Rheometry for large-particulated fluids: analysis of the ball measuring system and comparison to debris flow rheometry

• Published in: Rheologica acta Vol. 48; no. 7; pp. 715 - 733
• Main Authors: Schatzmann, M., Bezzola, G. R., Minor, H.-E., Windhab, E. J., Fischer, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.08.2009; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Building materials; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Complex Fluids and Microfluidics; Construction materials; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Debris flow; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid flow; Fluids; Food Science; Grain size; Heterogeneous liquids: suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, pastes, slurries, foams, block copolymers, etc; Material form; Materials Science; Mechanical Engineering; Original Contribution; Physics; Polymer Sciences; Rheological measurements; Rheological properties; Rheology; Rheometers; Rheometry; Soft and Granular Matter; Techniques and apparatus; Yield strength; Yield stress; Debris flow material; Ball measuring system; Mud suspension; Sediment water mixture; Rheometry comparison; Rheometry; Large-particulated fluids; Yield stress fluids; Test facilities; Building materials; Non-Newtonian fluids; Viscoplastic fluid; Particle suspension; Experimental study; Sediments; Coarse particle; Ball measuring; Debris; system Rheometry comparison; Rheometer; Slurries; Comparative study; Rheological properties
• ISSN: 0035-4511; 1435-1528
• DOI: 10.1007/s00397-009-0364-x

For large-particulated fluids encountered in natural debris flow, building materials, and sewage treatment, only a few rheometers exist that allow the determination of yield stress and viscosity. In the present investigation, we focus on the rheometrical analysis of the ball measuring system as a suitable tool to measure the rheology of particulated fluids up to grain sizes of 10 mm. The ball measuring system consists of a sphere that is dragged through a sample volume of approximately 0.5 l. Implemented in a standard rheometer, torques exerted on the sphere and the corresponding rotational speeds are recorded within a wide measuring range. In the second part of this investigation, six rheometric devices to determine flow curve and yield stress of fluids containing large particles with maximum grain sizes of 1 to 25 mm are compared, considering both rheological data and application in practical use. The large-scale rheometer of Coussot and Piau, the building material learning viscometer of Wallevik and Gjorv, and the ball measuring system were used for the flow curve determination and a capillary rheometer, the inclined plane test, and the slump test were used for the yield stress determination. For different coarse and concentrated sediment–water mixtures, the flow curves and the yield stresses agree well, except for the capillary rheometer, which exhibits much larger yield stress values. Differences are also noted in the measuring range of the different devices, as well as for the required sample volume that is crucial for application.