easy integration into existing extrusion lines
As a result, production stability increases, quality variations are minimized, and operator intervention becomes more efficient.
Technical Measurement Performance and Parameters
Promix Visco-P is designed for reliable operation under demanding extrusion conditions:
• Viscosity measurement range: 50 - 100,000 Pas
• Measurement accuracy: 0.15 - 0.25%
• Process temperature: 0 - 300°C
• Pressure resistance: up to 700 bar (10,000 psi)
• Shear rate range: 1 - 100 s⁻¹
• Suitable for all polymers and viscous materials (>50 Pas)
These technical capabilities ensure reliable measurement in a wide range of applications including recycled materials, filled polymers, and foamed melts.
Operating Principle
Promix Visco-P operates via a specially designed Promix static mixer measuring module:
• Differential pressure and melt temperature are measured
• Shear rate and viscosity are calculated
• Data is displayed in real time
• Can be integrated into the extruder control system
This configuration enhances both measurement accuracy and melt homogeneity.
Software and Data Management
The Visco-P system provides advanced monitoring and analysis capabilities:
• 12.1" touchscreen interface
• Trend charts for viscosity, temperature and shear rate
• MFR and IV calculation modes
• Alarm and tolerance settings
• CSV and PDF data export
• Cp, CpK and statistical quality reporting
These features support digital quality management and full process traceability.
Process Optimization and Application Examples
Inline viscosity measurement enables better understanding and optimization of extrusion processes:
• Real-time monitoring of viscosity decrease when throughput increases
• Analysis of viscosity changes due to temperature variations
• Evaluation of additive dosing effects on the process
• Detection of raw material variations in PET recycling applications
Example application:
In a PET film extrusion line with 1000 kg/h capacity, the system provides immediate alarm signals when raw material quality deviates from tolerance.
In XPS foam production:
• Production stability significantly improved
• Viscosity stabilized from 13,000-17,400 Pas to 13,200-14,200 Pas
• Foam density stabilized from 29-30.5 kg/m³ to approximately 29 kg/m³
Industrial Application Areas
Promix Visco-P inline viscometer is widely used across extrusion processes:
• PET sheet and film extrusion
• Recycling applications
• Foam extrusion
• Profile, pipe and sheet production
• Filled and additive-containing polymer systems
• Moisture-sensitive materials
By measuring the full melt stream, the system provides the most representative viscosity data under real process conditions.
Installation and Integration
Promix Visco-P can be easily integrated into existing extrusion lines:
• Inline installation before the die
• Combined operation with static mixer systems
• Retrofit-ready design
• Fieldbus integration with extruder control systems
This minimizes downtime and accelerates return on investment.
Why Promix Inline Viscometer?
• True inline measurement - no bypass required
• Measures the complete melt stream
• Provides additional melt homogenization
• Enables real-time quality control
• Ideal for recycling and foam extrusion processes
• Immediate alarm response to process deviations
Promix Visco-P is more than a measurement device - it is an intelligent production control solution that enables manufacturers to actively manage extrusion quality and process stability.
