With increased technology and automated functions in all types of laboratory equipment, the demands on lab technicians to complete a lot of measurements manually has largely been eliminated. However, automation and technology cannot offset bad habits or operator mistakes during the testing process.
There are several different steps in using a capillary rheometer that is still critical for the operator to perform or at least to accommodate for in the test settings. Taking a closer look at these steps or considerations before and during the testing process can help to increase efficiency and to provide the accurate and reliable test results.
Know The Equipment
Not every capillary rheometer operates in exactly the same. This is particularly true if there are different models of equipment in the lab or if there are older or newer testing equipment combined in one facility.
Always ensure complete understanding of the equipment before starting any test procedure. It will also be important to know what you want the test to provide based on the specific type of material to be tested. This information can help you to select the equipment that will be needed to provide the desired results.
Loading Samples
There will be different types of loading possibilities based on the specific sample material and equipment in use. Pellets are often easier to use that a molded disk type of sample, but it is important to understand how to load the sample correctly to get accurate results.
There will also be the importance of knowing the tests that can be completed using the capillary rheometer and if there are any possible limitations to the equipment that may impact the results. This is essential to determine before starting the test and is often overlooked when testing multiple samples in a fast-paced testing environment.