Viscoelastic effects in pressure transduction

Abstract

Pressure measurements in flows of highly viscous and elastic fluids are of practical importance in many manufacturing processes. Problems may arise during such pressure measurements, since high fluid viscosity and elasticity result in excessive dynamic response time of the pressure measuring systems as well as in some distortion. This is true for systems that consist of manometers as well as pressure transducers. In this work we develop an analytical model for the pressure pulse transmission in columns of viscoelastic fluids leading to pressure transducers. Basic equations are derived and analytical solutions are illustrated for a square wave pulse. Predictions of the model can be utilized to interpret correctly pressure transducer readings in fluid systems exhibiting viscoelastic behavior. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.