Patent ID: 8266949
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid containing particulate, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle having a cylindrical sidewall enclosed by a bottom wall defining an axis and a cavity for receiving the fluid containing particulate to be tested; at least two inward projections extending inward from the cylindrical sidewall defining a first radial distance from the axis; an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, the axial support having at least two outward projections extending outward from the axial support defining a second radial distance from the axis, the second radial distance being less than the first radial distance and wherein the outward projections comprise an outer edge of substantially constant distance from the axis; wherein relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support such that the inward projections and outward projections can impart a stirring force in the fluid containing particulate; wherein at least one of the receptacle or axial support is capable of generating a measurement signal in response to torque forces created from movement of the fluid containing particulate within the receptacle upon the relative rotational motion between the receptacle and the axial support.