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Reasons for Selecting the “ VISCO ”
Vs B-type Viscometers
What sort of measuring instrument would undoubtedly be found in QC labs and
R&D labs of all kinds of industries? It might possibly be a “viscometer.” Amongthese instruments, B-type viscometers are very widespread, and can be foundacross a range of various industries such as food, chemical, and industrial. It
would not be an overstatement to say that they are an indispensable measuring
instrument for all manufacturing industries.
B-type viscometers have a long history; the pioneering company that began
manufacturing and selling them have a history of more than 70 years. The useof B-type viscometers is largely demanded by industrial type regulations.
However, since they are old instruments, the standards they are used todetermine are also old and have remained unchanged, resulting in the present
situation wherein users are bound by old standards.
When it comes to important aspects of measurement, accuracy and precision isof course first and foremost, but convenience is also an element that must not
be overlooked. It improves productivity by enhancing workers’ efficiency, and it
is an aspect that is sought after for instilling motivation toward measurement
and for safe, reliable measurement. This situation has led to the continued
traditional use of B-type viscometers since the past. Standards that havebecome commonly accepted for no reason as “the norm” has resulted inessential improvements that should be made being put aside, and has bred an
unfortunate state where workers have “normalized inconvenience.”
In the world of B-type viscometers, this “measurement based on the measuring
instrument” sort of condition has been going on since the past. One factor thatcan surely be pointed out as having contributed to this state is the fact thatfrom a global perspective, the market is dominated by 1 company. As long as
their instrument is selling well, they do not place any importance on improving
the nature of the industry.
In order to overthrow the present situation, other viscometer manufacturers
must take action. For this very reason, ATAGO has developed the VISCO.
Through the pursuit of the essence of “a convenient and easy to use instrument
for workers,” the VISCO was developed with the intent to spark innovation inthe world of viscosity measurement.
In comparison, the VISCO surpasses B-type viscometers in the following points.

【1】Same Measurement Principle

It may be paradoxical, but the fact that the VISCO utilizes the samemeasurement principle as B-type viscometers, yet surpasses them is a major
feature of the VISCO. For those who prefer measurement principles different
from B-type viscometers, many kinds of viscometers exist that are capable ofsimple, quick measurements. However, among all those types, it is difficult toobtain the same stable, steady measurements as with B-type viscometers.
Details will be further explained in the following section, Vs Viscometers
Utilizing Other Measurement Principles. The fact that simple, quick
measurements have been made possible while utilizing the same “rotational”
measurement principle as B-type viscometers is a revolutionary aspect of the
VISCO.

【2】Reduced Size / Reduced Required Space

Comparison of the VISCO’s size using ATAGO’s B-type viscometer as an example.

Dimensions
Weight

VISCO
120mm * 120mm * 200mm
1200g (895g)

B-type Viscometer
310mm * 318mm * 395mm
3400g

From the table above, it is plain to see that compared the B-type viscometer,
the size of the VISCO is substantially smaller and more compact. An array ofmeasuring instruments can be found lined up atop the desks of QC and R&D
labs, causing a tendency for space to disappear. We’ve received comments fromusers such as, “I would like to purchase a new measuring instrument, but there
isn’t any more space.” Small dimensions mean there is a high possibility users

will incorporate the instrument into their lab based on size alone. Still more,
starting with sample, many kinds of materials need to be prepared formeasurement. A reduced size and reduced required space ensures extra spacefor measurement, assisting users with smooth measurement operations.
Size isn’t the only criteria, the fact that the instrument has been kept down toabout 1/3 of the weight of B-type viscometers is also important. This feature
has made it possible for the unit to be “carried and transported on-site,” a featwhich was impossible with B-type viscometers. The very fact that the
instrument can be transported on-site means that measurement values in thelab and in the manufacturing site can be standardized, liberating users from thetroublesome task of conversion arising from the differences of various kinds ofviscometers. Furthermore, it is not necessary to purchase multiple viscometers.
The fact that one VISCO unit is enough for all applications is certainly an
economical advantage.

