Rheometric measurement system

Abstract

Rheometry systems for use with systems including pressurized polymer melt and / or other viscous materials are described. In one embodiment, a rheometer is connected to an associated system having a bent, curved, or bendable tube to allow the rheometer to measure rheological properties at a location that would otherwise be inaccessible to position the rheometer there due to the presence of an obstruction. Embodiments including rigid straight tubes for connecting the rheometer to the associated system are also described. In another embodiment, a flow-through rheometer is connected to an industry standard 1 / 2-20 thermowell orifice, which is commonly used to attach temperature and pressure probes to vessels containing viscous materials, such as extruders or injection molding systems.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201780076676.0, filed October 13, 2017, entitled "Rheometric Measurement System."

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 408,657, filed October 14, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to rheometric measurement systems (also referred to as "rheometers"), and in particular to real-time and / or on-line rheometers. BACKGROUND

[0005] In manufacturing and laboratory environments, it is desirable to accurately measure the rheological properties (i.e., viscosity or melt flow index) of plastic deformable materials, such as synthetic resins, pastes, slurries, and food substances, while being processed. Plastic deformable materials such as these are melted or mixed and then extruded or injection molded to form solid objects, such as injection molded parts, extruded shapes, fibers, extruded films, and shaped food fillings. In rheological studies of these materials, various parameters can be detected and analyzed, including, for example, the mixing, flow, viscosity, and properties of plastic materials being extruded through a container. In manufacturing applications, the rheology of materials being extruded or injection molded can also be monitored for quality control of process parameters.

[0006] Rheometers for measuring the above properties can be used to provide continuous measurements of melt flow index, apparent viscosity, or intrinsic viscosity directly on an extruder. Typically, a rheometer can include three main parts: a rheometric sensing unit (RSU) that is directly connected to the process and samples, inspects, and measures the properties of the resin, and can be mounted in various orientations on an extruder, reactor, or molten polymer transfer line; a rheometric control unit (RCU) that controls the measurement parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate) of the RSU and provides communication with a user interface (UI); and a UI that can be used to manage test parameters and provide measured and calculated material properties and rheological data or other suitable parameters, similar to a laboratory capillary rheometer, melt flow index tester (MFI), plastometer. SUMMARY

[0007] According to one embodiment, a rheometric measurement system can include a flow-through rheometer having an inlet and an outlet. The system can also include a tube having one or more bends or curves connected to the inlet of the rheometer. Additionally, a thermowell connection adapter can be attached to the tube, where the thermowell connection adapter is configured and arranged to attach to an orifice positioned along a flow path of a viscous material in an extruder or injection molding system. Additionally, the flow path can pass through an open end of the thermowell connection adapter to the inlet of the flow-through rheometer.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a material processing system can include a vessel for containing a viscous material, and the vessel can include one or more orifices extending from an exterior of the vessel to an interior of the vessel. Additionally, at least a portion of the one or more orifices can include a 1 / 2-20 thread. A flow-through rheometer can also be connected to the one or more orifices including the 1 / 2-20 thread.

[0009] It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed below can be arranged in any suitable format, but the disclosure is not limited in this regard. Additionally, the foregoing and other aspects, embodiments and features of the present teachings can become more apparent from the following description, including the description of the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The non-limiting embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are by way of illustration, and not necessarily drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical, or nearly identical, component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is called out in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the present disclosure specifically described in the text. Now, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a pressure sensor of the prior art mounted on one or more orifices positioned along the length of an extruder barrel;

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a rheometer attached to an extruder barrel via an elbow;

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a rheometer attached to an extruder barrel;

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a tube configured to attach at one end to a rheometer and at the other end to an extruder barrel;

[0015] Figure 4A is Figure 4An enlarged view of the end of the tube shown in FIG. 1 that is capable of being attached to an extruder barrel;

[0016] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a capillary rheometer. Figure 4 is a schematic view of a capillary rheometer.

