Calculate slurry density and specific gravity from percent solids by weight or volume using typical solids and water, or solve percent solids from density.

Prefilled with water at about 1,000 kg/mยณ; change it for brine, oil or another liquid.

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Slurry Density Formula

The following weight-concentration formula gives the density of a well-mixed, two-phase slurry with additive phase volumes and no entrained air. Use actual solid and liquid densities at operating temperature.

SD = 100 / (C / ds + (100 - C) / dl)
  • Where SD is the Slurry Density (kg/m^3)
  • C is the concentration of solids by weight (%) 
  • ds is the density of the solids (kg/m^3) 
  • dl is the density of the liquid without solids (kg/m^3) 

How to Calculate Slurry Density?

The following is an illustrative numerical example of slurry density. For a real mixture, use measured phase densities at operating temperature.

Example Problem #1

  1. First, determine the concentration of solids by weight (%).
    1. The concentration of solids by weight (%) is given as 50.
  2. Next, determine the density of the solids (kg/m^3).
    1. The density of the solids (kg/m^3) is calculated as 40.
  3. Next, determine the density of the liquid without solids (kg/m^3).
    1. The density of the liquid without solids (kg/m^3) is found to be 30.
  4. Finally, calculate the Slurry Density using the formula above: 

SD = 100 / (C / ds + (100-C) / dl ) 

Inserting the values from above yields: 

SD = 100 / (50 / 40 + (100 โˆ’ 50) / 30) = 34.285714โ€ฆ โ‰ˆ 34.286 kg/mยณ.

FAQ

What is slurry density and why is it important?

Slurry density refers to the mass of a slurry (a mixture of solids and liquids, typically water) per unit volume, usually expressed in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m^3). It is a crucial parameter in various industrial processes, such as mining and wastewater treatment, because it affects the flow properties and the efficiency of separation and transport processes.

How does the concentration of solids affect slurry density?

Increasing solids concentration increases slurry density when the solid phase is denser than the liquid. If the solids are lighter than the liquid, it decreases density; equal phase densities give the same mixture density at every concentration. These trends assume fixed phase densities and additive phase volumes.

Can the slurry density formula be used for any type of liquid and solid mixture?

The model requires additive phase volumes, a representative well-mixed sample and no entrained air or third phase. Dissolution, reactions or volume change can require another model. Use actual phase densities at operating temperature; density alone does not predict viscosity or settling.