【3】Small Sample AmountB-type viscometers generally require 500mL of sample. This amount is required
for just 1 measurement, so when multiple samples are repeatedly measured,
the amount of sample required becomes enormous. If it is a sample that can beprepared in large quantities, that may be fine for those cases, but as forvaluable samples that can only be prepared in small amounts, there are evencases where viscosity measurement must be abandoned altogether.
The VISCO is capable of measuring viscosity with 100mL or 15mL of sample. For
users, this means valuable sample can be conserved, which leads to a reduction
in running costs for viscosity measurement. Samples necessary for viscosity
measurement are namely fluids that are viscous, thus there are many that are
sticky and/or thick and syrupy. These kinds of samples adhere to containers andwashing them off requires a great deal of effort. The hassle involved withcleaning containers was an unavoidable problem with viscosity measurement. If
the sample amount is small, then the amount that sticks to the container is also
reduced, thereby making container clean-up that much easier—a definite
advantage of the VISCO.

【4】Disposable Containers

As explained in the previous section, in addition to small sample amount, andwith the goal of increasing the cleanliness of the containers even more, wehave made it possible for the VISCO to use disposable containers “that can bedisposed of without having to wash them in the first place.” By using the special
cup adapter, it is possible to use a 90mL paper cup or a 90mL plastic cup. The
VISCO is designed to use paper and plastic cups that are of course available
from ATAGO, as well as general 90mL paper and plastic cups that are available
on the market without any issues. (Note that some products may not besuitable.)
Conventional containers are made of glass, so their fragility makes it difficult totransport and use at food manufacturing sites. Disposable containers virtuallyeliminate this problem.
“VISCO Package A” is available at ATAGO as an all-in-one kit to introduce
customers to this new measurement method. The package includes: ① VISCO
unit, ② Cup adapter, ③ 90mL paper cups (50 pcs.), and ④ 90mL plastic cups
(50 pcs.) as a 4 piece set. By purchasing this package, users will be able toreadily take measurements with disposable containers.

【5】Battery Operated

In the quest for superb portability, we made the VISCO capable of running on
batteries. When measuring at a manufacturing site, you are limited to locations
with power supply facilities that are near the sample you wish to measure. In
these cases, using an extension cord from the power supply to the instrument is
one way of powering the device, but in a manufacturing site that constantly has
people and machinery on the move, this poses a risk of becoming the source
for a potential hazard which is an element that people would like to eliminate
as much as possible. Battery operated means that you don’t need to worry
about tangled extension cord wires; all that’s needed is to take the VISCO near
the sample you wish to measure and just take measurements. The VISCO makes
viscosity measurements possible at “any place” and under “any conditions.”
A battery life capable of providing approx. 7 hours of continuous measurement
ensures there is no worry over the batteries running out in the middle of a fullday of measurement. Moreover, its superb portability not only eliminates any

location restrictions at manufacturing sites, its effectiveness can certainly befully demonstrated in laboratory settings as well. Naturally, the VISCO is also
capable of using standard AC power supply. This allows the user to determine
which power supply method to use and select the option that’s mostconvenient.

【6】Easy Operation

Compared to B-type viscometers, the VISCO has extremely pleasant, simple
operability. There is only 1 button used when operating the VISCO which is a jog
dial located in the rear of the unit. Use a finger to slide the jog dial left and rightand select an item. Push the jog dial with the same finger to confirm an item.
All delicate and precise operations necessary for viscosity measurement can be
performed with just these 2 easy gestures. As instruments become highly
specialized with precision functionality, dissatisfied user comments such as,“Which button should I press to start measurement?” and “I accidentally
performed an unintentional operation and I can’t cancel it!” tend to increase.
However, as for the VISCO, it can be said that this tendency doesn’t apply.
If operations are easy to understand, it follows that the display will also be
intuitive and readily understood. User-friendly functions can be seen
everywhere on the VISCO, through features such as a large display ofmeasurement value numbers and a design wherein how to turn individual
settings on/off is instantly understood.

