Abstract:
A temperature manipulated viscosity control module for stabilizing fluid viscosity in dispensing applications at (or near) the point-of-application. Connected to a central heating/cooling supply unit, the module both senses temperature and viscosity (and, in the case of waterborne materials, pH as well) and regulates the viscosity of the fluid being dispensed by manipulating the temperature of that fluid. This configuration is a combination of technologies applied together to maintain consistent temperature of the fluid and the sensors to assure that process conditions are consistent for measurement, control, and application.

Description:
[0001]    The application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 62/304,668 filed Mar. 7, 2016, the specification of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. This disclosure relates to systems that dispense material and regulate characteristics of the dispensed material upon application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Modern manufacturing and assembly processes often include fluid dispensing and/or application operations. Fluid dispensing processes can include, but need not be limited to, operations such as printing, coating, painting, adhesive application, sealing and lubrication and the like. In these fluid dispensing and/or application operations, the quality of the dispensing process is dependent on many factors including the viscosity of the fluid material being dispensed. For example, in printing operations, ink viscosity is directly related to accuracy of the image with regards to color and dot placement, as well as size and shape. In coating and painting applications, the thickness of the applied film, and the surface finish of that film, are both dependent on the viscosity and rheology of the fluid material at the time of application. In gluing or sealing applications, the volume of material dispensed, the profile of the applied bead of material, the material placement, and retention of that placement are all dependent on the viscosity of the sealer/adhesive material being applied. 
         [0003]    It is desirable to measure and adjust the viscosity of fluid material being dispensed as a part of the process control function associated with a given manufacturing process. In certain situations, the desired dispense viscosity is lower than that of the virgin material supplied by the formulator. Viscosity adjustment is accomplished by first measuring the viscosity of the material with an efflux cup, then adding an appropriate solvent to reduce the material viscosity to the desired application viscosity. If too much solvent is added and the viscosity of the material is over-adjusted, virgin material can be added to raise the viscosity back to the value desired for dispense. This type of viscosity adjustment is generally performed at the point of supply—usually in a bulk container—as this is the most convenient location to access the fluid material to be dispensed. 
         [0004]    It has been proposed that fluid viscosity measurement and control of fluid material being dispensed occur at the point of application or as near as possible to that point. In various situations, it has been found that viscosity characteristics of a fluid material being dispensed can be directly dependent on the temperature at which it is being dispensed. Thus, as it is difficult, if not impossible to add solvent or virgin material effectively at the point of fluid material application, the ability to vary temperature to control viscosity of the fluid material becomes more desirable and the ability to accurately ascertain fluid material viscosity and to effectively control the viscosity of the fluid material at the point of application is desirable. Thus it is desirable to provide a device and method that can vary temperature at the point of application to control fluid material viscosity on application. It is also desirable to provide an application method and device that can accurately assess fluid temperature upon viscosity measurement and the temperature at which the fluid is applied. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an application method and device that will minimize erroneous application results and negative application effects. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A fluid control module that includes at least one process material conveying tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, an outwardly oriented surface and an inner channel. The process material tube has at least one spiral region. The fluid control module also has at least one outer shell that is coaxially disposed around the at least one process material conveying tube and is positioned a spaced distance therefrom. The at least one outer shell has an inlet end and an outlet end and an inwardly oriented surface, wherein the inwardly oriented surface of the outer shell and the outwardly oriented surface of the process conveying tube define a thermal conditioning material conveying channel. The fluid control module also includes at least one viscosity sensor that is in fluid communication with the inner channel of the process material conveying tube. The viscosity sensor is configured to generate data signals and is positioned in a region in the process material conveying tube that is defined by the coil region. 
