Homework 9

Q1 Non-Newtonian flow
(1) Rheological test on milk of magnesia provides the following data. Calculate the consistency
coefficient (K) and the flow index (m).
Shear rate, s-1 7.2 16 64 320 720
Shear stress, Pa 7.0 9.1 14.3 24.2 31.6
(2) This suspension is pumped 2.11 m down a pipe of radius 6.95 mm. Mean suspension density is
1300 kg/m3. Complete the tables below. (show you calculation step for one as example)
For Laminar flow:
Pressure drop, ∆P, kPa Flow rate, m3/s Velocity, m/s Re*
5
15
30
40
80
For Turbulent flow:
Velocity, m/s Re* f –1/2 (method 1) f –1/2 (method 2)
4.66
7.64
Method 1 uses the general formula for friction factor
Method 2 uses the correlation for power-law fluids

Q2 Minimum fluidising velocity

Based on lecture notes, please derive the formula for minimum-fluidising velocity (Umf) as a function
of g, ρs, ρ, μ, ε, and particle diameter x.

Q3 Fluidisation
A packed bed consisting of 1.96 kg of solids of density 2.8 g/cm3 is contained in a cylindrical vessel
of 10 cm internal diameter, and the bed height is 20 cm.
(1) What is the volume of the vessel occupied by the bed is (mL)?
(2) What is the volume of the solids in the vessel (mL)?
(3) What is the porosity of the bed?
(4) The particle size is 500 μm, and the liquid density and viscosity are 1000 kg/m3 and 0.001 Pa∙s,
what is the minimum fluidising velocity (m/s)?
(5) Was the use of the Kozeny-Carman equation justified?
(6) What type of fluidisation likely to occur?