【7】Digital Level Adjustment

One interesting characteristic of the VISCO is that it has a “digitally displayed
level (stability)” feature. If rotational viscometers are not placed in a level,
stable location they can’t demonstrate their full performance capabilities. Aftersetting up an instrument, it is necessary to check that it is balanced and stable
before taking measurement. Until now, B-type viscometers had a part called a“(spirit) level” in the measuring instrument itself. This part is filled with a small
amount of water in a way that creates air bubbles. Visual confirmation of air
bubbles within the round, indicator line located in the center was performed bypeering into the level from directly above. It was necessary to perform this kindof confirmation procedure while using adjustment screws to adjust the level.
This was namely an “analog”method of level adjustment. When peering into
the air bubbles, it must be done from directly overhead, which puts the user inan uncomfortable posture. It is decidedly not an easy task. Despite the fact that
it was an essential step for measurement, it harbored an element of
psychological avoidance.
The VISCO is equipped with an internal gyro sensor and can digitally display alevel on its screen. The display section is outfitted with organic
electroluminescence (OLED), providing a wide and plentiful viewing angle. This
allows for level confirmation from any angle. It is absolutely unnecessary to put
yourself in an uncomfortable position in order to check the level, as with theconventional method.
Through “digital” level adjustment, “easy and proper measurement” hasbecome a reality.

【8】Advanced Software① Auto-stop Feature

It depends on the properties of the sample itself, but unless continuous force isapplied to the sample with a spindle for a certain period of time, there arecases where stable measurement values will not be displayed. Samples withthese kinds of properties are generally referred to as “non-Newtonian fluids”
and there are various particular categories such as “thixotropic fluids” and“rheopectic fluids,” but as far as users are concerned, they are all “samples
whose proper measurement values cannot be quickly displayed uponmeasurement.” It can be said that these types of samples are troublesome. The
reason is, suppose measurement values stabilize exactly 10 minutes after thestart of measurement. If the conditions of those measurement values aredesignated as standard values, measurement values must be read after
precisely 10 minutes. Throughout the duration of those 10 minutes from thestart of measurement, the user cannot move from that spot. It stands to reason
that the user would like to use those 10 minutes to leave and do some othertask, but if more than 10 minutes have passed when the user returns, theentire process has to be repeated from step 1. Even if the user returns quickly,
they are ultimately left waiting with extra time. The entire process carries alingering sense of inconvenience.
What if measurement automatically stopped at 10 minutes and continuously
displayed the measurement result from that exact point?
The user would become able to leave that spot and when the user returns,
whether it’s 30 minutes or 1 hour later, the displayed value will be the result
obtained at exactly 10 minutes. Therefore, all the user would need to do issimply read the measurement value.
For instances when not only “time,” but also “torque” and “viscosity” arestandard values, the VISCO is equipped with an all-inclusive “auto-stop function.”
The auto-stop feature dependent on these 3 criteria is a function that is notinstalled in the basic model of the B-type viscometer, a point which makes the
VISCO far superior.
② User Scales Feature
Using this feature, the VISCO’s displayed values can be made to match thedisplayed values obtained with B-type viscometers. A major reason some users
hesitated to replace their current instrument is that they were “unable todiscard the measurement values used until now.” By using the user scalesfeature, it is possible to apply an offset to measurement values used until now,that is to say, to measurement values obtained with a B-type viscometer, whichmeans this problem can be eliminated. If the same measurement values can beobtained, then it should be obvious which instrument would be the mostbeneficial when comparing the VISCO and B-type viscometers.
When programming user scales, users are not forced to do any complicatedcalculations. By inputting 3 viscosity values measured with the VISCO and 3
from a B-type viscometer, the built-in software does the calculation andautomatically applies a conversion formula.

③ Moving Average Feature

The VISCO is installed with a “moving average feature” that displays the averagevalue of the 5 most recent measurements. For example, there are cases wherecontinuous measurements of viscosity will not yield stable measurement values,
and this is particularly true for samples with extremely low viscosity. In theseinstances, by enabling the moving average feature, it is possible to display
stable measurement values.

