Analytical Model Development for Stokes-Type Settling in a Solidifying Fluid

Analytical modeling was used to track the mudline displacement of a simulated fluid dispersion that underwent a simulated linear increase in the fluid viscosity as a function of time following an induction period. Modeling results indicate two regimes of settling behavior from the driving force of density differences between the particles and the fluid. A linear mudline movement was first determined in the regime of constant viscosity, and a logarithmic retarded mudline movement was numerically determined following a linear rise in fluid viscosity. The results show that the combination of settling and solidification leads to a transitional mudline movement similar to batch settling curves described by early settling theories.