[0017] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a capillary rheometer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] One of the biggest obstacles for polymer processors to adopt real-time rheometry is the mechanical connection of the rheometric device to the processing equipment. Some larger units use large inline flange units, or require flanged side port connections. Other units use standard M18 threaded ports with tapered metal seals, as these ports are large enough to mount a rheometer directly and allow the rheometer to include both a flow inlet and a return flow port in the same port. Additionally, having the rheometer attached directly to the barrel portions and returning the polymer melt after testing helps avoid material waste and avoid changes in the polymer melt properties due to the material being held at these elevated temperatures for longer periods of time as it is transported to the rheometer at a distance from the barrel.

[0019] In addition to the above, many extruder or injection molding systems include one or more standard 1 / 2-20 threaded ports (i.e., 1 / 2 inch outer diameter ports, 20 threads / inch) that extend from the interior surface of the extruder or injection molding system barrel, nozzle, mold, and / or other portions of the system to the exterior surface along the flow path of the material flowing through the system. Additionally, these ports are commonly used with temperature and pressure probes. Additionally, these ports are not used with rheometers as the size of these ports is reduced compared to the more standard M18 threaded ports that are commonly used with larger flow-through / flow-over / flow- past rheometers. Specifically, the reduced area increases the pressure drop at the connection, which can not be suitable for use with return flow rheometers as the reduced size prevents the use of a flow-in tube and a return flow tube within the port. In addition to the above, the 1 / 2-20 ports are commonly located at locations along the material flow path where it is not possible to attach a rheometer directly to the system due to various obstructions along and / or around these locations. Thus, these ports are not used as it is difficult to connect a rheometer directly at these locations. Additionally, attempting to connect a rheometer to these ports would inevitably transport the material with tubing, which would result in an increased distance of the polymer melt being transported, which as discussed above, can result in changes in the properties of the material being measured.

[0020] In summary, the present inventors have recognized the benefits associated with a rheometer that can be connected to a vessel that includes a flow of viscous material, such as an extruder or injection molding system, that has a shaped, curved, bent, or bendable tube to allow the rheometer to measure the properties of the polymer melt at various locations where the rheometer otherwise cannot be positioned due to the presence of obstacles that hinder direct installation of the system, while also taking into account the time-temperature curve of the polymer melt to avoid excessive changes in the material properties. Additionally, the present inventors have recognized the benefits associated with a flow-through rheometer that can be connected to an industry standard 1 / 2-20 thermowell port located along the flow path of the material through an extruder or injection molding system. Of course, it is contemplated that embodiments of both concepts can be combined.

[0021] Turning now to the drawings, several specific embodiments are described in greater detail. It should be understood, however, that the various features and aspects described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be used alone or in any suitable combination, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. While the current embodiments described above and with reference to the following drawings relate to polymer processing systems, such as extrusion and / or injection molding systems, the disclosed systems for measuring rheological properties can be used with any suitable system that includes a flow of viscous material. Thus, the described systems can be combined with a port formed in any suitable vessel that contains a flow of viscous material. Additionally, the described systems can also be used to characterize materials other than polymer melts, including but not limited to glue, oil, food (e.g., chocolate), and other suitable viscous materials, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a prior art extruder or injection molding system 2. The depicted system includes an extruder barrel 4 that contains a volume of polymer melt 8. One or more conventional melt pressure sensors 10 are typically installed in one or more ports 12 positioned along the length of the flow path of the material through the extrusion device, such as the extruder barrel. As the molten material flows past the sensor and toward the extrusion die 6, the pressure of the molten material is measured. Typically, conventional melt pressure sensors have threads along the outside of the sensor housing that mate with corresponding threads in the extruder barrel port to mechanically secure the sensor in the port with the front end of the sensor disposed in the port and exposed to the flow of melt within the barrel port. A high pressure seal is formed on a tapered seat positioned between the high pressure cavity and the threads (not shown). The connection used with these pressure sensors is commonly referred to in the industry as a 1 / 2-20 thermowell type connection. Additionally, multiple 1 / 2-20 thermowell type connections have typically been included at various locations along the barrel of the system. Thus, providing a system to measure rheological properties through a 1 / 2-20 thermowell connection can eliminate the need to modify existing systems to include larger ports for connecting the system in order to measure the rheological characteristics within the barrel.

