Your instrumentation supplier plays a significant role in providing the right equipment, support, and expertise to help control and optimise your process. We've put together eight questions to ask your current (or new) viscosity supplier to help you assess their capabilities and get the most out of your instrumentation.
1. What is the range and accuracy of the viscometers?
In a process environment it is common for a viscometer to need to a wide viscosity range with a good turndown ratio. Many process fluids show a high degree of non-Newtonian or shear-dependent behaviour, so making sure the sensor can cover the required range is important.
2. Is technical support included?
Technical support is important to help optimise performance, minimise risk, and maximise uptime. But sometimes this comes at an additional cost. Ask your supplier what level of support is included with purchase and what is covered by additional service contracts.
3. Do you offer calibration and maintenance services?
An inline viscometer should not require regular calibration or maintenance for day to day operations, however in some circumstances it may be required for Quality Assurance purposes. Inquire whether your supplier provides calibration services and if a maintenance program is required. Maintenance requirements should be minimal as viscosity sensors should contain no exposed bearings, seals or moving parts.
4. What viscosity standards or certifications do your products meet?
Viscosity standards and certifications demonstrate a supplier's commitment to quality and accuracy. Ask if their products comply with industry standards such as ISO or ASTM, ensuring that your viscosity measurements are traceable and meet regulatory requirements.
5. How can you guarantee the build quality of your instruments?
Instrument design and manufacture is an intricate process. State-of-the-art equipment and facilities are often needed to deliver the required precision and instrument performance. Ask your supplier about their build process and to provide evidence of their machining facilities.
6. Can you assist in customisation and integration?
Every industrial process has unique requirements. Ask your supplier if they can customise their viscometry solutions to suit your specific application. Whether it's a difficulty in accessing the fluid from the top of a tank, or the unfortunate presence of a stirring arm, there should be a way to work around it without requiring modifications to site or pipework.
7. Are there any upgrades or new technologies available?
Viscosity measurement technology is constantly evolving. Inquire whether your supplier offers upgrades or new technologies that can enhance the efficiency, accuracy, or functionality of your current viscometers. Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements can provide you with a competitive edge.
8. Can you provide customer references or case studies?
Asking for customer references or case studies allows you to gain insights from other businesses that have worked with the supplier. Inquire if your supplier can provide references or success stories related to viscosity measurement in industries similar to yours. This information can help you assess their expertise and track record.