Analysis of homogeneity and rheological properties of filling slurry during the mixing process through electrical resistance tomography

Mixing is a key process in the paste filling technology. This study utilized electrical resistance tomography and rheological experiments to examine the particle distribution and rheological properties of filling slurry at different shearing speeds, concentrations, and initial particle size distributions. The results indicated that filling slurry flow could be categorized into three states under different shearing speeds: insufficient mixing, full mixing, and excessive mixing. In combination with the rheological characteristics, the radial index and the filling slurry index could be used to measure homogenization. As the shearing speed increases, the homogeneity of the filling slurry improves, and the dynamic yield stress also changes. Increasing shearing speed has a negative impact on particle distribution as homogeneity is reached. The homogenization of the filling slurry is related to particle migration. Additionally, the mechanical response to shearing is discussed. Material and shearing conditions determine the interaction between particles.