The Dispersion of Solids in Liquids

This chapter refers to the dispersion of solids of such a size and concentration that they have a negligible effect on the rheological properties of the fluid. For very fine particles where interfacial phenomena may dominate the dispersion process and the resulting rheology, the book by Parfitt 1 gives an excellent introduction to the subject. In general, the solids are present as a collection of individual particles and not as flocs or weak agglomerates whose stability is affected by the agitation. Of course, some abrasion due to particle—particle 2 and impeller—particle 3 impacts may occur but the size of the parent particles is not materially affected.