[0023] Figure 2 An embodiment of a rheometry system associated with a pressurized polymer melt contained within a vessel is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the vessel containing the polymer melt corresponds to a barrel 4 of an extruder or injection molding system 2 similar to that described above, although it should be understood that these orifices can be located at any point along the flow path of material flowing through the extruder or injection molding system as described above. A tube 14 is in fluid communication with the pressurized polymer melt located within the barrel by connection with an orifice 12 formed in the wall of the barrel or other vessel. The tube is also in fluid communication with an associated rheometer 16 by way of an adapter 18 and valve 20. In some embodiments, the valve 20 can also include a purge port 20a such that the valve can be operated to divert the flow so that it is output through the purge port, thereby maintaining material flow through the transfer line so as to avoid stagnation and / or degradation of the material within the transfer line. Thus, the pressurized polymer can flow from the interior of the barrel through the tube to the associated rheometer. In some embodiments, the rheometer can be a flow-through rheometer. Thus, the polymer melt can be discharged from the flow-through rheometer to the environment, for example, into a waste container, without being sent back to the barrel or other pressurized vessel. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this can be beneficial as discharging the polymer melt to the environment more closely mimics capillary rheometer measurements as compared to more typical backflow rheometers.

[0024] While the rheometer has been depicted as being attached to the barrel of an extruder or injection molding system using a tube as described above, it should be understood that the rheometer can be attached to the system at any point along the flow path of viscous material through a vessel containing the viscous material in the system, including but not limited to a barrel, nozzle, mold, or other suitable portion of the system. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rheometer can be attached directly to the orifice formed in the wall of the vessel without using a tube as shown. Figure 3

[0025] Turning again to Figure 2 , the depicted tube 14 can be secured to the wall of the barrel 4 using pressure resistant securing mechanisms (i.e., threads, welds, and other suitable connecting features) to secure the tube within the wall. As further described below, the tube can also include a sealing surface that cooperatively seals the connection with a mating surface formed on the associated wall. For example, in one embodiment, the sealing surface can correspond to a ½-20 thermowell connection formed by the mating portions of the tube and orifice. Depending on the particular embodiment, the tube can be positioned within the orifice 12 such that the open end of the tube is exposed to the pressurized melt in non-flow obstructing relation (i.e., the tube does not extend into the interior of the barrel). However, embodiments in which the tube extends into the interior of the barrel or other vessel are also contemplated, although the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0026] Again, for example,​Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, connecting a pressurized polymer melt 8 within a vessel such as a barrel 4 to a tube 14 of an associated rheometer 16 can include one or more bends 14a along the length of the barrel. This can allow the use of the rheometer at locations along the barrel where direct attachment of the rheometer to the barrel would be impeded. Depending on the particular embodiment, the tube can simply be flexible and / or malleable enough to form the desired bend in the tube during installation. Depending on the particular application, the tube can be rigid enough to maintain the bent shape after release. For example, in one embodiment, the tube can be bent into the desired shape during installation and can maintain that shape after installation. Alternatively, the tube can be rigid enough that it cannot be bent into a shape during installation. Conversely, the tube can be provided in a pre-shaped configuration, although the disclosure is not limited in this regard. Suitable materials for the tube include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, steel, high-strength Ni-Cr alloys, and / or any other suitable material.

[0027] In some embodiments, it can be desirable to maintain the temperature of the polymer melt as it travels down the length of the tube. Accordingly, one or more heaters 22 can extend along the length of the tube 14 such that the heater heats at least a portion of the tube, and in some cases the entire length of the tube. The heater can correspond to any suitable type of heater including, but not limited to, a radiant heater, an induction heater, a conductive heater, a conductive heater, and / or direct resistance heating of the tube itself, although the disclosure is not limited in this regard. Depending on the particular application, the one or more heaters can maintain the temperature of the polymer melt in the tube between about 200°C and 500°C, between 250°C and 500°C, between 300°C and 500°C, or any other suitable temperature, including temperatures greater than and less than the above temperatures. For example, in cases where the system is used to monitor materials other than polymer melts (such as glue, oil, and / or food), the temperature of the material can be between room temperature (about 20°C) and 200°C.

