Patent ID: 7437912
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of assessing a rheological property of a fluid, the method comprising the steps of: flowing the fluid through a passage within a portion of a tube, the fluid having suspended therein at least one solid particle whereby the at least one solid particle also flows through the passage; and assessing a rheological property of the fluid within the tube by tracking movement of the at least one solid particle or tracking movements of the fluid and the at least one solid particle as the fluid flows through the portion, wherein the movement is tracked through the portion relative to the pressure or flow rate of the fluid; wherein the portion of the tube comprises a freestanding portion and the method further comprises: vibrating the freestanding portion of the tube at or near a resonant frequency thereof; and sensing movement of the freestanding portion of the tube.