By T.Kealy
Technical Manager - Rheology Solutions Pty Ltd

Specifically for the hydrometallurgical industry, rheology is of critical importance in phase separation processes (including sedimentation, floatation, cyclone performance). These processes depend on rheological parameters such as viscosity, thixotropic tendencies and yield stress.

The Rheology Solutions applications laboratory has cutting edge equipment, capable of measuring the above parameters, and of providing interpretation of the results if necessary. Laboratory equipment includes highly sensitive, specialised, modern instruments and sensor systems, capable of measuring complicated or difficult fluids such as those with very low viscosity (like some supernatants), or those with a highly settling solid phase.

Information such as shear viscosity curves, thixotropic (time related structural changes) behaviour and flow curves may be obtained for interested clients. These measurements may be obtained as a function of temperature, solids density, or to monitor the effects of changes in any additive species or concentration.

With this information the engineer may change the process, or design new unit operations to maximise the potential benefits to be obtained from the physical properties of the processed fluid, or at least minimise the potential for changing product quality or throughput (due to changes fluid properties related to changing environmental or process parameters).

Rheology Solutions is pleased to provide this service and support to interested parties, and to make our rheological expertise available to the mineral processing community. Our range of testing and interpretation services is further supported by customised workshops, training and seminars to cover the needs of individuals, businesses or industry sectors, covering introductory, intermediate or advanced theory and practice of rheology. This can be supplemented with application specific workshops.

A complete Contract Testing Information Kit specific to the Minerals Processing Industry is available by sending an email to info@rheologysolutions.com and typing "Contract Testing Kit for the Minerals Processing Industry" in subject area. You should receive your kit via post within 5-10 working days.

The Contract Testing Request Form needs to completed and returned prior to any samples being sent. This will allow us to advise you within 48 hours if we require further information. We will then provide an overview of the work we will carry out including an estimate of the projected time scale and associated fee.

For further information, please complete the Information Request Form.

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