LAUSR

Abstract Knowledge of the rheological behavior of saturated particulate networks is crucial for every process in which a particulate network is built-up, dewatered, or transported, as in a decanter centrifuge. However, difficulties arise as to how to characterize the material properties. Thus far, no standardized method or measurement device has prevailed. In this work, the requirements for a useful device are discussed, followed by the design of a modified shear cell for a Schulze ring shear tester RST-01.pc and its measurement procedure. Shear experiments under normal load with different sediments consisting of inorganic and organic particles whose material properties strongly affect the rheological behavior were performed. The results demonstrate the potential of the modified shear cell. Furthermore, current challenges in characterization are discussed. The characterization possibilities of the developed shear cell are a further step toward understanding the rheological behavior of liquid-saturated particulate networks.