Specialized instrument for measuring ultra-low interfacial tension between immiscible liquids — essential for enhanced oil recovery, emulsion science, and microemulsion research.
The DataPhysics SVT Spinning Drop Video Tensiometer measures ultra-low interfacial tension (IFT) between two immiscible liquid phases — from millinewtons down to micronewtons per meter. The spinning drop technique elongates an inner liquid droplet inside a denser outer phase tube by centrifugal force; the droplet geometry directly yields the IFT value.
The DataPhysics SVT Spinning Drop Video Tensiometer is the instrument of choice for measuring ultra-low interfacial tension (IFT) — a critical parameter in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), microemulsion research, and surfactant science. Conventional pendant drop and Wilhelmy plate methods become impractical below approximately 0.01 mN/m; the spinning drop technique extends measurable IFT values down to 10⁻⁷ mN/m.
In the spinning drop method, a small droplet of the lighter liquid is injected into a glass capillary tube filled with the heavier liquid phase. As the tube spins at high speed, centrifugal force elongates the droplet into a cylinder whose radius is inversely related to the interfacial tension. The SVT captures the droplet profile by video camera and applies the Vonnegut equation to calculate IFT automatically in real time.
The optional high-temperature version extends the operating range to 200°C — enabling IFT measurements at reservoir-relevant temperatures for petroleum engineering applications.
| IFT Range | 10⁻⁷ – 10⁻¹ mN/m (ultra-low to standard) |
| Rotation Speed | 100 – 15,000 rpm |
| Temperature Range | Ambient – 200°C (high-temp option) |
| Capillary Volume | < 1 mL |
| Camera | Color CCD, live video |
| IFT Calculation | Vonnegut equation (automatic) |
| Accuracy | < 1% of reading |
| Data Output | Excel, ASCII, SVT software |
| Software | SVT (Windows) |
| Dimensions | Compact benchtop |
Our scientific instrument specialists are ready to help you find the best solution for your research needs.
