An investigation of complex hybrid suspension flows by magnetic resonance imaging

An increasing number of industrially relevant suspensions, e.g., stabilized flows, backfill and codisposal systems, differ from conventional transport systems. Analysis of these suspensions is difficult due to their non-Newtonian behavior and increased particle/particle interaction. This paper presents data obtained in a 100 mm diameter pipe test loop using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The flows considered are stable suspensions of coarse particles in visco-plastic carrier fluids that are capable of statically suspending the solids. Particle concentration and fluid velocity maps are presented for a number of flow conditions which show that laminar flow of these suspensions is stratified rather than homogenous.