[0028] Because polymer melt properties vary with time and temperature, the length of the tubing used to convey the pressurized polymer melt stream to the associated rheometer can be limited to a length that limits the variation of the polymer melt properties. Additionally, in some embodiments, curved or bent tubing can also be used that avoids sudden changes in direction (e.g., sharp elbows) that can induce excessive shear in the flowing material by changing the material properties, although it is also contemplated that the piping system have discrete components such as elbows. In one embodiment, the length of the flow path extending through the tubing can be greater than or equal to 1 inch, 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches, or any other suitable length. Additionally, the length of the flow path can be less than or equal to 100 inches, 48 inches, 36 inches, 30 inches, 24 inches, 18 inches, 12 inches, and / or any other suitable length. Combinations of the above lengths are contemplated, including, for example, tubing having a flow path length between or equal to 1 inch and 100 inches, or between or equal to 6 inches and 36 inches. However, other combinations of the above lengths, as well as flow path lengths greater and smaller than those described above, are also contemplated, although the disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0029] Because the systems described herein are used to characterize high temperature materials, such as high temperature polymer melts, in some embodiments, it is desirable for the tubing used to convey the pressurized material to the associated rheometer to have an elevated continuous operating temperature that is compatible with the operating temperature and pressure of the pressurized material within the material processing system. Specifically, the tubing can have a high enough melting point and sufficient yield and / or tensile strength to be able to continuously operate to convey the pressurized material stream to the general purpose rheometer at the temperature and pressure of the pressurized material without failing during operation. In one particular application, the material from which the tubing is made can be able to continuously operate at a temperature greater than or equal to 200 °C, 250 °C, 300 °C, or any other suitable temperature. Accordingly, the material can be able to continuously operate at a temperature less than or equal to 500 °C, 400 °C, 300 °C, or any other suitable temperature. For example, the tubing can be made from a material that is able to continuously operate at a temperature between 250 °C and 500 °C, although other combinations of the above ranges are also contemplated. While particular temperature ranges for continuous operation have been described above, it should be understood that materials suitable for operation at temperatures lower and higher than those described above are also contemplated, including temperatures as low as room temperature and / or lower than room temperature (approximately 20 °C).

[0030] Depending on the particular application, the containers, such as the barrels, dies, and / or molded parts described, and the associated tubes, connections, and rheometers can be subjected to varying degrees of pressure. Thus, to avoid leaks, it is desirable to construct the components to operate under these pressures without leaking, as described further below. The components can be constructed to withstand pressures without leaking that can be greater than or equal to 100 pounds per square inch (psi), 200 psi, 500 psi, 1000 psi, or any other suitable pressure. The components can be constructed to withstand pressures without leaking that can be less than or equal to 40,000 psi, 20,000 psi, 10,000 psi, 5000 psi, 1000 psi, 500 psi, or any other suitable pressure. Combinations of the above pressure ranges can be contemplated, including, for example, pressures between 100 psi and 10,000 psi, and between 1000 psi and 5000 psi. However, other combinations of the above pressure ranges, as well as pressures less than and greater than the above pressure ranges, are possible, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0031] Having generally described the rheometric sensing unit and its attachment to an associated pressurized polymer melt or other material for characterization, reference is now made to Figure 2 The operation of the system is further described. When it is desired to measure the rheological properties of the polymer melt 8, the valve 20 in flow communication with and controlling the flow of the polymer melt is opened, and the tube 4 is selectively moved from the closed position to the open position to selectively allow the polymer melt to flow from the barrel 4 along the flow path through the tube. Alternatively, the valve can be positioned such that the purge port 20a is open and the polymer melt is output through the purge port to maintain material flow through the tube when the rheometer is not in use. In either case, as the polymer melt travels through the tube, the polymer melt is maintained at a desired temperature by one or more heaters 22 positioned along the length of the tube. During operation of the rheometer, the polymer melt flows through the adapter 18 and the valve 20, which is open at this time, into the inlet of the flow-through rheometer 16. Once the polymer melt is within the rheometer, the polymer melt is characterized and subsequently discharged from the rheometer through the outlet to the environment without returning to the barrel. For example, the polymer melt passing through the flow-through rheometer can be output into a waste container, such as a bucket (not shown). Once the measurement of the rheological properties of the polymer melt is complete, the valve can be moved from the open position to the closed position to terminate the flow through the associated tube and rheometer. The valve can be manually operated and / or a suitable pneumatic, hydraulic, electromagnetic, or any other suitable type of actuator can be used to selectively move the valve between the open and closed positions.

