Simple pick-up velocity measurement procedure and defining non-settling particles using a rheometer

Abstract The pick-up velocity is a threshold velocity that is considered when designing hydraulic or pneumatic conveying systems. Defining the conveyed particles as ‘settling’ or ‘non-settling’ affects the calculation method of the pressure drop over a hydraulic conveying system. Rheometers are commonly used to measure the dynamic viscosity of liquids and suspensions. In this work, a unique method of using a rheometer is presented. The method enables simple measurement of the pick-up velocity by increasing the rotational speed of the rheometer. In addition, characterizing the particles as non-settling is achieved by decreasing the rotational speed. The results of this work correlate well with previously published results, confirming that these two parameters can be found by conducting very simple and quick measurements.