         [0006]    These and other aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0007]    The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is an orthogonal view of a temperature manipulated viscosity control module according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exterior housing of an embodiment of the temperature manipulated viscosity control module of  FIG. 1  as disclosed herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a cross section of an embodiment of the heat exchange tube as employed in the temperature manipulated viscosity control module of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an orthographic view of an embodiment of a block assembly that can be used in association with an embodiment of the temperature manipulated viscosity control module of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a cut-away view of the block assembly of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is an orthographic view of an embodiment of the hose assembly disclosed herein having an embodiment of the block assembly disclosed herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The temperature manipulated viscosity control module as disclosed herein combines the measurement and control functions for dispensing fluids into a small, self-contained insulated package that can be mounted at or very near the point-of-fluid material application. The focus of this control is on the viscosity of the process fluid material that is being dispensed, though this embodiment can also include configurations that permit the option to measure and report other material-relevant parameters including, but not limited to pH as for those aqueous (water-based) fluids where pH is an important parameter. It is contemplated that the device as disclosed, by combining measurement and control functions into a single enclosure provides a configuration whereby the respective sensors can be maintained at the same temperature as the process fluid material being dispensed. This assures that optimal application viscosity for the given process fluid material and the associated application process can be maintained at all times. Because these measurement and control functions can now be located immediately prior to the point of application of the process fluid material and can be performed in real time, the control of the process fluid material application process is proactive instead of reactive. 
         [0015]    The temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  as disclosed herein may include a housing  12  that defines an interior chamber  13 . The housing  12  can be configured to produce a thermal environment that isolates the interior chamber  13  defined in the housing  12  from the surrounding ambient environment during operation of the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10 . The housing  12  may be composed of steel, plastic, engineering composites, or other suitable material that can provide structural support for the housing  12 . 
         [0016]    The housing  12  can have any suitable configuration. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing  12  is rectilinear and includes opposed lateral side wall panels  14  and  14 ′, as well as top wall panel  16  contiguously attached to and spanning the distance between the two opposed lateral side wall panels  14 , 14 ′. The housing  12  also includes a bottom support wall panel  18  that is contiguously connected to the lateral side wall panels  14  and  14 ′ at a location that is spaced from the top wall panel  16 . The housing  12  may also include a forward end wall panel  20  and opposed rearward end wall panel  22  that are connected to the later side wall panels  14 ,  14 ′ as well as a top wall panel  16  and bottom support wall panel  18 . In certain embodiments such as that depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , top wall panel  16  and bottom support wall panel  18  are disposed parallel to one another. In certain embodiments, the forward end wall panel  20  and rearward end wall panel  22  are oriented parallel to one another. Each of the various wall panels has an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface. The housing  12  can be constructed such that one or more of the various wall panels is constructed as individual units or can be formed from an individual sheet and bent to form the housing  12 . 
         [0017]    The housing  12  can have insulating characteristics. It is also contemplated that the one or more of the wall panels  14 ,  14 ′,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  be composed of materials with inherent insulating characteristics. It is also contemplated that one or more of the wall panels  14 ,  14 ′,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  can include at least one insulation layer (not shown). The insulation layer can be configured on either the outwardly oriented surface of the respective wall panel, the inwardly oriented surface or any combination of the forgoing. It is also contemplated that the insulation layer can be present on both faces of a respective wall panel as desired or required. In certain embodiments, the insulation layer may be formed from a solid type spray-coating overlying the exterior of the housing  12 , or it may be composed of an open or closed cell foam type material applied to the inside of the housing  12 , or of a sheet-formed type, cut to size and affixed with adhesive to the inside of the housing  12 . In certain configurations, the housing  12  has a hard exterior that is impervious or at least resistant to the fluid(s) being dispensed and that can be wiped down for the cleaning purposes to remove any fluid that may have ended up on the exterior of the housing  12 . The housing  12  can be configured with a suitable reclosable opening or access portal in order to access devices housed in the interior chamber  13  for routine maintenance service or the like as desired or required. 
         [0018]    The housing  12  is configured with at least one process fluid material inlet  24  that is defined in one of the wall panels  14 ,  14 ′,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the at least one process fluid material inlet  24  is defined in the forward end wall panel  20 . The at least one process fluid material inlet  24  can be configured with suitable connectors to facilitate fluid connection between an external process fluid material source (not shown) and the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10 . In certain embodiments this is accomplished by connection between the external process fluid material transfer member and the at least one process fluid material inlet  24  as by a suitable process fluid material transfer hose (not shown) that is associated with the external fluid material transfer system. Where desired or required, the connection can be facilitated by mating quick connect fittings. 
