Direct and/or opposing flowpath refrigeration

Abstract

Device for direct refrigeration has heat-conductable solid member with refrigerant passageway coursing through or about; and at least one test sample well in or in proximity to it, at least one solid, heat-generating member affixed or in proximity to it; and/or optional component(s) and/or feature(s). Heat-conductable solid member may have opposing refrigerant flowpaths containing conventional cooling material(s), for example, air, liquid methanol or ethylene glycol, but preferably, refrigerant for direct refrigeration. The member may be, for example, a block of copper and/or other material with a high heat-conductance, with one or more test sample well(s) for insertion of test sample cell(s) for low-temperature rotary viscometric yield stress testing of engine oils, or other testing. Heating may be employed. Dynamic temperature control can be facilitated by temperature sensor and/or controller system, with sensor(s) and/or heating element(s) strategically placed in or on the block. The device may be augmented or conjoined with or to a solid block thermoelectric cooling/heating contrivance which operates by the Peltier effect. Radially endowed correspondent cell pin and rotor bottom cup arrangement can for practical purposes provide nearly friction free action, essentially unencumbered by water/ice interference. Dry gas blanket delivery system and rotor key arrangements are provided as well.