Patent ID: 7392842

Claim:
An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate, the apparatus comprising: (a) a receptacle having a cylindrical side wall enclosed by a bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving a fluid to be tested; (b) an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, whereby relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) means for stirring fluid and particulate in the cavity when relative rotational motion is imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; and (d) means for directing rotational flow of fluid and particulate in the cavity toward an axial direction when the fluid and particulate is being stirred; further comprising means for minimizing gas entrainment and minimizing rod climbing, wherein the means for minimizing gas entrainment and minimizing rod climbing comprises: an annular ring on the axial support above the means for stirring.