RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF INORGANIC MATERIAL SLURRIES IN WET ULTRA-FINE COMMINUTION

Some previous work on slurry rheology in wet ultra-fine grinding of inorganic materials is summarized. Several methods for the characterization of the slurry rheology and some empirical equations modeling the rheological behavior of slurries are presented. A semi-empirical model incorporating slurry rheology, concentration of solids, particle size and slurry temperature is described. In the case of wet ultra-fine grinding, various parameters (such as concentration of solids, particle size and distribution , particle shape, temperature, pH value and dispersants) that affect the slurry rheology are described. The optimization of the rheological behavior of slurry in the ultra-fine grinding can increase output, improve energy efficiency and product fineness as well. It is suggested to further study the mechanisms of slurry rheology in the presence of chemical dispersants in wet ultra-fine grinding and to develop a model that can represent the relationship of slurry rheology, comminution parameters, amount of dispersant, energy efficiency and particle size.