University of Delaware

Waters Investments Limited

Matthew Liberatore

Norman Joseph Wagner

Nigel Doe

Peter Foster

A rheometric system includes an optical encoder coupled to a rotating shaft and configured to detect a rotational position of the shaft with respect to a reference. The rotational information is forwarded to a program or memory. An optical rotation plate is mechanically fastenable to the rotating shaft. A laser is provided to probe optical properties of a fluid sample proximate to the optical rotation plate. The system includes a detector system for measuring laser light scattered or transmitted through the sample chamber. The detector system is coupled to a memory that stores optical data collected after light impinges on the optical plate. Experimental fluid sample optical data and background optical data are each stored as a data structure that creates a point by point map of rotational position of the sample plate with the optical data collected thereat. A program or routine is provided that can correct point by point along the optical rotation plate the experimental sample optical data using the background optical data.

System and method for improved optical measurements during rheometric measurements

An optical rheometer system includes a rheometer chamber that can retain a fluid sample to be measured. A light source is provided that creates a light beam incident on the fluid sample. A Peltier heating plate is provided that has a channel region located within the plate. The channel region is configured to substantially transmit a light beam emitted from the light source and incident on the Peltier heating plate. In one embodiment, a rotating optical plate is provided opposed to a first surface of the Peltier plate. The rotating optical plate is substantially transparent such that light from a light beam emerging from the channel region of the Peltier plate can pass through the optical plate and be recorded at a detector. Peltier elements in the Peltier heating plate are arranged to provide uniform heating of sample fluid located on the first surface of the Peltier heating plate. The Peltier elements are further arranged to permit light to pass through the channel substantially unattenuated.

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Arvada, CO, United States of America

Matthew Liberatore