Thermoelectrically-Cooled Cold-Cranking Simulators measure the apparent viscosity of oils at temperatures from –35°C to –5°C within a viscosity range of 1500 mPa•s to 27,000 mPa•s. In the lubricants industry the apparent viscosity determined by the CCS is generally called the “cranking viscosity” of an oil.

As described in ASTM D5293, Cold-Cranking Simulators are used to determine whether an engine oil’s apparent viscosity meets the CCS specification criteria described in SAE J300 for cranking viscosity. Two models of the Cannon Thermoelectrically-Cooled Cold-Cranking Simulator are available: the completely-automatic CCS-2100 and the semi-automatic CCS-2050. Both instruments perform the same computer-controlled tests, but the CCS-2050 requires the presence of an operator, while the CCS-2100 runs unattended.

Both models have built-in solid-state thermoelectric cooling, eliminating the need for a low-temperature refrigeration unit. This offers several advantages. No methanol coolant or other flammable liquid is required and improved temperature management of the rotor/stator eliminates the thermal lag seen when the rotor/stator is cooled by a circulating liquid. In addition, a thermoelectric sample warming cycle greatly improves the sample flushing process.

The main difference between the old and new models of the CCS is that built-in thermoelectric cooling takes the place of low-temperature external refrigeration. One of the many advantages of thermoelectric cooling is that it allows improved temperature management of the stator, eliminating the need for batching sample temperatures.