Rheology of Slurry: A Review

Abstract

In this paper, the rheological parameters, characterisation, and the rheological behaviour of mineral ore slurry are reviewed and discussed in detail. Rheology is a study of flow phenomenon of matter, parameters like viscosity and the relationship between stress, strain, and time for the matter are helpful in defining rheology, these parameters have helped in classification of fluids into two broad categories - Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluids. The rheological characteristics have a great impact in design and operation of the pipelines. This paper has a special emphasis on the iron ore slurry and its rheological behaviors which are highly affected by several physical and chemical properties (particle shape, particle size distribution, shear rate, pH value, solid concentration, viscosity, and slurry temperature) which also have been explained in particulars. The importance of rheology in slurry transportation makes it really important to define ways for controlling rheology that have proven to be helpful in stabilizing the slurry thus making the operation more efficient. Rheology is a major factor that affects the process of pipeline transportation of slurry which makes it such an important topic of study and research.