Rheology and Slurry Flow

Rheology is the science of the flow of matter. The flow behavior of process slurries impacts energy and mass transfer-based unit operations. Processes that involve physical separation of liquids from solids and of solids from solids (i.e. slurries) are also rheology dependent. The rheological properties of feed slurries

• Are a decisive factor in the success or failure of projects
• Impact enormously in the economics of full-scale plants 
• Help guide optimized equipment selection including pump sizing

Potential Applications of Rheology

• Defining optimum pumping conditions for slurry transport provides direct design criteria. Typical examples include:
  • Pumping of concentrates, beneficiated products and tailings for disposal 
  • Pump sizing 
  • Paste characterization 
  • Slurry handling and screening 
  • Liquid-solid separation
• Generating high temperature rheology data to characterize the flow of hot slurries. Such data informs the design of heat exchangers, autoclaves, heated holding tanks etc.
• Process rheology and deposit mapping allow for the blending of ore, hence creating the pre-requisites for low cost slurry flow optimization throughout the plant
• Product characterization – Effective rheology testing provides you with correct mass balances, accurate process design data and efficient process conditions in operation 
• Reaction monitoring and control and traditional engineering design

SGS uses state-of-the-art rheological testing equipment and procedures. We can test a wide variety of ore, waste and chemical process slurries. We offer:

• Rheology testing using standardized operating equipment
• Design and development of specialized testwork to support slurry transport, solid liquid separation and pump scale-up
• Data analysis by mathematical models
• Recommendation of plant operating procedures
• Preparation of design criteria for metallurgical processes and equipment sizing

Rheology Testing with SGS

A thorough rheological understanding of any slurry system is needed because flow properties influence the economics of any continuous operation involving mineral, metallurgical and chemical process slurries. SGS experts:

• Generate rheology data early in a project screening of unit processes for the proper allocation of project resources to the most effective process
• Use test protocols established over many years of experience, allowing us to consistently achieve accurate test results
• Provide expert data interpretation, leading to the selection of accurate process rheology design criteria and to solutions to project challenges
• Have developed a comprehensive rheology database for minerals and metallurgical materials for benchmarking purposes
• Have the depth of expertise to integrate process, environmental, analytical and mineralogical testing with rheological studies on a project-specific or stand-alone basis to give you the data you need to make informed decisions

RheologyRheologyAn Overview of SGS's Rheology Capabilities ...

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  Rheology

  published 02/29/12

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