Viscosity measurement apparatus and method

Abstract

A method and apparatus for measuring the viscosity of a sample solution. A capillary (2) having first and second spaced apart detection windows (W1,W2) is filled with a carrier solution. A plug (4) or a continuous volume (4) of a sample solution is injected into the first end of the capillary (2) and pumped through the capillary (2) at a first pump pressure passing through the first and second detection windows (W1,W2). At least part of each detection window (W1,W2) is illuminated with a light source. Light from the light source passing through the carrier solution or the sample solution at each detector window (W1,W2) is detected using an array detector (6) comprising a two dimensional array of detector locations which generates an array detector output signal indicative of the profile of light absorbance of the sample solution plug (4) or flow front (4) passing through each detection window (W1,W2). From this the time difference between the time of detection of the sample solution plug (4) or flow front (4) at each detection window (W1,W2) is determined allowing the specific viscosity ?sp of the sample solution to be calculated taking into account a known time difference between the time of detection at each detection window (W1,W2) for a plug (4) or flow front (4) of a reference sample solution whose viscosity is approximately equal to the viscosity of the carrier solution when pumped at the first pump pressure.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring the relative viscosity and specific viscosity of a sample solution. Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for simultaneously measuring solution viscosity, solute concentration, diffusion coefficient, and size. Background technique [0002] Ultraviolet (UV) absorption is a key technique used in separation science to analyze species (molecules, ions, etc.) in a sample. A particular assembly employing this technique is disclosed in US Patent No. US-7262847 and European Patent No. EP-1530716-B1 belonging to the applicant. US Patent No. US-7262847 discloses an optical assembly comprising a light source, a plurality of sample containers in the form of capillaries and a detector. The capillary is arranged in the light path created between the light source and the detector in such a way that light rays can propagate through the capillary. The light source provides a parallel light ...

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Problems solved by technology

Moreover, PCT patent applications PCT / EP2009 / 053013 does not give advice on the distribution and viscosity of said species based on environmental detection

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