Thermocups and cup heaters are designed for controlling the temperature of a mud sample while taking readings with a rheometer or viscometer. Normal heat-up time is 30 minutes and the pilot light turns on when the well reaches the set temperature.
Drilling fluid has a low thermal conductivity, so it must be agitated in order to reach a uniform temperature within a reasonable length of time. For safety considerations, the fluid should never be heated above 200°F (93°C). The rotor and bob should not be immersed for long periods in the fluid as vapors will rise up into the bearings and condense, causing corrosion. The holes in the stage of the RIGCHINA Viscometers have been positioned to hold the heated cups at a 45° angle to the line of the instrument for better accommodation of thermometers and power cables.