Radial Flow Model
Is an experimental device for studying radial flow of yield stress fluids with application to rock grouting.
The Radial Flow Model was developed at KTH Sweden in collaboration with Incipientus AB. It is a device for non-invasively measuring the radial flow field of model yield stress fluids (YSFs) such as Carbopol that mimic the flow of cement grouts used in rock grouting applications. Such a flow model that utilizes Incipientus ultrasound technology provides unseen ’pictures’ of the YSF radial flow field.
The results from radial flow experiments complement and verify theoretical radial flow solutions used during rock grouting design to estimate cement grout spread. Experiments of this nature have become even more important in recent years when environmental restrictions on water inflows into grouted tunnels have become stricter.
Visualization of radial flow field
The results from the radial flow experiments are sets of velocity profiles measured during different flow rate conditions. Each set of velocity profiles is then visualized as a contour color plot that shows essential features, including the plug-flow region’s shape. Such measurements and graphs can directly be compared to theoretical ones for verification.
“Ultrasound visualization provides a ‘picture’ of the radial velocity flow field”
