In-Line Rheometry Based on Ultrasonic Velocity Profiles: Comparison of Data Processing Methods

Abstract

Ultrasonic Velocity Profiling with Pressure Drop (UVP+PD) is a technique, which allows the measurement of the shear rate dependent viscosity non-invasively in a laminar pipe flow. To assess the performance of different data processing approaches for the extraction of the rheometric values, model fluids are characterized under well defined flow conditions created with a piston setup. Considering the shear rate range available in the pipe flow, a good quantitative agreement is found between the in-line measurements and the off-line measurements made with a rotational rheometer.

Keywords

• in-line rheometry
• velocity profile
• pipe flow
• uvp+pd
• polymer suspension