Process Rheology
Continuous monitoring systems in chemical processing utilize pressure drop measurements across a calibrated tube to determine fluid flow resistance. For the production of regenerated cellulose and high grade flax wet spinning processes, inline capillary viscometry provides real-time measurement of the viscosity of spinning dopes and liquid polymers. This analytical technique operates directly within the main product feed line, eliminating the need for manual sampling.
It is bounded by the temperature and pressure limits of the pressure transducers mounted along the capillary tube.
Flow Dynamics
The measurement relies on forcing the liquid through a narrow capillary of known dimensions at a controlled flow rate. In the inline capillary viscometry system, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the capillary is directly proportional to the dynamic viscosity of the fluid. Since linen spin dope exhibits non-Newtonian behavior, maintaining a constant shear rate within the capillary is essential for accurate profiling.
Transducers record these pressures and transmit them to the central process controller for immediate adjustment of polymer formulation or temperature.
Spin Dope Control
Using these real-time values, the spinning mill maintains uniform fiber extrusion. Sudden drops in viscosity indicate polymer degradation, prompting immediate chemical dosage correction. This inline control prevents filament breakage during the wet spinning stage.