FLOW PROPERTIES OF SUSPENSIONS WITH HIGH SOLIDS CONCENTRATION

Equations were developed for evaluating the laminar flow behavior of high‐solids suspensions from the physical properties of the liquid and solid components. A technique was developed for calculating suspension flow rates as a function of pressure drop. The technique is applicable to the design of pipe lines. Flow measurements were made in pipe‐line viscometers of a unique design that minimized entrance and exit effects. Experimental flow data were obtained for suspensions consisting of nickel, alumina, copper, or glass solids in sodium, xylene, or glycerine vehicles with solids concentrations of 28 to 55 vol. %. The basis for the correlation of the data was an analytical investigation of the flow behavior that considered the particle‐particle interaction that takes place in a settled suspension. The correlation equations fit all systems investigated. They take into account the effects of liquid viscosity, liquid and solid densities, particle size, size distribution, particle surface area, volume fraction of solids in the suspension, and volume fraction of solids at maximum settled conditions. Copyright © 1969 American Institute of Chemical Engineers