Key Benefits
- Modular architecture — exchangeable measuring geometries (cylinders, plates, cones, vanes) and temperature modules on a single instrument body — adapt to any sample and application
- Connect Assist — quick-coupling with automatic recognition of attached rotors and sensors eliminates setup errors and reduces configuration time
- Air-bearing option (VTiQ Air) — extends low-torque sensitivity to 0.01 mNm and frequency range to 50 Hz — smallest commercial oscillation air-bearing rheometer available
- Multiple operation modes — standalone touchscreen, RheoApp (USB flash drive method loading), or full PC software control via TCP/IP — suits any laboratory workflow
Overview
The HAAKE Viscotester iQ is Thermo Scientific's modular benchtop rheometer designed for the measurement and analysis of rheological properties across a wide range of liquids, pastes, and semi-solid materials. Available in ball-bearing (VTiQ) and air-bearing (VTiQ Air) configurations, the platform delivers controlled-rate and controlled-stress rotation measurements alongside optional oscillation for full viscoelastic characterisation (G', G'', tan δ).
Three design principles drive the Viscotester iQ: Individual (modular, exchangeable measuring geometries and temperature modules), Intuitive (touchscreen guidance, Smart Lift one-hand gap setting, Connect Assist quick-coupling with automatic rotor recognition), and Intelligent (Temperature Assist dynamic heat-transfer modelling for accurate, rapid temperature control). Together these reduce operator errors and make the instrument accessible for daily QC use without specialist rheology training.
Temperature control modules are interchangeable — Peltier (−5 to 160°C for cylinders, 0 to 140°C for plates), liquid bath (−20 to 180°C), and electric heater (to 300°C) — allowing the same instrument body to cover cryogenic to high-temperature applications. The VTiQ Air upgrades the bearing to air, extending low-torque sensitivity and frequency range to 50 Hz, making it the smallest commercially available oscillation air-bearing rheometer.
Key Features
- Ball-bearing (VTiQ) and air-bearing (VTiQ Air) models
- Torque range: 0.2–100 mNm (VTiQ) / 0.01–100 mNm (VTiQ Air)
- Rotational speed: 0.01–1500 rpm
- Frequency range: 0.1–20 Hz (VTiQ) / 0.1–50 Hz (VTiQ Air)
- Oscillation mode for G', G'', tan δ viscoelastic characterisation
- Measuring geometries: coaxial cylinders, double-gap, parallel plates, cones, vane rotors
- Peltier temperature module: −5 to 160°C (cylinders) / 0 to 140°C (plates)
- Liquid temperature module: −20 to 180°C
- Electric heater module: up to 300°C
- Smart Lift: one-hand gap setting for parallel plate geometries
- Connect Assist: automatic rotor and sensor recognition on connection
- Temperature Assist: dynamic heat-transfer modelling
- Standalone touchscreen, RheoApp (USB), or PC software control
- Connectivity: TCP/IP, 2× USB
- Universal power supply: 100–240V, 50/60 Hz
Typical Applications
- Food and beverage: viscosity of sauces, dairy products, dough, beverages
- Cosmetics and personal care: creams, gels, lotions, emulsions
- Pharmaceuticals: ointments, suspensions, gels
- Mining and construction: cement slurries, drilling fluids
- Polymers: melt and solution viscosity
- Petrochemicals: lubricants and fuel additives
- Quality control and incoming material inspection
- Research and method development
Specifications
| Models | VTiQ (ball bearing), VTiQ Air (air bearing) |
|---|---|
| Torque range | 0.2–100 mNm (VTiQ) | 0.01–100 mNm (VTiQ Air) |
| Rotational speed | 0.01–1500 rpm |
| Frequency range | 0.1–20 Hz (VTiQ) | 0.1–50 Hz (VTiQ Air) |
| Viscosity range | 0.001–600,000 Pa·s |
| Temperature modules | Peltier (−5 to 160°C) | Liquid (−20 to 180°C) | Electric (to 300°C) |
| Geometries | Coaxial cylinders, double-gap, parallel plates, cones, vane rotors |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 270 × 500 × 500 mm |
| Weight | 18 kg |
| Connectivity | TCP/IP, 2× USB |
| Power | 100–240V, 50/60 Hz (auto-switching) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the VTiQ and VTiQ Air?
The VTiQ uses a ball bearing with a torque range of 0.2–100 mNm and frequency range to 20 Hz. The VTiQ Air replaces this with an air bearing, extending sensitivity to 0.01 mNm and frequency range to 50 Hz. The VTiQ Air is the smallest commercially available oscillation air-bearing rheometer, providing research-grade viscoelastic characterisation in a compact QC form factor.
Can the Viscotester iQ measure viscoelastic properties (G', G'')?
Yes. The optional oscillation mode (standard on VTiQ Air) enables full viscoelastic characterisation: storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G''), phase angle (δ), and complex viscosity (|η*|). This goes beyond simple viscosity measurement to characterise gel strength, structural recovery, and flow behaviour under oscillatory deformation.
What temperature ranges are available?
Three interchangeable temperature modules are available: Peltier (−5 to 160°C for cylinders, 0 to 140°C for plates), liquid bath (−20 to 180°C for cylinders, −10 to 160°C for plates), and electric heater (up to 300°C for cylinders). The modules attach to the same instrument body.
Can the instrument be used without a PC?
Yes. The Viscotester iQ can operate fully standalone via its onboard touchscreen, or using RheoApp which loads methods from a USB flash drive. PC software control via TCP/IP is also available for advanced method development, reporting, and data management.
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