Tutorial on Using Dummy Chips
Today, we’re focusing on how to use dummy chips.
RheoSense provides a specialized tool—what we call dummy chips—that replicate the VROC chip powering all of our viscometers. This simple, transparent microscope slide–style tool allows you to:
-
Evaluate sample miscibility
-
Establish effective cleaning methods
-
Observe sample behavior before testing in your VROC-powered viscometer
We offer several types of dummy chips, with flow channel depths of 50 µm, 100 µm, 200 µm, and 300 µm. (Check out our webstore for all of the options linked here!)
The flow channel size you choose depends on your sample’s particle size:
-
50 µm chip → for particulates ≤ 5 µm
-
100 µm chip → for particulates ≤ 10 µm
-
200 µm chip → for particulates ≤ 20 µm
-
300 µm chip → for particulates ≤ 30 µm
We also offer an extensional dummy chip, designed specifically for customers studying extensional viscosity —an ideal choice for more advanced rheological analyses.
2) How to use the dummy chips
To load samples onto the dummy chips, use a pipette—or better yet, our custom-made disposable pipettes specifically designed for the microVISC and microVISC PRO viscometers.
We also recommend using lint-free wipes to ensure a clean and dust-free setup. While many brands are available, Texwipes or other cleanroom-grade wipes work best. You can find both our pipettes and recommended wipes conveniently on our webstore.
Our disposable pipettes are shipped disassembled for longer shelf life, so before use, simply attach the barrel to the pipette plunger to assemble it into a ready-to-use pipette.
3) Load your sample and insert into the dummy chip:
4) Take a cleaning solution after your first sample and flush it through the dummy chip:
5) Repeat until your dummy chip is clean again and ready for re-use:
Download the SoP in PDF format here! Check out our video tutorial here: