Slurry

A slurry is a mixture in which solid particles are suspended in a liquid, typically water. The solids are finely divided and kept in suspension by agitation or the liquid’s viscosity. Slurries often have high solids loading and do not behave like simple liquids, exhibiting non-Newtonian flow where viscosity changes with shear.

Common examples occur in mining, construction, and industry. Coal-water slurry, mineral ore slurries, and tailings slurries transport fine solids in pipelines. Cement slurries are pumped as part of concrete production and grout operations. Drilling muds and oil-based slurries serve in wellbores for lubrication and stabilization.

Properties of slurries depend on solids concentration, particle size and shape, liquid type, and temperature. They can be Newtonian at very low solids load but frequently show shear-thinning or thickening behavior and may follow rheological models such as Bingham or Herschel–Bulkley. Stability is influenced by sedimentation, flocculation, and segregation; additives like dispersants, thickeners, or superplasticizers are used to modify flow and prevent settling.

Applications and handling revolve around moving solids efficiently and safely. Slurries enable transport of bulk materials through pipelines, backfilling mined-out areas, and injecting cementitious materials into fractures or voids. In wastewater treatment, sludge slurries are processed for dewatering and disposal.

Environmental and safety considerations include containment to prevent spills, management of tailings ponds, erosion and abrasion of equipment, and the need for appropriate design, monitoring, and rehabilitation to minimize ecological impact.