MEASUREMENT OF SURFACE TENSION AND OTHER RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF LIQUIDS

摘要

Apparatus for monitoring the surface tension properties of a liquid comprises a moveable member, such a rotating cylinder (6), the surface of which carries a number of liquid accumulation sites such a pits (e.g. 28). Liquid is applied to the surface by application means, such as a spray nozzle (4), to be retained at said sites, at least in part, by surface tension forces. The member is accelerated by a motor (11) so as to exert release forces on the liquid at the accumulation sites. The relative magnitudes of the release and surface tension forces vary in a predetermined fashion across the surface so that the release of accumulations from the sites define the pattern related to the surface tension, the pattern being monitored by suitable monitoring means, such as a camera. A method of monitoring surface tension properties of a liquid is also shown.