Stabilization of Swellable Aluminosilicate Suspensions

Abstract

The goal of this study is to increase the energy efficiency of pipeline hydraulic transport of water-swellable aluminosilicate dispersions. A model commercial suspension, the filler of which is a complex mixture of aluminosilicates, has been used to develop an approach that makes it possible to improve the technological properties of such suspensions. Modification of the suspensions consists in adding organic and inorganic inhibitors of swelling of dispersed phase particles, as well as nonionic surfactants. The influence of the additives leads to a decrease in the yield stress and an increase in sedimentation stability of the heterogeneous systems. It has been shown that the use of the complex modifying additive prevents the particles of the model suspension from agglomeration and provides it with sedimentation stability at temperatures up to 70°C, which is important for the technical process in which the suspension is intended to be used. Technically, the research is of an applied nature. A well-known approach to modifying suspensions is used, which consists in combating the aggregation of dispersed phase particles and blocking ion exchange between them and the dispersion medium. The performed set of rheological shear and oscillation tests and the study of the sedimentation stability of the suspensions in the presence of various modifying additives have resulted in optimizing their composition. The practical result of the work is the successful hydrotransport of the suspension in which the content of the dispersed phase is 50% higher than that in the unmodified suspension, thus increasing the energy efficiency of the process.