Complex Fluids Lab

Rheometer and Peripherals

HR-3 Discovery Hybrid Rheometer, TA Instruments, Rheological characterization and viscosity measurement (viscometry – rheometry) for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, suspensions, and gels. Interfacial rheometry unit as well as pressure cell are available (up to 2000 psi pressure, over a temperature range of -10°C to 150°C).

Tensiometer

Sigma 701 force tensiometer, Biolin Scientific, Measurement of tension at immiscible interfaces for air-water, oil-water, and/or oil-gel-based solutions.

Laser

Class IV, continuous power type, 532 nm, Opto Engine, Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) and measuring fluids velocity by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).

Ultrasound Doppler Velocimeter (UDV)

DOP 4000, Signal Processing, Measuring velocity in transparent and opaque fluids using ultrasonic method.

High-speed Imaging

Phantom VEO 410L; up to 5,200 frames per second (fps) at full resolution of 1280×800 pixels or 600,000 fps at 64×8 pixels. Infinity K2 DistaMax long-distance video microscope from Edmund Optics moreover available, also compatible with Phantom camera.

Cameras, Lenses and Optics

Basler Ace camera, High-speed high-resolution cameras with appropriate lenses and optics to visualize the fluid flow experiments.

Thermal Imaging

Gobi-640-GigE Infrared camera (~8 μm-14 μm spectral band), Thermal imaging of fluid flows, non-intrusive measurement of temperature field within multiphase flow mixing.

Mixers and blades

IKA EUROSTAR 200 and 400 powerful laboratory stirrers for highly viscous applications and intensive mixing. Digital display of angular speed and applied torque. The stirrer comes equipped with a USB interface to control and document all parameters. Mixing speed and duration can further be set with this stirrer.

Precision Scales

Range of scales with various load capacities (light and heavy) and precisions (0.1-0.0001 g).

Flow Rate Measurement

OMEGA electro-magnetic flow meter suitable for a wide range of applications (various viscosity and density).

Pumping and Vacuum

Wide range of centrifugal, positive displacement, diaphragm, and vacuum pumps addressing various academic and industrial needs (fluid and suspension transport).

Densimetry

Anton Paar DMA-35 Portable density meter to measure density of fluids with great precision.

Thermometry

Omega HH308 thermometer connected to a digital recorder suitable for measuring the temperature of wide range of liquids and gases.

Pressure Sensing

Omega PX409 high-speed USB-output pressure transducer.

Valves

A variety of globe, solenoid, and gate valves are available dpending on the process and application needs.

Chemicals

Chemical products and powders to prepare a range of Newtonian and non-Newtonian solutions. Examples include fluorescent, polyamide and seeding particles/powders, xanthan, Carbopol, polyethylene oxide, Laponite, glycerin, glass beads/microspheres etc.

Miscellaneous

Refractometer, inline rotary ultra-precision torque sensor, Acrylic tubes, pH meter, pressure regulator, Data Acquisition Cards (DAQ), Aluminum framing, plates, fasteners, connectors, hydraulic and pneumatics accessories, brackets, flanges, braces, tube holders, valves, PVC/brass tubing and fitting, hose, safety supplies, tanks, hand tools, tool holders, jig saw, hole saw, drilling, tapping, cutting and soldering tools, electrical and lighting.