【9】Price / Performance Ratio

No matter how exceptional an instrument is, if it has a high price beyond what
users can afford, then surely it can be said that it amounts to nothing morethan useless, pie in the sky. No matter how grand an idea of an instrument, if it
remains simply an idea that cannot be used realistically, then it is meaningless.
The VISCO’s development was fraught with many hardships, but through thesemonumental efforts, we were able to produce an instrument that possessedfeatures that outperformed B-type viscometers in all areas. Such a “high value
product” as the VISCO may be considered a “high cost product” due to its great
properties, however this will never be the case.
The VISCO’s $1,500 list price (approximate) is an astonishingly low price that
falls below half the price of general B-type viscometers on the market. This istruly a remarkably affordable instrument. This has been made possible throughan extensive reduction of purchasing costs, on top of ATAGO’s high productivity
capabilities in which the majority of component processing is done in-house.
This clearly illustrates ATAGO’s unwavering pursuit of the essence ofoutstanding customer service and our attitude of “providing quality products at
a fair price” toward customers. It is uncommon for large factories and the liketo have only 1 viscometer installed. Normally, each manufacturing line andstation has its own unit and it isn’t rare for factories to possess units of 10 ormore viscometers. The user sentiment of “I want to install the most affordable
product,” is present in every kind of industry, regardless of the size of acompany. The VISCO is certainly capable of meeting this demand as well.

Vs Viscometers Utilizing Other Measurement Principles
Pages 1 to 8 compared B-type viscometers to the VISCO and explained how the
VISCO is superior. Nevertheless, the fact of the matter is both B-type viscometerand the VISCO can be lumped together under the same genre of “rotational
viscometers.” They are both no more than 1 type of viscometer among themany kinds that exist. There are a variety of types aside from rotational
viscometers. Krebs viscometer, Mooney viscometer, Falling Ball viscometer,
Vibrational viscometer-the list of types could go on and on.
Among the countless kinds of viscometers that exist, those with a retail priceexceeding $10,000 (1,000,000 yen) were not suitable for comparison with the
VISCO, so the following performance comparison will be conducted based oncomparatively low-priced, simple viscometers that are the VISCO’s competitors.

【1】Viscosity Cup

Sample is collected inside a metal cup with a hole on the bottom and theamount of sample that drips within a fixed period of time is measured. It is ameasuring instrument that determines the viscosity of a sample depending on
the amount (volume) that drips. From one side, it is an extremely simple
principle that’s intuitively easy to comprehend, but on the other, themeasurement method is immensely complicated. First, depending on theconditions, in order to obtain one measurement value, sample must
continuously flow for 2 minutes. During that time, using a stopwatch, the user
must measure the time. Still more, the user needs to hold the cup in placethroughout that time. As the weight is between 200g to 300g, it’s not terribly
heavy, but the slightest movement and angle will affect the measurement value,so the user must focus and continue to steadily hold the cup. Moreover, even if
the cup is held continuously firmly, in the event that velocity affects the cup andcauses it to sway, measurement must be redone from the very beginning.
As written above, there are many difficulties with the measurement method,and for users who actually have a viscosity cup, it’s not unusual for those users
to express, “It’s a hassle, so I’m not using it after all.” This makes it meaninglessas a measuring instrument. From a price perspective, viscosity cups are sold forabout $50 to $200 (5,000 to 20,000 yen) per cup. At first glance, they may seem
inexpensive, but their single measurement range is incredibly narrow, and if you
attempt to use viscosity cups to cover a full measurement range, multiple kindsof cups must be purchased, leading to cases where it ultimately becomes an
expense of over $1,000 (100,000 yen).
With the VISCO, not only can complicated measurement methods be avoided,
but a single measuring instrument is all that’s needed, making viscosity
management a breeze. In regards to cleanliness, the VISCO, which can use
paper cups, appears to be the winner. After the sample has dripped out of theviscosity cup, naturally, the cup itself needs to be washed, as well as thecontainer that the sample dripped into. If the sample spills out of the container,
the surrounding area will also need to be cleaned. Whether the test location isin a lab or perhaps on the manufacturing floor, a clean environment is vital forindustries. There are a number of machinations that exist to ensure a clean
environment. The actual implementation of such devices is becoming thestandard for modern industries. By switching from a viscosity cup to the VISCO,
there are certainly many requirements that can be fulfilled.
Viscosity cups are largely used for coating and industrial oil; they are rarely usedin the food industry.

