Traditional tools for measuring how thick or sticky a fluid is—called its viscosity—usually require a device to be physically inserted into the fluid. This can disturb the sample or simply be impossible in sensitive environments. Other non-contact methods require clear fluids or added particles, making them unsuitable in many cases.
The Invention
This invention introduces a non-contact, portable system that measures viscosity using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. It works by placing a fluid in a rotating tube next to a portable magnet and then tracking how the internal motion of the fluid changes as it spins up or slows down. These changes are recorded using special radio waves that interact with the fluid’s molecules—without ever touching it.
What’s Innovative
Instead of focusing on the fluid at rest or fully spinning, the system measures the transition time—how long the fluid takes to go from still to spinning or vice versa. This transition time depends directly on viscosity. The invention uses NMR to precisely measure this transition by detecting changes in magnetic signals caused by motion inside the fluid, offering a novel and accurate way to measure viscosity without needing transparency or additives.
Tangible Benefits
- Completely non-intrusive and contact-free
- Works with opaque or sensitive fluids
- Portable and compact—usable in labs, factories, or field conditions
- Provides fast, repeatable results
Broader Impact
This method could revolutionize industries where fluid testing is critical—such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals—by making testing safer, easier, and more accurate. It supports better quality control, reduces waste, and could become a new standard for sustainable, contactless testing in science and manufacturing.