TQC Sheen Krebs Viscometer

Digital Krebs viscometer 

Manufactured by our TQC Sheen paint specialist testing brand, the TQC Sheen Krebs Viscometer DV2300 brings the 80-year-old KREBS method for measuring paint viscosity into a modern digital instrument. A paddle immersed in a vessel containing a fixed volume of the sample is driven at exactly 200 rpm by a constant-speed motor, and the resulting torque is converted into Viscosity Testing outputs in centipoise (cP), Krebs units (KU) and grams (g). 

Used by paints and coatings QC laboratories running Krebs-unit specifications, paint manufacturers verifying batch consistency against ASTM D562, automotive OEM coating suppliers, printing ink producers, adhesive manufacturers and cosmetics QC labs, the DV2300 delivers a direct reading in KU, cP or g – unit conversion is done automatically by the instrument. 

Sample setup runs in three modes: manual and continuous with all three units shown, single-unit with max-hold functionality for capturing the peak reading during a test, or automatic and timed after a set delay. The sturdy design suits both laboratory and harsh production environments, and the magnetic quick-release paddle simplifies cleaning and swap-over between samples. 

Why it matters

Traceable Krebs unit data for ASTM D562 compliance. The DV2300 outputs Krebs units directly – the specification unit paint manufacturers, coating buyers and QC audits ask for – alongside centipoise and grams. Batch pass/fail decisions against a Krebs-unit specification are defensible under customer, internal and regulatory audit without needing to convert readings from another viscometer type. 

Three-unit output with automatic conversion. Toggle between KU, cP and g on the LCD or display all three simultaneously – so R&D specialists comparing new formulations against legacy Krebs-unit records, and QC teams reporting to different customer standards, do not need separate instruments or manual conversion tables. 

Constant-speed 200 rpm motor, sturdy design, easy to clean. A constant-speed motor at exactly 200 rpm holds the KREBS method condition without drift. Sturdy construction handles laboratory or production floor use, and the magnetic quick-release paddle plus removable can and handle make between-sample cleaning fast – so throughput on repetitive QC checks stays high. 

How the Krebs method works

The Krebs method is a rotational viscometry technique specific to paints, coatings and similar liquids: 

• A fixed volume of sample is placed in the supplied can. 
• The paddle is lowered into the sample and locked into the magnetic quick-release drive. 
• A constant-speed motor drives the paddle at exactly 200 rpm. 
• Torque induced on the paddle by the sample’s resistance is converted into viscosity, displayed simultaneously in cP, KU and g. 

Three measurement modes cover different QC and R&D workflows: manual and continuous with all three units shown, single-unit with max-hold to capture the peak reading during a test, or automatic and timed after a set delay for unattended runs. 

Where the Krebs Viscometer is used

The Krebs method is not limited to architectural paints. The DV2300 measures viscosity across a range of Newtonian and near-Newtonian fluids commonly encountered in paint, coating, ink, adhesive and cosmetics manufacture, including: 

• Paints, coatings, lacquers and varnishes 
• Printing inks and pigment slurries 
• Cosmetics and personal-care liquids 
• Solvent-based adhesives and latexes 
• Pulp, biochemicals, oils, starches and food liquids where a Krebs-unit reading is required 

Related viscometers and viscosity testing tools

Where the Krebs method is not the right test for your fluid – typically because it is highly non-Newtonian, or because you need a different specification unit – the TQC Sheen viscosity testing portfolio offers complementary rotational and cone/plate options: 

• TQC Sheen Digital Rotothinner DV2700 – rotational viscometer for viscosity in poise or centipoise across three interchangeable plate and ball spindles (0.1 to 350 poise). Better for coatings that need a viscosity reading across a wider range than the Krebs method covers. 
• TQC Sheen Multi Spindle Viscometer – conforms to the Brookfield method, suitable for a wide range of viscosity testing applications and non-Newtonian fluids. 
• TQC Sheen Cone and Plate Viscometer CP1 – controlled shear-rate viscosity measurement for non-Newtonian fluids, to B.S./ISO or ASTM shear rate requirements. 
• TQC Sheen Gel Strength Tester – for thicker paints, gels, putties and semi-solid materials outside the Krebs Viscometer’s range. 

