Rheometers

Measuring the rheological properties of materials using a rheometer

Rheology is defined as the study of the flow and deformation of matter, which describes the interrelation between force, deformation and time.  

A rheometer is a device used to measure the rheological properties of materials.

Rheometry or viscosity

Unlike a viscometer, which can only measure the viscosity of a fluid under a limited range of conditions, a rheometer is capable of measuring the viscosity and elasticity of non-Newtonian materials under a wide range of conditions. 

Some of the most important properties that can be measured using a rheometer include:

  • viscoelasticity
  • yield stress
  • thixotropy
  • extensional viscosity
  • reep compliance 
  • stress relaxation behavior

Rheometers can also process relevant parameters such as die swell and melt fracture. 

Types of rheometry

Powder rheometry

How does it work?

A powder sample is subjected to controlled flow or consolidation within a test chamber to evaluate its dynamic, shear, and bulk properties. By measuring resistance to movement under varying conditions, data on flowability, cohesion, and compressibility are obtained. The applied stresses and resulting behaviors simulate real-world processing environments, helping to optimize handling, transport, and formulation performance.

The FT4 powder rheometer measures powder flow resistance uniquely, using a precision blade that rotates and moves downward, creating a controlled flow pattern. The resistance experienced by the blade reflects how easily the particles move relative to one another, indicating bulk flow properties.

What is it useful for?

  • Flowability Assessment: Measures how easily powders flow under different conditions (pressure, temperature)
  • Quality Control: Ensures powders meet consistency and flow property specifications for product quality
  • Process Design & Optimization: Improves powder handling, compaction, and manufacturing processes
  • Powder Handling: Prevents blockages, segregation, and inconsistencies in storage or transportation
  • Behavior Prediction: Test powders under various conditions to predict their performance
  • Material Characterization: Analyzes properties like cohesiveness, particle size, and moisture content
Capillary Rheometery

How does it work?

A sample is forced to extrude through a barrel or die of well-defined dimensions under high pressure. The pressure drop across the barrel or die is measured to give pressure-flow rate data for the fluid, from which viscosity is calculated. Temperature and shear rate can be closely controlled to simulate the processing environment of interest

What is it useful for?

  • Measuring the viscosity profiles of suspensions and slurries containing relatively large particles, at high particle loadings; industrial examples include polymer melts, ceramic slurries, foodstuffs, inks and coatings
  • Capillary rheometers can apply very high force; high shear rate performance is pertinent in many industrial processes, such as extrusion and spraying
  • For certain applications the sample size required for capillary rheometry, around a liter for the generation of a flow curve, is a limitation

Our rheometry solutions

The FT4 measures powder flow resistance using a precision blade that rotates and moves downward, creating a controlled flow pattern. The resistance experienced by the blade reflects how easily the particles move relative to one another, indicating bulk flow properties.

Key features:

  • Powder processing condition simulation capabilities (consolidated, moderately stressed, aerated, or fluidized state samples)
  • Dynamic powder flow, bulk and shear property analysis with powder characterization
  • Highly sensitive, allowing best in class powder classification differentiation levels