We are seeking help from our company that produces compound fertilizers – could you tell us the viscosity values for kaolin, sepiolite, and attapulgite?
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Our company deals in fertilizers, and our raw materials include kaolin, sepiolite, attapulgite, etc. It is necessary to test their viscosity – are there any relevant standards? Who has tested it? Please advise.
As far as I know, all the things you mentioned are solids; so what exactly is the concept of viscosity for solids?
It involves first putting it in water to dissolve it and then conducting the measurement; there is a viscometer, but I don’t think it provides much useful guidance – there are too many variables, and the values obtained vary, making them incomparable. The instructions given are a bit difficult to follow: Q
Is the poster sure it’s viscosity rather than particle size?
Can these three materials dissolve in water? You had better check whether there are any specific standards for this testing method.
I checked the standards; there are still issues remaining. I’ve just started working in the laboratory, and although my skills aren’t professional, I’m frustrated and have decided to give up. To determine the quality of this filler, one has to follow the standards – there’s no way to assess its quality based on viscosity alone. Since that’s not possible, I have no choice but to abandon the idea; otherwise, it’s impossible to proceed. I spent several days working on this issue. Thank you for your support and answers!
I’d better ask “the higher-ups” first who came up with these testing requirements and what the purpose of these tests is. What are the specific requirements? Is it possible to get in touch directly with the person who raised the issue, so that the problem can be resolved and my work can be improved as well.
Agreed; it’s necessary to clarify the issues and requirements before proceeding with the work
If there are issues, it’s necessary to communicate in order to understand the intentions of one’s superiors; otherwise, developing a negative attitude as a result will be detrimental both to work and to personal life. I’ve encountered similar problems as well; inexperienced managers sometimes put forward some very strange requests. There’s no other choice but to first understand the manager’s intentions and requirements, communicate with them, and then express one’s own opinions. If it’s truly impossible to carry out the task, it’s better to be honest about that, rather than taking on a task that can’t be completed.
I work with attapulgite. The viscosity of the products you’re familiar with is likely customized to meet your granulation requirements. You understand the viscosity of these three products mainly in order to make comparisons and get an idea of the costs involved. I don’t know anything else; the viscosity of the thixotropic rod can be adjusted, but companies also have their own standards, or it’s possible to discuss this further