Visualizing flow dynamics and restart of Carbopol gel solutions in tube and parallel-plates geometries with wall slip

Abstract

The present study examines the impact of slip in Carbopol solutions during the restart flow in pipelines utilizing in situ visualization techniques. Rheological tests were conducted using smooth and hatched parallel plate geometries to obtain the rheological characteristics of the solutions. The behavior of the solutions in the creep tests is compared with those in the experimental unit. Three flow regimes were identified through rheological and experimental setup tests: non-flow, slip, and yielded. The slip regime allowed the establishment of a slip static yield stress value, indicating significant deformation states, and a restart pressure decrease of about 61% when compared to the static yield stress. The flow dynamics under the wall slip effect is captured by velocity profiles, velocity contour maps and velocity gradient. Transient correlations of the scaling law type were determined, with wall slip in proportion to the velocity gradient and wall shear stress. Additionally, the concentration of viscoplastic material in the solution increased the scaling law index. This research seeks to provide valuable findings by quantifying the effects of apparent wall slip through in situ measurements. Such insights are crucial for designing and managing pipeline transport systems that handle yield stress fluids, applicable across various industries including cosmetics, food processing, and the production of waxy oils.