Investigation on the Particle Settling Velocity in Non-Newtonian Fluids

The present study targets to investigate the solid particles settling in relation to the particle shape and fluid rheological properties. The power law model of non Newtonian fluid represents the fluid phase according to the drill mud definition. The particles and the fluid properties and specifications are selected from previous works. The results characterized the scenario of solid in liquid settling behavior obtained from Chein’s correlation of settling velocity for irregular shape. The result gives interpretation technique to design the drilling fluid with coordination to the cuttings sphericity concept to avoid bed formation problems. The final results sustain that settling increasing with the increasing on the shape factor. Small increase in fluid density can reduce particle settling velocity. Smaller particle size gives less settling velocity. Increasing of fluid viscosity will reduce a little bit in particle settling.
Key words: Sphericity, Settling Velocity, Non Newtonian Fluids, Power- Law Model, Two-phase