         [0019]    In the configuration as depicted in the drawing figures, the process fluid material to be dispensed and applied enters the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  through the process fluid material inlet  24 , where it is routed into the processing inlet  27  of a hard core coil recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  that is contained in the interior chamber  13  of housing  12 . Where desired or required, the hard core recorable heat exchanger  28  can include suitable straps or anchors (not shown) to mount the hard core recorable heat exchanger  28  to the housing  12  as by connection to the bottom support panel  18 . The processing inlet  27  can be in direct fluid connection with the process fluid material inlet  24  in certain embodiments. It is also contemplated that suitable devices and intermediate units can be interposed between the process fluid material inlet  24  and the processing inlet  27  of the hard-core coil recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  as desired or required. 
         [0020]    In the operating condition, the processing inlet of the  27  of the hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  is in fluid communication with the process fluid material inlet  24 . In the embodiment depicted, fluid communication is accomplished by a suitable internal conveyance conduit  29  that can extend between the process fluid material inlet  24  and the processing inlet  27  in a fluid tight manner. 
         [0021]    In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the hard core coil recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  can have a tube-in-tube configuration. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , a process fluid material conveying tube  34  is surrounded by an outer tube shell  36  that defines a thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39  that can be disposed around the process fluid material conveying tube  34 . In the embodiment depicted, the outer tube shell  36  can be disposed around the process fluid material conveying tube  34  in a coaxial manner. It is also within the purview of this disclosure that other embodiments can include positioning thermal conditioning fluid conduit interior to a process fluid material channel if desire. 
         [0022]    The hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  can be a configured as a continuous tube structure  30 . Where desired or required, the process fluid material conveying tube  34  of the continuous tube structure  30  can be formed of a suitable heat transfer material that is compatible with the respective process fluid material(s) passing there through. In certain embodiments, the process fluid material conveying tube  34  of the continuous tube structure  30  can be constructed, in part or in whole, from mild or stainless steel, or other material(s) that has suitable thermal transfer characteristics. In certain embodiments, the outer tube shell  36  can be composed in whole or in part of a material that will permit conveyance of the desired thermal conditioning fluid there through and facilitate heat transfer between the thermal conditioning fluid and process fluid material transiting the process fluid material conveying tube  34 . In certain embodiments, the outer tube shell  36  can be composed of suitable polymeric material. 
         [0023]    The continuous tube structure  30  can have a suitable length and configuration to provide thermal conditioning of the process fluid material passing there through. The process fluid material conveying tube  34  can have a suitable diameter to provide for delivery of a suitable volume of material processing the desired characteristics such as viscosity and the like. 
         [0024]    In certain configurations, at least a portion of the continuous tube  30  structure is configured as a coil region such as coil region  32 . The coil region  32  is defined as a region in which at least one first defined segment of the continuous tube structure  30  is placed proximate to at least one second defined segment of the continuous tube structure  30  that is discrete from the first defined segment. 
         [0025]    In certain embodiments, the coil region  32  defines an interior central region. In the embodiment illustrated, the coil region  32  is configured as a spiral that can include at least two turns or coil members  38 . The coil region  32  can include any number of turns or coil members  38  and can include between five and twenty turns or coil members  38  in certain configurations. In certain embodiments, the coil region can have between five and ten turns or coil members  38 . 
         [0026]    The turns or coil members  38  of the coil region  32  are in spaced relation to one another and are spaced apart from one another at a distance sufficient to permit the process fluid material conveying tube  34  in the coil region  32  to be surrounded with the material that forms the outer tube shell  36  of the hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28 . In certain use conditions, the outer tube shell  36  can have an outer shell diameter such that the individual turns or coil members  38  are in spaced non-touching relation to one another. Where desired or required, two or more of the turns or coil members  38  can be positioned such that the outer surface the respective outer shell tubes  36  contact one another. While the turns or coil members  38  can have any suitable configuration that defines an interior space in the resulting continuous tube structure  30 , in certain embodiments, the turns or continuous coil members  38  will have a spiral or spirorbid configuration and can have a pitch between 5 and 20 degrees relative the cross section of the continuous tube structure  30 . 
