Rheonics Support

What products are involved?
Rheonics DVM HPHT ultra-high accuracy all-in-one density viscosity temperature meter.

What is the purpose of this article?
To give an overview of the DTCM, thermal control module for Rheonics DVM.

1. Overview

The DTCM is Rheonics Thermal Control Module for the HPHT (High pressure and temperature) density and viscosity module DVM. The DTCM is custom-designed to ensure uniform temperature distribution across the DVM (Density Viscosity module), heating and cooling are achieved through a high-efficiency, fast thermal device (DTCM-PL) with an advanced model-based controller.

The DTCM was designed after extensive simulation and testing to ensure high stability and accurate control of temperature around the DVM. This ensures highly accurate viscosity and density readings from the sensor. The data that DTCM generates is controlled and monitored by the DTCM HMI which has an integrated display to show and track the measurements.

Rheonics DVM

The DVM is an in-line sensor capable of measuring Viscosity, Density, and Temperature simultaneously. This sensor is designed to work in high-pressure (up to 30,000 psi, 2100 bar) and temperature (up to 200°C, 400°F) applications with ultra-high accuracy. This sensor requires less than 0.7 cc fluid sample to measure and its wetted parts are made of Titanium Gr. 5 (3.7165).

Figure 1. Rheonics DVM

2. Specifications of the DTCM-PL

The DTCM is composed of the Thermal Chamber and the controller (HMI). They communicate through a single cable and can be mounted on top of the other as shown in the next image.

Figure 2. Rheonics DTCM

Figure 3. Rheonics DTCM Dimensions

Table 1. Specifications of the DTCM - PL

3. Why use the DTCM?

DTCM eliminates the requirement of bulky and expensive thermal test chambers (also known as climate chambers) for temperature control. It reduces the size of the equipment to that of a small coffee machine like Nespresso while achieving 10 times better stability and uniformity as compared to a typical 100-liter commercial thermal chamber. It enables HPHT (High-Pressure High-Temperature) fluid analysis with DVM (Density Viscosity Module) in the field and mobile units without compromising data integrity.

Relevance of Temperature in Viscosity and Density readings

When measuring the viscosity and density of a fluid, the temperature should be controlled, since a slight change in temperature can have an impact on the viscosity and density of a fluid. 

The DTCM is a solution for Rheonics DVM, which allows the user to control the temperature of the fluid, maintaining correct temperature distribution around the DVM, while measuring the viscosity and density of the fluid.

Temperature accuracy is also key when performing calibration verifications.

4. Alternatives Temperature Control Systems

When temperature control is required for the DVM operation, some alternatives to the DTCM are baths and thermal ovens. These are commonly used but have disadvantages predominantly in the form factor and temperature accuracy.

Table 2. Alternatives Temperature Control Systems vs Rheonics DTCM

Alternatives Temperature Control Systems vs Rheonics DTCM
Product Characteristics	Rheonics DTCM - PL	Heat Trace	Viscosity Bath	Laboratory Oven	Climate Chamber
Size	257 x 210 x 235 (mm)	Defined by customer	420 x 585 x 375 (mm)	440 x 590 x 465 (mm)	800 x 800 x 800 (mm)
Temperature Range	10 °C to 150 °C	65 °C to 200 °C	5 °C to 100°C	30 °C to 250°C	10 °C to 350 °C
Temperature Accuracy	0.05 °C	5 °C	0.1 °C	5 °C	0.5 °C

5. Additional Resources

[1] Download DTCM G2 Drawing

[2] Download DTCM G2 Training deck

[3] DTCM Website