Meaning
A dimensionless ratio expressing the relationship between yield stress and viscous stress identifies the transition point between stagnant and flowing material in a pipe. The bingham number is used by engineers to design pumping systems for non-Newtonian fluids like slurries and pastes. It quantifies how much force is needed to initiate movement compared to the force needed to maintain a certain flow rate.
Yield Threshold
Fluids with a high yield stress will not move at all until a specific pressure is applied. In a production environment, the bingham number helps determine if a gravity feed is sufficient or if a positive displacement pump is required. If the number is too high, the material will plug the lines during a shutdown.
Flow Resistance
Calculating the pressure drop across a long delivery line depends on knowing how the material resists deformation. A low bingham number suggests that viscous forces dominate, meaning the fluid behaves more like water once it is moving. High values indicate that the yield stress remains a substantial factor throughout the process.
This calculation is essential for sizing motors and specifying pipe diameters.
Pumping Constraint
Miscalculating the energy required to move a heavy slurry leads to equipment failure or stalled production. Systems designed for water-like fluids will fail when presented with a high bingham number material. Ensuring the pump capability exceeds the yield requirements is a prerequisite for continuous operation.
The bingham number determines the minimum startup torque for the mixer.