         [0027]    The continuous tube structure  30  has an inlet end  40  and an opposed outlet end  42 . The inlet end  40  and outlet end  42  of the continuous tube structure  30  are configured with suitable block assembly connector devices  44  that facilitate and direct introduction and egress of process fluid material into and away from the process fluid material conveying tube  34  while sealing the connection from leakage into the interior chamber  13  of the housing  12 . In the embodiment depicted, the block assembly connector devices  44  are recorable hose connectors that are configured to connect to a suitable end of the process fluid material conveying tube  34  and a suitable end of the outer tube shell  36  to form the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39  between the interior face of the outer tube shell  36  and the exterior surface of the process fluid material conveying tube  34 . The configuration and volume of the channel  39  so formed is sufficient to receive and convey a suitable thermal conditioning fluid in a circuit through the resulting space to regulate temperature conditions in the interior of the process fluid material conveying tube  34 . In certain embodiments the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39  can be an annular space and the thermal conditioning fluid can be a material that can control the temperature of the associated area. In certain embodiments the and thermal conditioning fluid can be a liquid material. It is contemplated that the thermal conditioning fluid can be an aqueous material such as water or water-based compositions. 
         [0028]    The thermal conditioning fluid can be introduced into the housing  12  of temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  through the thermal control fluid inlet  46  defined in the housing  12 . The thermal conditioning fluid inlet  46  can be configured with suitable connectors to establish and maintain fluid connection between an external source of thermal conditioning fluid (not shown) and the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39 . The thermal conditioning fluid can be delivered by suitable hoses and the like. Where desired or required, the external source of thermal conditioning fluid can include suitable pumps and regulators to deliver thermal conditioning fluid to the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10 . The external source of thermal conditioning fluid can also include suitable heaters, coolers and the like to alter and/or maintain the temperature of the thermal conditioning fluid at a desired set point. Temperature control of the external source of thermal conditioning fluid can be based, at least in part, on inputs from the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10 . 
         [0029]    The thermal conditioning fluid that is introduced into the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  through thermal conditioning fluid inlet  46  is introduced in to the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39  defined between the outer tube shell  36  and the process fluid material conveying tube  34 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the thermal conditioning fluid is conveyed to the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39  via thermal fluid conveying hose  35 . The thermal fluid conveying hose  35  can have a first end  31  in fluid connection with the thermal conditioning fluid inlet  46  and an opposed second end  33  that is in fluid communication with the respective recorable hose block assembly  44 . 
         [0030]    Thus the recorable hose block  44  is in fluid commination with and conveys both the introduced process fluid material and the introduced thermal conditioning fluid. It is contemplated that suitable devices can be interposed between the thermal conditioning fluid inlet  46  and the hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  to monitor the condition of thermal conditioning fluid as desired or required and to provide inputs to the external source if required. 
         [0031]    The introduced thermal conditioning fluid passes through the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39  to accomplish heat transfer and/or maintain temperature resident in the process fluid material transiting the process fluid material conveying tube  34 . The thermal conditioning fluid can be conveyed out of the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  through thermal conditioning fluid outlet  50 . The thermal conditioning fluid can be conveyed from the hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  to the thermal conditioning fluid outlet  50  via intermediate process fluid conveying tube  37 . The exiting thermal conditioning fluid can be conveyed back to the external thermal conditioning fluid source where it can be subjected to any temperature adjustment based on inputs received from the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  and recirculated for future use in the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10 . The thermal conditioning fluid can also be employed f or other suitable applications with or without suitable thermal adjustment as required. 
         [0032]    While transiting the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39 , the thermal conditioning fluid can modify or maintain the temperature of the fluid process material flowing through the process fluid material conveying tube  34 . The process fluid material conveying tube  34  is in fluid communication with process fluid material outlet  26  to permit exit of the conditioned process fluid material from temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  and application on the desired substrate surface. The outlets of the process fluid material conveying tube  34  and outer tube shell  36  can include a suitable block assembly such as block assembly  44  to facilitate transit of the fluid process material away from hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28 . 
         [0033]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the continuous tube structure  30  portion of the heat exchanger  28  can be replaced at any time—either as a maintenance function or, where desired or required, the continuous tube structure  30  can be comprised of various materials that are selected to ensure compatibility with the process fluid material being dispensed. The continuous tube structure  30  can be changed in the event that a new process fluid material is selected dispensing that is incompatible with one or more materials in the existing continuous tube structure. 
