Durable and Dependable

DCI test systems are designed and built with high quality components to ensure that the system will last and produce accurate and reliable results.  DCI understands that minimizing issues and maximizing the quality of the data allows our customers to be successful and profitable in their research endeavors. Some of the features and components that make DCI’s Foam Rheometers more durable and dependable are:

• High Accuracy Delta P transducers capable of withstanding overpressure without damage.
• Multiple Delta P transducers with different ranges to give the most accurate reading possible.
• High accuracy Coriolis Meter for measuring flow rate and density.
• Tubes outside the oven carefully insulated and heated to maintain constant fluid temperature.
• High Resolution Cameras and high quality lenses for capturing even the smallest bubbles.

Easy and Intuitive

Because DCI wants each system to have a quick learning curve and hassle free operation, key features have been designed to make operating the Foam Rheometer as easy as possible. These include:

• The Foam Quality image analysis system automatically identifies bubbles and reports back foam quality, bubble sizes, and number of bubbles.  Bubbles can be manually added or deleted right in the software.
• The software interface is easy to use and allows the user to create, edit, and save test profiles resulting in very little test set up time.
• Foam Quality and Foam Half Life can be measured in the same test.
• Strategically placed connections for water and air allow for quick and easy cleaning of a system after a test.
• The valve/gauge panels and software include easy to follow schematics that visually show the flow path of the plumbing and locations of the instrumentation
• Software layout allows users to easily monitor system parameters during a test.

More System for Less Money

DCI is able to provide better equipment for a lower cost.  This is possible for a number of reasons.  Some of these reasons include:

• DCI builds its own system components such as syringe pumps and automatic valves.
• Low overhead.  DCI as a company runs as efficiently as possible and passes those cost savings on to our customer.
• DCI strives to use innovative solutions to problems that both make the system better and save on cost.

Differential Pressure Measurement Module

Accurate differential pressure measurement is the key to accurate rheological properties. These measurements include differential pressure measurements over the length of the coiled tube.  Selecting the optimum differential measurement transducer(s) depends on the differential pressure to be measured as well as the system pressure rating. DCI engineers can help select the optimum differential pressure transducers, coil length, and coil diameter for a specific application.  Options are available for a proprietary DCI design using dual quartz pressure transducers with one part per billion resolution capability and an air-operated shorting valve between the two transducers to provide extremely accurate and stable differential pressure measurement.

Data Acquisition and Test Control System

Using the DCI custom software, data is acquired automatically from each transducer and instrument in the system. The software displays and records each system parameter as well as logs data from the integrated vision analysis software. From the vision analysis screen foam images, foam quality, bubble diameters, and average bubble diameters are recorded for further statistical analysis. This PC-based system provides test control capability for the system. A touch-screen interface allows the operator to create, edit and save test profiles, control which is the active accumulator, control oven temperature. Other screens allow for functions such as individual control of automatic valves. For maintenance purposes, entry of transducer calibration values can be set. During a test, measured parameters can be graphed and view in real time. This data acquisition and test control software is typically customized to each specific test system.