Preparation and Rheological Characterization of Water-Soluble Boger Fluids

The primary focus of the study is to prepare and characterize water-soluble Boger fluids as they offer improved handling characteristics. The fluids have been prepared in the concentration range of 0.02-0.05 % (wt/vol.) Polyacrylamide (PAA) in a mixture of 80 % glycerol and 20 % distilled water by volume. Dynamic and steady shear data are represented in the temperature range of 15-35 degrees C. The shear mode data were fitted to power law model to calculate the flow consistency index (K) and flow behavior index (n). With increase in PAA concentration, the fluid character shifts from Boger to shear thinning viscoelastic fluid. Fluid relaxation time (lambda) was calculated by fitting the oscillatory data to four mode Maxwell model. Empirical equations for the prediction of K, n, and lambda are proposed by incorporating simultaneous effect of polymer concentration and temperature. Presented data could be of great use in unit operations such as fixed and fluidized beds dealing with Boger fluids.