         [0034]    It is also contemplated that the diameter and/or wall thickness of the process fluid material conveying tube  34  can be varied to enable the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  to be used with systems operating at higher dispense pressures. In certain embodiments, the number of wraps in the coil region  32  can be varied to change the thermal transfer area of the heat exchange (HX) as required for various applications. Thus it is contemplated that a continuous tube structure  30  may include at least two wraps in the coil region  32 . In certain applications, continuous tube structure  30  can have a greater number of wraps depending on the amount of thermal conditioning required in a given situation. The ability to remove and replace one continuous tube structure  30  with a tube having different heat exchange characteristics as by having different materials of construction and/or different numbers of coils can facilitate the effectiveness of the associated temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10 . 
         [0035]    The temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  can also include at least one viscosity sensor  52 . In certain embodiments, the viscosity sensor  52  is positioned to be in fluid contact with the process fluid material passing through the process fluid material conveying tube  34  of the continuous tube structure  30 . In the embodiment as illustrated, at least one viscosity sensor  52  is positioned in contact with the process fluid material stream at the outlet end  42  of the continuous tube structure  30 . Thus as process fluid material exits the continuous tube structure  30 , it can feed directly into a suitable inlet of the viscosity sensor  52 . This can occur at a location prior to the process fluid material exiting the housing  12  as through thermal conditioning fluid outlet  50 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the viscosity sensor  52  is located between the exit of hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  and the intermediate process fluid conveying tube  37 . In certain embodiments, the viscosity sensor can be positioned in the process stream immediate prior to housing exit. 
         [0036]    The temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  may also include at least one temperature sensor  54  configured to monitor thermal conditions existing in housing  12 . Where desired or required, the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  can include two or more temperature sensors that are positioned at different locations to monitor thermal conditions within the housing  12 . The temperature sensor(s)  54  can be electronically connected to a suitable monitoring system to assess thermal conditions within the interior of the housing  12 . The temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  can include temperature sensors configured to assess the thermal conditions at one or more points in either process fluid material stream or the thermal conditioning fluid stream or both. Temperature assessment can be by direct measurement where desired or required. 
         [0037]    Data derived from the housing temperature sensor(s)  54 , the instream temperature sensors and/or viscosity sensor(s)  52  can be relayed to suitable processors that can be located external to the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  where the generated data can be analyzed to derive and determine any condition setting changes needed to control viscosity of the process fluid material. Where desired or required, the viscosity sensor(s)  52  can be equipped with a suitable temperature sensor to provide contemporaneous assessment of temperature and viscosity. 
         [0038]    Non-limiting examples of suitable temperature sensors include various RIDs, thermocouples, thermistors, etc. In the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  as shown, a temperature signal can be sent to an external control circuit (not shown) via a suitable sensor connector couple  55  for monitoring purposes and/or for adjusting the temperature of the thermal conditioning fluid prior to entry into the hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28 . It is also contemplated that the temperature of the thermal conditioning fluid can be modified as it enters and/or exits the housing  12  as at thermal conditioning fluid inlet and/or thermal conditioning fluid outlet with temperature adjustment occurring upon notification that the process fluid material to be dispensed is not at the desired set point temperature. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, the viscosity sensor  52  shown in the embodiment pictured in  FIG. 1  can be one that is classified as a “no-moving-parts” type viscometer. Such viscometers can have a generally cylindrical shape that permits the viscometer to be inserted into the central region defined by the coil members  38  of the continuous tube structure  30 . The viscosity sensor  52  can be constructed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the viscosity sensor  52  can be made of a suitable thermally conductive material such as steel. 