[0032] Reference is now made to Figure 2 and Figure 3Signals corresponding to measured properties of the polymer melt or other material are output from the rheometer 16 to the controller 100. For example, flow rate, pressure, and / or temperature signals measured by the rheometer can be output to the controller. These signals can then be used to control the temperature and pressure of the rheometer using any suitable control loop. The signals can also be used to determine one or more rheological properties, such as melt flow index, apparent viscosity, and / or intrinsic viscosity, which can then be presented on a display 102 in electrical communication with the controller. The display can depict data from the rheometer in any suitable manner, including numerical, textual, and / or graphical formats. Depending on the particular embodiment, the controller can also be in electrical communication with a user interface (not shown) for inputting commands such as user input to manipulate the flow rate, pressure, and / or temperature used in the rheometer to capture the measured material properties. Communication between the rheometer and the controller can be provided in any suitable manner, including but not limited to a wired connection, a wireless transmitter, communication with a remote computing device and / or server, and any other suitable type of communication, although the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. For example, a remote computing device can be used to view data from the rheometer and determined rheological properties, and in some embodiments, the computing device can also be used to interact with and remotely control operation of the rheometer.

[0033] Although not described above, the controller 100 of the rheometer 16 can also be in electrical communication with a controller of an associated extruder or injection molding system. Thus, an open or closed feedback loop can be implemented in which measured rheological properties of the polymer melt 8 can be used to change one or more operating parameters of the extruder or injection molding system. These operating parameters can include, but are not limited to, pressure, temperature of the polymer melt, extrusion and / or injection rate of the polymer melt, proportions of polymer material mixtures, such as virgin and regrind materials, and / or any other suitable control parameters, although the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0034] Further reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5Details relating to one embodiment of a tube and associated connections for connecting a rheometer to a vessel containing a pressurized flow of viscous material, such as an extruder or injection molding system, are described. In the illustrated embodiment, an adapter 18 includes a first interface 22a that connects to an inlet of an associated rheometer and a second interface 22b positioned on an opposite side of the adapter for connecting to one end of a tube 14. The other end of the tube 14 is attached to a ½-20 process adapter 32 that forms part of a thermowell connection adapter. In particular, the process adapter includes a first end 34 that includes a threaded recess that attaches to the tube. A thermowell shank 42, which can be straight, stepped, and / or tapered, extends from the first end such that an orifice extends through the shank to an open second end 40 that is exposed to the polymer melt within a barrel. In some embodiments, the length of the shank can be selected such that the shank does not extend into the polymer melt when installed in the wall of an associated barrel or other pressure vessel. In some embodiments, the shank includes a threaded portion 36 that, as noted above, can include ½-20 threads. A tapered sealing surface 38 can also be included on the shank such that the process adapter can form a pressure seal with a corresponding tapered surface in a thermowell connection formed in the barrel.

