Mathematical evaluation of flow properties of fluids carrying high concentrations of solids in suspension relates suspension viscosity to physical properties of the solids and liquids, and provides a means for predicting flow behavior. A technique for calculating a suspensions flow rates is applicable to the design of pipelines

Armstrong, W. P.

Gay, E. C.

Nelson, P. A.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

October 1969	 Brief 69-10622 
•
2GY C
AEC-NASA TECH BRIEF 
AEC-NASA Tech Briefs describe innovations resulting from the research and development program 
of the U.S. AEC or from AEC-NASA interagency efforts. They are issued to encourage commercial 
application. Tech Briefs are published by NASA and may be purchased, at 15 cents each, from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Flow Properties of Suspensions Rich in Solids 
.
A mathematical evaluation is reported (ref. 1) of 
flow properties of fluids carrying high concentrations 
of solids in suspension. Flow rates, viscosity, density, 
and particle size were considered, and experimental 
flow data were obtained for several suspensions. 
The design of pipe-flow systems for suspensions 
having high concentrations of solids requires detailed 
knowledge of non-Newtonian laminar-flow proper-
ties. Normally the flow properties of suspensions of 
interest must be determined experimentally over a 
wide range of flow rates. Mathematical models, such 
as the well-known Bingham plastic model, that re-
late shear stress to shear rate are helpful in describ-
ing the flow properties of non-Newtonian fluids. How-
ever, for most suspensions (particularly where parti-
cle size, shape, and degree of dispersion differ) the 
parameters in the mathematical models must be meas-
ured for each suspension. 
The purpose of this study was a general rheological 
study of solid-liquid suspensions in order to relate 
suspension viscosity to physical properties of the 
solids and liquids, and to provide a means for predic-
tion of flow behavior. Earlier investigators had pro-
posed equations for relating suspension viscosity to 
properties of the constituents, but none had been con-
cerned simultaneously with the non-Newtonian flow 
region and suspensions rich in solids. 
Equations were developed for evaluation of the flow 
behavior of solids-rich suspensions from the physical 
properties of the liquid and solid components. A tech-
nique was developed for calculating a suspension's 
flow rates, as a function of pressure drop, that is 
applicable to the design of pipelines. 
Flow rates were measured in pipeline viscometers 
of a unique design that minimized entrance and exit 
effects. Experimental flow data were obtained for 
suspensions of between 28 and 55% by volume of
nickel, alumina, copper, or glass solids in sodium, 
xylene, or glycerin. The basis for correlation of the 
data was an analytical investigation of the flow behav-
ior that considered the particle—particle interaction 
in a settled suspension. The correlation equations 
fit all systems investigated, and take into account the 
effects of liquid viscosity; liquid and solid densities; 
size, size distribution, and surface area of particles; 
and the volume fraction of solids in the suspension 
and at maximum settled conditions. 
The application of suspensions as fluid fuels for 
nuclear reactors also was surveyed. 
Reference: 
I. Gay, E. C.; Nelson, P. A.; Armstrong, W. P.: 
Flow Properties of Suspensions with High-Solids 
Concentration. Argonne National Laboratory, Feb. 
1968. 
Notes: 
I. Fluid-suspension piping is currently of great 
interest to the mining, petroleum, and chemical 
industries. 
2. Inquiries concerning this information may be di-
rected to:
Office of Industrial Cooperation 
Argonne National Laboratory 
9700 South Cass Avenue 
Argonne, Illinois .60439 
Reference: B69-10622 
Source: 1. E. C. Gas' and P. A. Nelson 
Chemical Engineering Division
2. W. P. Armstrong of 
Washington University
under contract to

Argonne National Laboratory
(ARG-l0481) 
(continued overleaf( 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the Atomic
	 liability resulting from the use of the information contained in this 
Energy Commission and/or the National Aeronautics and Space
	 document, or warrants that the use of any information, apparatus, 
Administration. Neither the United States Government nor any per-
	 method, or process disclosed in this document may not infringe pri-
son acting on behalf of the United States Government assumes any
	 vately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19690000573 2020-03-16T18:24:56+00:00Z
Patent status: 
Inquiries concerning rights to commercial use of 
this information may be made to: 
Mr. George H. Lee, Chief 
Chicago Patent Group 
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission 
Chicago Operations Office 
9800 South Cass Avenue 
Argonne, Illinois 60439
. 
Brief 69-10622	 Category 02


Flow properties of suspensions rich in solids

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server