Spares and accessories

Genuine TQC Sheen spares and consumables: 

• TQC Sheen Calibration Oils – certified mineral calibration oils for precise viscosity calibration of TQC Sheen Rotational Viscometers. Silicone-free and ISO-compliant, available in multiple viscosity values. 

Testing to international standards

The TQC Sheen Krebs Viscometer supports paint viscosity testing to the following standards: 

• ASTM D562 – Standard Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity Using a Stormer-Type Viscometer. The core Krebs unit specification standard. 
• ASTM D856 – additional viscosity testing method for paints. Confirm current ASTM edition status before publishing. 
• ASTM D1131 – additional viscosity testing method for paints. Confirm current ASTM edition status before publishing.

Rotational Viscometer – Design

Due to the sturdy design of our viscometers, you can use it in the laboratory but also in a harsh production environment. Rotational viscometers measure the viscosity of the sample by turning a spindle in a cup. 

What’s included: 

• Krebs Viscometer  
• Can 
• Handle 
• Spindle DV2305 
• Base and mounting rod  
• 100 – 240 VAC adapter
• Manual  
• Certificate 

Our viscosity testing portfolio

We make lots of different viscosity testing devices and accessories. Some of the other viscometer options we can provide include the TQC Sheen Multi Spindle Viscometer and the TQC Sheen Cone and Plate Viscometer CP1. 

We also make a wide variety of viscosity cups of all different shapes and sizes. The options include our ISO 2431 Viscosity Cup, the ASTM D1200 Immersion Ford Viscosity Cup and the DIN 53211 Viscosity cup. 

Be sure to take some time to browse through the full Industrial Physics viscosity testing portfolio.

Should manufacturers switch to water based paints?

There’s been quite a move towards water based paints in recent years, thanks to a variety of environmental and safety concerns, but is it something you should be worrying about right now? We’ve put together some handy information to help you decide. Click here to find out more.

Pouring out our viscosity testing expertise 

We’ve been making viscometers for many years and like to share the insight we’ve gained with our customers and the wider industry.  

Check out the knowledgebase section of our website – here you’ll find articles that delve into all manner of viscosity testing subjects. For example, there’s this blog that demonstrates how to perform a viscosity test. Then as a follow-up, why not read this piece which investigates the different types of viscometer available. You might also find our Viscosity calculator to be a useful tool to bookmark for easy access whenever you need it.

What happens after you enquire

When you enquire about the TQC Sheen Krebs Viscometer, our TQC Sheen specialists will confirm which paint types and viscosity range you typically work with, which standards you test to (ASTM D562 is standard, but confirm any customer-specific Krebs-unit specifications), and which calibration oils to order alongside the base instrument for ongoing verification against reference values. 

For purchasing teams, we provide the SKU (DV2300), quotation turnaround and the technical documentation you need for internal sign-off. The DV2300 is available to buy online with dispatch within 2 weeks, so first-time orders can be planned into your QC schedule with a clear lead time. 

Service, warranty and ongoing support

Every TQC Sheen Krebs Viscometer is supplied with a 1 year parts and labour warranty as standard – our Industrial Physics group commitment across all brands. Ongoing support focuses on replacement paddles, calibration oil replenishment and periodic verification against reference viscosities. To arrange service, order spares or discuss calibration verification for your quality management system, contact our support team. 

Beyond the warranty period, the Industrial Physics global service network provides advice on selecting the right calibration oils for your viscosity range, interpreting Krebs-unit readings against ASTM D562 or customer-specific specifications, and integrating the DV2300 into a documented QC workflow.