[0035] While any suitable connections can be used in the above-described system, in some embodiments it can be desirable that one or more connections associated with the system are detachable while the various components remain non-rotatable relative to one another in a desired orientation and / or shape. This can include connections such as the connection 24 between the rheometer adapter and the tube and / or the connection between the tube and the process adapter 32 that connects to the barrel. This can allow, for example, Figure 5 the tube, as shown, includes one or more bends 14a to connect to the extrusion barrel and / or the rheometer while maintaining the tube in a desired orientation and position to avoid one or more obstacles associated with the system being monitored by the rheometer. In one such embodiment, the connection 24 can correspond to a high pressure seal that includes a female connection portion having a sealing surface formed in the adapter and a collar and gland positioned on the tube that forms a pressure seal when tightened. As also shown in the figures, the connection between the tube 14 and the process adapter 32 can correspond to a gland and collar connection that includes a threaded gland 26 that is rotatable relative to the tube and is threaded into the threaded first end 34 of the process adapter. When the gland is rotated, a collar 28 located within the first end of the process adapter is compressed and a tapered metal sealing surface located on the distal portion or end of the tube is pressed against a corresponding sealing surface of the process adapter to form a pressure seal therebetween.

[0036] While a particular type of connection is described above and shown in the drawings, it should be understood that any suitable type of connection that is capable of forming a pressure seal for a desired pressure range and connecting the tube and associated rheometer to the pressurized vessel in a desired orientation and position can be used, but the present disclosure is not limited in this manner.

[0037] Figure 6 One embodiment of a rheometer that can be used with the above-described embodiments is shown in FIG. 1. In the depicted embodiment, the rheometer includes an inlet through which a polymer melt from a process being monitored enters. Subsequently, the polymer melt is passed through a pump, such as the depicted gear pump, which transports a quantity of the polymer melt to an associated chamber at a desired pressure and / or flow rate. A pressure sensor is disposed within the chamber for measuring the pressure therein. As the polymer melt flows into the chamber, the polymer melt also passes through a temperature control zone in which the polymer melt reaches a desired temperature for measurement purposes. For a particular capillary viscosity test, the outlet of the chamber can have a desired length to diameter ratio. To properly control the applied pressure for a given viscosity test, a control loop can be implemented using a signal from the pressure sensor, a pressure setpoint based on a suitable load standard, and other suitable parameters to control the motor speed of a variable speed motor driving the gear pump to maintain one or more operating parameters for the desired material characterization test. Based on the foregoing, the sensed pressure and / or flow rate of the material from the chamber through the outlet as the material flows through the outlet can be related to the viscosity of the polymer melt.

[0038] While a particular rheometer is described above with respect to the drawings, it should be understood that any suitable type of rheometer, including flow-through, backflow, and batch analysis rheometers, can be used with the various embodiments described herein, but the present disclosure is not limited to any particular type of rheometer.

[0039] The controls and controllers described herein can be implemented in any of a variety of ways. For example, embodiments can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers. Such processors can be implemented as integrated circuits, with one or more processors in an integrated circuit component, including commercially available integrated circuit components such as CPUs, GPUs, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or co-processors. Alternatively, a processor can be implemented by a custom circuit, such as an ASIC, or by a semicustom circuit produced using a configuration programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. As yet a further alternative, a processor can be a portion of a larger circuit or semiconductor device, whether commercially available, semi-custom, or custom. As a specific example, some commercially available microprocessors have multiple cores such that one or a subset of those cores can constitute a processor. However, a processor can be implemented using circuitry in almost any format.

[0040] Additionally, it should be appreciated that a computing device used as a controller for the systems described herein can be implemented in any of a variety of forms, such as a rackmount computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer. Additionally, a computing device used as a controller for the described systems can be embedded in a device that is not generally considered a computing device but that has suitable processing capabilities, including a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a tablet, or any other suitable portable or fixed electronic device.