         [0040]    Without being bound to any theory, it is believed that the transit of thermal conditioning fluid through the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39  as it passes through the helically oriented coil members  38  generates a controlled thermal region T 1  that is located within the interior of the region defined by coil members  38 . The orientation of the viscosity sensor  52  in controlled thermal region T 1  provides a thermal control environment for the viscosity sensor  52  to maintain the body of the viscosity sensor  52  at the controlled process temperature. When so configured, the body of the viscosity sensor  52  conducts the temperature of continuous tube structure  30  and associated thermal conditioning fluid and, due to its thermal mass, the viscosity sensor  52  combines with the process fluid material flow through the interior of the viscosity sensor  52 , to become part of the temperature control circuit. At the same time, the temperature of the viscosity sensor  52  is stabilized at the set point temperature of the process fluid material being dispensed to assure that all measurements are taken at a consistent temperature. Though the shape of this viscosity sensor  52  can be cylindrical for added effectiveness of the system, any viscometer having any suitable geometry can be used in the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  disclosed. 
         [0041]    The temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  can also include various other sensors and monitoring devices as desired or required. In the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  includes at least one pH sensor  56  in fluid contact with the process fluid material stream. In certain applications as where the process fluid material stream is an aqueous or water borne material, the pH sensor can be positioned downstream of the viscosity sensor  52 . It has been discovered, quite unexpectedly, that positioning the pH sensor  56  in this manner in the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  as disclosed can ensure reliable and repeatable pH measurements, independent of changes in ambient temperature. These pH measurements can be fed to an associated external control circuit (not shown) via the sensor connector couple  58 . In embodiments in which no pH sensor  56  is included, the process fluid material can be routed directly from the outlet of the viscosity sensor  52  to the process fluid material outlet  26 . 
         [0042]    Though the embodiment demonstrated in  FIG. 1  shows the dispensed fluid process material path interconnected with low-pressure tubing and quick-disconnects, such as might be used in an ink dispensing application found in a flexographic or gravure printing system, these interconnections can be accomplished with braided-reinforced hoses or solid tubing and flare fittings to enable operation at higher pressures where desired or required. 
         [0043]    The helically shaped hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  also produces a localized thermal control region T 2 . The localized thermal control region T 2  is the area in the interior chamber of housing  12  exterior of the helical coil region T 1 . Without being bound to any theory, it is believed that the ambient temperature of region T 2  will be equal or substantially equal to the temperature of region T 1 . It is believed that thermal conditioning fluid passing through thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39  will control ambient temperature of the interior of housing  12 . Changes in measured viscosity outside predetermined set points can trigger signals and action that result in alteration in the temperature of the thermal conditioning fluid transiting the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39  defined in the hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28 . The temperature alterations can result in changes in the temperature in one of both of regions T 1  and T 2 . Thus equilibrium between the thermal conditioning fluid temperature and the interior temperature in the housing  12  can be reached and maintained. It is contemplated that the thermal conditioning fluid can be employed to establish an equilibrium temperature in the interior of the housing  12  and thereby condition the temperatures of the viscosity sensor  52  as well as any other measurement devices present in the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10 . 
         [0044]    The temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  can be attached to any suitable material application device, at a location that is proximate to or immediately prior to the point of exit for the process fluid material that is being applied. It is contemplated that the application device can be a robotic arm, in which case the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  could be affixed on the moveable arm member at a location proximate to the applicator opening. In printing or inking operations, the temperature manipulated viscosity control module  10  can be located proximate to one or more suitable roller applicators or the like. It is also contemplated that a given application device such as a printing or inking machine can include multiple dedicated temperature manipulated viscosity control modules  10  based on the performance characteristics of the various materials to be applied. 
         [0045]    Where desired or required, the hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  can be accessed by a suitable access port (not shown) defined in one or more housing panel members. The block assembly(ies)  44  facilitate the rapid removal and exchange of hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  for new or different units. Exchange can be for purposes of routine maintenance. It is also contemplated that the hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  can be substituted based on changes in process fluid composition and the like. 
         [0046]    As previously discussed, the hard core recorable coaxial heat exchanger  28  can include at least one suitably configured block assembly  44  that can be positioned at either the first end  21  or the second end  23  of the continuous tube  30 . Where desired or required, the continuous tube  30  can include block assemblies at both the first end and the second end. 
