The Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) is an increasingly popular and versatile tool used in the cereal and food industries worldwide to measure viscosity. As a result, a comprehensive, single-point resource to provide technical support for RVA users is needed. The RVA Handbook is just the tool that RVA users’ need.

This handbook aims to assist users in understanding the scope of applications available and as a tool to guide users in developing new applications or improving existing ones. It also assists in teaching how to interpret the results of RVA tests. Editors Graham B. Crosbie and Andrew S. Ross have gathered a group of expert authors who are recognized authorities in their disciplines and have applied the RVA in both conventional and innovative ways RVA users will find that this resource enhances their investment in the instrument.

The RVA Handbook

Chapter 1

Principles of Operation and Experimental Techniques

Rodney Booth and Mark Bason

Principle of Operation
Determining Viscosity
Controlling Shear Rate
Determining Torque
Sample Temperature Control
RVA Software;Thermocline for Windows
Running a Test
Considerations When Developing RVA Methods
Approved Methods

Chapter 2

Interpretation of RVA Curves

Ian L. Batey

Types of Curves
Shapes of Curves
What Happens During the Test?
The Five Stages of the Test
The Overall Picture
Effects of Other Components
Selection of RVA Conditions

Chapter 3

Grain and Grain Products

M. L. Bason and A. B. Blakeney

Wheat
Rice
Corn
Barley
Oats
Rye

Chapter 4

Specialty Cereal and Noncereal Starches

Harold Corke

Sweet Potato
Potato
Amaranthus
Sorghum
Other Species
General Issues

Chapter 5

Starch Refining and Modification Applications

Richard Rogers and Andrew S. Ross

Wet Milling of Corn for the Manufacture of Unmodified Starch
Starch Modifications
Traditional Test Methods
Starch Pasting Profiles
Basic RVA Calibration and Sample Preparation
Reproducibility of RVA Curves
Typical RVA Pasting Profiles from Conventional, Unmodified Dent-Corn Starch
Analyses of Modified Starches
Using the RVA to Predict Fluidity
Using the RVA to Predict Alkaline Inherent Viscosity

Chapter 6

Extruded Products and Degree of Cook

Paul J. Whalen

Basis and Definition of RVA “Degree of Cook”
Extruded Products
Useful RVA Profiles
Summary

Chapter 7

Nonstarch Applications—Hydrocolloids

Niall W. G. Young

RVA Operating Conditions
Carrageenan
Guar, Locust Bean Gum, and Xanthan
Pectin
Konjac
Conclusions

Chapter 8

Characterizing the Properties of Protein-Rich Foods and Ingredients

Louise E. Bennett, Adrian Pollard, and Andrew S. Ross

Skimmed Milk Powders and Milk Protein Concentrates
Whey Powders, Concentrates, and Isolates
Soy Proteins
Gluten
Gelatin
Egg Proteins
Simulation of Manufacturing Processes

Chapter 9

Nonstarch Applications—Cheese Meltability and Simulated Processing

Lloyd Metzger

RVA Analysis of Cheese
Interpretation of RVA Cheese Melt Data
Potential Pitfalls During RVA Cheese Melt Analysis
Simulated Manufacture of Processed Cheeses

Chapter 10

Enzyme Methods

M. L. Bason and A. B. Blakeney

a-Amylase
Malting and Brewing
Industrial Amylases
Other Polysaccharide-Degrading Enzymes
Protein-Modifying Enzymes

Chapter 11

Calibration and Maintenance

Rodney Booth and Mark Bason

Calibration
Calibrating the RVA
Repair and Maintenance
Troubleshooting

Appendix 1

Standard Methods

Appendix 2

Definitions

Ian L. Batey and Mark L. Bason

Appendix 3

Extract from the RVA-4 Installation and Operation Manual: Maintenance

Appendix 4

Extract from the RVA-4 Installation and Operation Manual: Troubleshooting

Index

“... invaluable...gives detailed profiles and descriptions of each stage of the RVA analysis...this work will prove useful to individuals who use rheological techniques in their work due to the author’s use of a refreshingly simple explanation of the use of the RVA.”
—Journal of Agricultural and Food Information

“…highly recommended for all laboratory personnel and research professionals who use a Rapid Visco Analyzer instrument as part of their work…a valuable and well-structured guidebook, which provides a lot of useful data in tables, schemes, and RVA profiles throughout, and information on standard methods, definitions, and extracts on maintenance and troubleshooting from the ‘RVA-4 Installation and Operation Manual’ in the appendices.”
—Carbohydrate Polymers

"...serves as a time-saver for RVA operators, researchers and product developers by giving information on the principal, operational instructions, sample preparation, heating profiles and finally, interpretation of results."
—Journal of Texture Studies

Publish Date: 2007
Format: 7" x 10" softcover
ISBN: 978-1-891127-54-0
Pages: 152
Images: 57 black and white images
Publication Weight: 2 lbs