[0041] In cases where the computing device is remote from the system being monitored and / or controlled, the computing device can use any suitable operating protocol. Including, but not limited to, the Windows Internet of Things (IoT) Remote Client application or other suitable operating system or program. For example, the Windows IoT Remote Client application is part of the Remote Display and Sensors technology program, is optional for devices running IoT Core, and is a companion Windows 10 device that runs this application. This can be used to connect two devices. Thus, a Windows 10 IoT Core device can send a user interface to a display on the companion device, while receiving input and sensor data in return. This can allow for full remote control of a rheological sensing unit from a Windows 10 desktop PC, tablet, phone, or other computing device. Of course, it should be appreciated that any application, program, operating system, or other method of remotely monitoring and / or operating a rheological sensing unit can be used, but the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0042] In view of the above, in some embodiments, the rheometry sensing unit can be capable of displaying a user interface on a remote computer, phone, tablet, or other computing device to provide information to a user. Other ways in which information can be provided to an operator include text messages, emails, or other similar digital communications. Additionally, in some embodiments, the remote computing device can be used to control the rheometry sensing unit using any suitable input device, including, for example, mouse clicks, touch, keyboard input, or other suitable user input. This can enable an operator to remotely monitor and / or change the operation of the rheometer. Thus, the system can be monitored and / or controlled on a regular basis without requiring the operator to be on site. In addition to regular monitoring, information can be sent to the remote computing device when a monitored quantity (e.g., pressure, temperature, and / or a measured material property (e.g., melt flow index, apparent viscosity, and / or intrinsic viscosity)) is above an upper alarm threshold or below a lower alarm threshold and when a preconfigured state of the system changes.

[0043] In addition to this, the computing devices can have one or more input and output devices. These devices can be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include printers or display screens for providing a visual presentation of output and speakers or other sound generating devices for providing audible presentations of output. Examples of input devices that can be used for a user interface include keyboards, and pointing devices, such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets. As another example, a computing device can receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible formats.

[0044] In addition to this, plastic processing machinery operates at high temperatures. Thus, operators performing work on the machinery often wear gloves, which makes interaction with touch screens, keyboards, and other human-machine interface elements difficult. Thus, in some embodiments, the computing device associated with the system can include suitable audio input and speech recognition software to enable the system to accept voice commands (similar to iPhone Siri) to change machine parameters and / or set points. This can enable an operator to operate a hot device while wearing gloves, while still interacting with the system. Similarly, an audio device, i.e., a speaker, can be included in the system to provide audio feedback regarding set parameters and / or measured quantities to enable an operator to feedback without having to check a display.

[0045] The computing devices described above can be interconnected by one or more networks in any suitable form, including as a local area network or a wide area network, such as an enterprise network or the Internet. Such networks can be based on any suitable technology and can operate according to any suitable protocol and can include wireless networks, wired networks or fiber optic networks.

[0046] Furthermore, the various methods or processes outlined herein can be coded as software that is executable on one or more processors that employ any one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally, such software can be written using any of a number of suitable programming languages and / or programming or scripting tools, and also can be compiled as executable machine language code or intermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine.

[0047] In this respect, the disclosed embodiments can be embodied as a computer readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs (CD), optical discs, digital video disks (DVD), magnetic tapes, flash memories, circuit configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or other tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform a method to achieve the various embodiments of the application discussed above. As apparent from the foregoing examples, the computer readable storage medium can be a non-transitory computer readable medium that can include a tangible computer readable storage medium plus transmission, such as transmission over the Internet. As used herein, the term "tangible computer readable storage medium" encompasses only a computer readable medium that can be considered to be a manufacture (i.e., an article of manufacture) or a machine. Alternatively or additionally, the application can be embodied as a computer readable medium other than a computer readable storage medium, such as a propagating signal.

[0048] The terms "program" or "software" are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be employed to program a computing device or other processor to implement various aspects of the present application as discussed above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect of this embodiment, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present application need not reside on a single computer or processor, but can be distributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present application.

[0049] Computer-executable instructions can be in many forms, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, these program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically the functionality of the program modules can be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

[0050] Also, the data structures can be stored in computer-readable media in any suitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data structures can be shown having fields that are related through location in the data structure. Such relationships can likewise be achieved by assigning storage for the fields with locations in a computer-readable medium that convey relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism can be used to establish a relationship between information in fields of a data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags or other mechanisms that establish relationship between data elements.

[0051] While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

[0052] Various aspects of the devices and techniques described herein can be used alone, in combination, or in various arrangements not specifically described herein, thus, the description and drawings merely exemplify the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, aspects described in one embodiment can be combined with aspects described in other embodiments in any manner.

[0053] The use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. to modify a claim element does not imply any priority or order of one claim element over another, or the order of execution of method steps, but is used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) in the claims.

