REL Cone and Plate Viscometers were the immediate successor to the original ICI Cone and Plate Viscometers. They were once the by-word for cone and plate viscometers. Here we explore the evolution into the NuLine Cone and Plate Viscometer that ATAC manufactures now.
REL Cone and Plate Viscometers – The Original ICI C&P Viscometer (L), its immediate successor the REL Analogue (M), followed by the REL Digital (R)
REL Cone and Plate Viscometers – The Evolution
The evolution of the REL Cone and Plate Viscometer from the original ICI Viscometer can be seen above. ICI Paints developed the original Cone and Plate Viscometer six decades ago. Eventually, they were bought out and ended up under the REL brand. For those interested, REL stands for ‘Research Equipment London’, and with the Ltd following it, sometimes it was written RELL. But, REL is perfectly correct on its own.
Essentially, the move from the ICI Analogue model to the REL Analogue model was largely a change of colour, and the repositioning of the front panel buttons. It used the same mechanism, and displayed its results using a curved scale at the top end of the head. In many ways, it didn’t need a lot of changes. It was the premier model on the market, and remained so for many years.
REL Cone and Plate Viscometers – Into the digital age
Eventually, REL moved into the digital age, replacing the display of results from the sprung loaded sliding scale. Some simple electronics were used to convert the torque into a digital read-out, which could be viewed on the small screen. At each stage, however, the accuracy and precision were refined, so that the viscometer became better with each new model released.
In time, ATAC came to acquire REL and the REL Cone and Plate Viscometer underwent some further changes. Eventually, the decision was made to rebrand under the ATAC name. The current model, the NuLine Cone and Plate Viscometer, is a much more refined machine, which sports a full-colour screen, and a host of variable settings to ensure that the sample is measured correctly.
The last evolution – from REL to the ATAC NuLine – with their respective logos.
REL – The Legacy
Here at ATAC, we are often asked about the REL Viscometer – meaning the NuLine, of course. Indeed, there are even occasions when we are asked about the ICI Viscometer – such as it was known for many years.
What is important – the ICI Viscometer was the original and best on the market. Other manufacturers sometimes describe their models as an ICI Viscometer, or an ICI-type Viscometer. We take it as a compliment that both the ICI and the REL are brands which belong to our history – at least, in relation to these viscometers.
For more information about our current ICI/REL/NuLine Viscometer, feel free to click the button below. For enquiries, you can contact our experts at sales@atacgroup.com or by phoning +44 (0)1380 818411. It is always a pleasure to hear from you, and it brings a smile to our face when someone asks for an ICI or a REL.
