A resonating rheometer using two polymer membranes for measuring liquid viscosity and mass density

A resonating sensor for mechanical liquid properties facilitating measurements at two different modes of operation is presented. One mode is more sensitive to liquid viscosity the other to mass density. A sample liquid is subjected to time-harmonic shear stress induced by two opposed vibrating polymer membranes. These membranes, placed in an external static magnetic field, carry two conductive paths each. The first path is used to actuate the membranes by means of Lorentz forces while the second acts as a pick- up coil providing an induced voltage representing the movement of the membrane. From the resulting frequency response the liquid’s viscosity and mass density can be deduced. This double membrane based setup allows examining the test liquid at adjustable frequencies in the low kilohertz range from 500 Hz to 20 kHz by varying the gap between both membranes. The sensor is suitable, e.g., for low cost handheld devices with inline capabilities and disposable sensor elements for measuring Newtonian liquids such as, e.g., oils and aqueous solutions.