[0054] In addition, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as other items.

[0055] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of the disclosure, and that various embodiments, modifications and equivalents of the disclosure can occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the description.

Claims

1. A rheometry system, comprising: a flow-through rheometer including an inlet and an outlet; a tube, a first end of the tube connected to the inlet of the rheometer, a second end of the tube including a ½-20 threaded connection and configured to attach to an orifice of a vessel containing a viscous material, and the tube providing a flow path for the viscous material from the vessel through the rheometer; and a heater external to the rheometer surrounding a portion of the tube, the heater configured to heat at least a portion of the tube, the tube and the heater configured to maintain a temperature of the viscous material above a predetermined temperature after the viscous material passes through the ½-20 threaded connection and before reaching the flow-through rheometer. The tube includes one or more bends or curves along a length of the tube.

2. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The tube is continuously operable to deliver pressurized viscous material to the flow-through rheometer, and the predetermined temperature is a melting point of the viscous material.

3. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The second end of the tube is connectable to the orifice while maintaining the tube non-rotatable relative to the orifice.

4. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The second end of the tube is connectable to the orifice while maintaining the first end of the tube non-rotatable relative to the second end of the tube.

5. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The rheometry system further includes a valve in fluid communication with the tube and the flow-through rheometer, wherein the valve is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow polymer melt to flow to the rheometer.

6. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, A length of the flow path of the tube is between or equal to 6 inches and 36 inches.

7. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The vessel includes an extruder or an injection molding system, and the orifice is an orifice of the extruder or injection molding system.

8. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The rheometry system further includes a remote computing device in communication with the flow-through rheometer, wherein the remote computing device controls at least one operating parameter of the flow-through rheometer.

9. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The rheometry system further includes a remote computing device in communication with the flow-through rheometer, wherein the remote computing device displays at least one operating parameter of the flow-through rheometer.

10. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The rheometry system further includes a positive displacement pump configured to continuously deliver the viscous material to the flow-through rheometer.

11. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The rheometry system further includes a thermowell connection adapter attached to the tube, wherein the thermowell connection adapter is attached to one or more ½-20 threaded orifices.

12. The rheometry system of claim 1, wherein, The thermowell connection adapter and the tube collectively define at least a portion of a flow path between the vessel containing the viscous material and the inlet of the flow-through rheometer.

13. The rheometry system of claim 12, wherein, 14. A material processing system, comprising: a vessel for containing a viscous material, wherein the vessel includes one or more orifices extending from an exterior of the vessel to an interior of the vessel, at least a portion of the one or more orifices including a ½-20 thread; a flow-through rheometer; a tube extending from one or more of the orifices to an inlet of the flow-through rheometer; and a heater external to the rheometer surrounding a portion of the tube, the heater configured to heat at least a portion of the tube, the tube and the heater configured to maintain a temperature of the viscous material above a predetermined temperature after the viscous material passes through the ½-20 threaded connection and before reaching the flow-through rheometer. a heater external to the rheometer surrounding a portion of the tube, the heater configured to heat at least a portion of the tube, the heater and the tube configured to maintain a temperature of the viscous material above a predetermined temperature after the viscous material passes through the one or more orifices before reaching the flow-through rheometer.

15. The material processing system of claim 14, wherein, The material processing system further includes a thermowell connection adapter attached to the tube, wherein the thermowell connection adapter is attached to one or more ½-20 threaded orifices.

16. The material processing system of claim 14, wherein, The container is part of an extruder or an injection molding system.

17. The material processing system of claim 14, wherein, The material processing system further includes a remote computing device in communication with the flow-through rheometer, wherein the remote computing device controls at least one operating parameter of the flow-through rheometer.

18. The material processing system of claim 14, wherein, The material processing system further includes a remote computing device in communication with the flow-through rheometer, wherein the remote computing device displays at least one operating parameter of the flow-through rheometer.

19. The material processing system of claim 15, wherein, The thermowell connection adapter and the tube collectively define at least a portion of a flow path between the container containing the viscous material and the inlet of the flow-through rheometer.

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