         [0047]    An embodiment of the block assembly  44  is depicted orthographically in  FIG. 4  and in cross sectional view in  FIG. 5 . The block assembly  44  can be machined, molded or otherwise formed from a suitable material. The material of choice can be a material exhibiting characteristics in which the block assembly  44  is thermally compatible with the surrounding module elements such as the continuous tube  30 . By thermally compatible, it is meant that the block assembly  44  will maintain and convey the temperature of the thermal conditioning fluid. As it transits the thermal conditioning fluid conveying channel  39 . Non-limiting examples of such materials include various metals such as aluminum, steel, copper, various polymeric materials, ceramic materials and the like. It is contemplated that each block assembly  44  includes a central body portion  126  that can be produced from a single block of material where desired or required. Each block assembly  44  can also include a thermal conditioning fluid barb  128  that protects outward from a first end of the central body  126  and is configured to be insertably positioned in the mating portion of the continuous tube  30 . The thermal fluid conditioning barb  128  will be discussed in greater detail subsequently. 
         [0048]    The central body portion  126  of the block assembly  44  can have any suitable configuration. In the embodiment depicted in the drawing figures, the central body portion  126  is composed of an elongated member that can be configured as a generally cylindrical element. The central body portion  126  defines a through shaft  130  that extends from a first end  132  to a second end  134 . The first end  132  is configured with a suitable tube engaging surface that can engage the interior of the region of the outer tube shell  36  in a fluid tight manner. In the embodiment depicted in the drawing figures the tube engaging region proximate to the first end  132  of the central body portion  126  is configured with at least one barb  136 . The at least one barb  136  can be pressed into an associated region of the outer tube shell  36  and sealed in a suitable manner. Non-limiting examples of suitable sealing means include either mechanical clamping means and/or adhesive means. 
         [0049]    The though shaft  130  defined in the central body portion  126  is configured to define an internal passage through which the process fluid material as well as thermal conditioning fluid can both pass. 
         [0050]    The block assembly  44  can also include at least one threaded or press-fit port region  138  located at the second end of the  134  of the central body portion  126  into which a liquid-tight fitting seal  140  can be installed. The liquid tight fitting seal  140  is configured with a central shaft  145  that can be oriented coaxial to the shaft  130  that is defined in the central body  126  when the device is in the use position. This configuration facilitates the passage of the thermal conditioning fluid into or out of the annular space formed between the outside diameter of the process fluid material conveying tube  34  and the inside diameter of the outer tube shell  36  disclosed herein. 
         [0051]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the block assembly  44  also includes an externally threaded end  142  located proximate to the second end  134  of the central body portion  126  at an orientation opposite the at least one barb  136 . The externally threaded end  142  also defines an internal region  144  having a concave taper  146  into which a compatibly tapered elastomeric seal  140  can be fitted and onto which a threaded cap  148  can be screwed to force the concave taper of the elastomeric seal  140  into the mating taper  146  in the internal region  144  in the end  134  of central body portion  126 , compressing the central shaft  145  of the seal  140  from a first internal diameter that permits insertion of the process fluid material conveying tube  34  therein to a second smaller internal diameter to seal around the outside diameter of the process fluid material conveying tube  34 . 
         [0052]    The central body portion  126  also includes a side shaft  150  oriented perpendicular to the shaft  130  in fluid communication therewith. The side shaft is located in the central body portion  126  at a location between the first end  132  and the elastomeric seal  140 . The side shaft  148  can be configured to engage a suitable thermal fluid conditioning barb  128  in fluid tight mating engagement with the central body  126 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the side shaft  150  is configured with and internally oriented threaded surface  152  that can matingly engage a suitable outwardly threaded surface defined on the thermal fluid conditioning barb  128 . 
         [0053]    The thermal fluid conditioning barb  128  can be suitably configured to transfer suitable thermal conditioning fluid from an associated source to the device. The thermal conditioning barb  126  can include a suitable barb region  152  that is located distal to the outwardly threaded region (not shown) that matingly engages the side shaft  148 . The thermal conditioning fluid barb also has a shaft  154  defined therein extending from the barb end to the opposed end. In the embodiment depicted in the drawing figures, the thermal conditioning barb  126  also is configured with a suitable elbow  156  that oriented the shaft in a suitable angle, such as a 90-degree angle in the drawing figures. The barb region  152  engages a suitable thermal conditioning fluid conveying conduit (not shown) to convey thermal conditioning fluid to or away from the device. 
         [0054]    While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.