【2】Capillary Viscometers (U-tube Viscometers)

The test tube is shaped like the letter “U” and viscosity measurement is taken
according to the amount of sample that flows through this test tube.
Depending on the intricate shapes and differences in applications, there are avariety of types such as, “Cannon-Fenske viscometer,” “Ubbelohde viscometer,”and the “Ostwald viscometer.” However, all of these are devices that measurekinematic viscosity. Another feature is their extremely high measurement
accuracy. As the crucial components for their structure are merely glass tubes,
their comparatively low price of around $300 (30,000 yen) per unit is also afeature. In some cases, their use is stipulated by standards per organizations
such as JIS, ISO, and the Japanese Pharmacopoeia.
As mentioned above, while they are very useful viscometers, they do haveshortcomings which cannot be concealed: The overwhelmingly inconvenient
task of cleaning. This is just one example, but in one user’s case, a single day ofmeasurement required a cleaning regimen that spanned from one week ofpre-measurement cleaning to one week of post-measurement cleaning.
One day’s worth of measurement needed a total of about 2 weeks’ worth ofcleaning. Capillary viscometers are built in such a way that an even thinner,
finer tube runs through the inside of the glass tube. The diameter of these thintubes is about 0.30mm. Attempting to clean these tubes is a task which
requires time in and of itself. Thus, the nuisance of cleaning after measurement
is a worrisome point and does not amount to “easy, carefree measurement!”
Cleaning is very simple with the VISCO. By simply wiping off the slight amountof sample that sticks to the container and spindle, it is possible to quickly
proceed to measuring the next sample.
Capillary viscometers are used in the field of petroleum products and drug
manufacturing. These fields demand kinematic viscosity values, rather thanviscosity values, but as long as the density is known, it can be replaced with asimple conversion.
Kinematic viscosity ＝

Viscosity/ Density【3】LST (Line Spread Test)

The line spread test is used in the medical industry to measure “thickness” offood. It may be more suitable to refer to is as a “viscosity measuring kit” rather
than a “viscometer.” A cylindrical “measuring ring” is placed in the center of a“thickness measuring sheet” with circular scales printed on it. After sample ispoured into the measuring ring, the measuring ring is lifted upward, and thesample spreads from the center to the outer edges of the measuring sheet. The
way in which the sample spreads is read from the scales written on themeasuring sheet. The amount of time it takes for the sample to move (spread)is also simultaneously measured.
It surely is a considerably simple method of measuring viscosity. The JapaneseSociety of Dysphagia Rehabilitation (established in 1995; performs activities
including research, education, popularization, and structuralization in dysphagia
rehabilitation to facilitate resolving the problems in individuals with eating andswallowing difficulties), recommends the line spread test as a simple method of
measuring viscosity in clinical settings of medical treatment within theorganization’s 2013 classification literature. Nonetheless, in samples containing
oils, when the sample spreads out from the center, a phenomenon is known tooccur in which the sample “slips” toward the outer edges. Since it is uncommon
for food not to contain oils, it is difficult to say this is a perfect method formeasuring viscosity. In fact, proper correlation between this method andmeasurement values from E-type viscometers, which are specified as thestandard measurement values, cannot be made.
Although it has a low price of about $20 (2,000 yen), it seems few facilities haveactually adopted this method. Originally meant for clinical settings such as
hospitals and nursing homes, this method has not been established within theculture of viscosity measurement. It can only be said that this may simply be
due to the tendency of measurement avoidance. A sort of “spiritual culture”
exists among nutritionists, nurses, and perhaps caregivers, in which they feel“in order to achieve a real, intimate connection with patients, data that cannot
be quantified must be held in high regard. Relying only on experimental data
leads to each patient being neglected.” Due to this sentiment, there is a facet inwhich the culture of quantitative management has not taken hold.
Nevertheless, aspiration pneumonia ranks 4th as the cause of death among
Japanese people. As a means of preventing this occurrence, topics concerning
the demand for medical treatment creating awareness of this crisis have been
increasing year after year. Without a doubt, managing the viscosity ofdysphagia diet foods is surely a direct cure for this issue. In the medical meal
service industry, the VISCO has already been implemented and we’ve received
very positive reactions. The groundwork is perfect for the spread of the
instrument in plenty of markets.
Compared to the line spread test, the VISCO takes predominance in regards toaccurate and precise measurement values. As an instrument that will be
implemented in clinical settings, it is set at a somewhat high price, but the only
currently recommended method is the simple line spread test. Therefore, byspreading accurate, precise viscometers throughout this industry, the VISCO
may be regarded as a pioneering device.