Abstract
A new viscosity model, called the Suspension of Fractal Aggregates (or SoFA) model, is presented. It has been developed by considering waxy oil systems as suspensions of wax crystals that can interact and form fractal aggregates whose size is limited by the shear stress τ. The viscosity μ can be expressed as a function of the viscosity of the suspending liquid phase μL and a function of the volume fraction of wax crystals ϕ. The constitutive law has the form μ = μL(1 – Aϕτ–X)/[1 – (Aϕτ–X/ϕM)2] if τ > τy = (Aϕ/ϕM)1/X, where ϕM is the maximal packing fraction (ϕM = 4/7) and A and X are parameters related to the structure and properties of the aggregates. If τ ≤ τy, then μ = +∞. Application of the SoFA constitutive law to experimental flow curves has shown very good agreement by matching the two model parameters A and X. Good results have also been obtained by using the Herschel–Bulkley, Li and Zhang, and Pedersen and Ronningsen models. The capability of the SoFA model to predict the viscosity of different s...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
