{"id":38419,"date":"2024-03-26T16:42:38","date_gmt":"2024-03-26T16:42:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alicat.com\/?post_type=article&p=38419"},"modified":"2026-01-26T16:58:42","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T16:58:42","slug":"nicht-newtonsche-flussigkeiten","status":"publish","type":"support","link":"https:\/\/www.alicat.com\/de\/support\/non-newtonian-fluids\/","title":{"rendered":"Flie\u00dfende Nicht-Newtonsche Fl\u00fcssigkeiten"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Flowing non-Newtonian fluids” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Finding the right instrument to measure or control non-Newtonian fluids can be a challenge. Some popular flow technologies like electromagnetic meters can exhibit up to a 20%<\/a> deviation in accuracy when used for such fluids. Ultrasonic flow meters have also shown up to 15%<\/a> deviation when used for non-Newtonian fluids transitioning between laminar and turbulent flow. In this blog, we will discuss the challenges posed by non-Newtonian fluids and how Coriolis flow instruments have proven to be the most successful solution.<\/p>\n

What are non-Newtonian fluids<\/h2>\n

Newtonian fluids\u2014for example, water\u2014exhibit a constant viscosity regardless of any applied force. Non-Newtonian fluids, on the other hand, change in viscosity depending on the type and magnitude of forces exerted upon them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Newtonian fluids<\/strong><\/td>\nNon-Newtonian fluids<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Water<\/td>\nDiesel exhaust fluid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alcohol<\/td>\nBlood<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Glycerol<\/td>\nSoap solutions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gasoline<\/td>\nHoney<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/h3>\n

The effect of shear stress<\/h3>\n

For any process fluid moving through a pipe, shear forces are caused by the molecules inside the fluid moving past each other. For Newtonian fluids, these shear forces do not lead to a change in viscosity, and the flows have predictable velocity profiles.<\/p>\n

In the diagram below, you can see that when Newtonian fluids flow through a pipe, increased shear stress near the pipe walls causes a decrease in velocity. This leads to a faster fluid flow at the center of the pipe, and a slower fluid flow at the pipe walls. The resulting velocity profile is then predictable as a function of the shear stress.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Figure 1. Newtonian flow through a pipe<\/em><\/h6>\n

 <\/p>\n

In contrast, the velocity profiles are not as predictable for non-Newtonian fluids, because the shear stress affects not only the velocity, but also the viscosity of the fluid. When the viscosity of the fluid changes as a function of this stress, the velocity profile through the pipe can be rendered asymmetrical, changing, and unpredictable.<\/p>\n

How does shear stress affect viscosity for non-Newtonian fluids?<\/h3>\n

Non-Newtonian fluids can be classified into one of four groupings, characterized by the effect shear stresses have on their viscosities.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Dilitant (shear thickening) fluid<\/strong>\u00a0viscosity increases with shear stress<\/li>\n
  2. Pseudoplastic (shear thinning) fluid <\/strong>viscosity decreases with shear stress<\/li>\n
  3. Thixotropic fluid<\/strong>\u00a0viscosity increases with shear stress over time<\/li>\n
  4. Rheopectic fluid<\/strong>\u00a0viscosity decreases with shear stress over time<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1394px” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”86%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”10px||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#EAEAEA” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    \"\"<\/em><\/h6>\n
    Figure 2a. Effect of shear stress on non-Newtonian fluids (shear thickening & thinning)<\/em><\/h6>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”86%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”10px||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#EAEAEA” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
    \"\"<\/em><\/h6>\n
    Figure 2b. Effect of shear stress on non-Newtonian fluids (thixotropic & rheopectic)<\/span><\/h6>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    <\/h3>\n

    What other conditions affect non-Newtonian fluids?<\/h3>\nProcess conditions can introduce further variability to a non-Newtonian fluid\u2019s behavior. Changing parameters such as pipe diameter, flow rate, and pressure all have an effect on the magnitude of shear stress present, and thus also on the fluid\u2019s viscosity and velocity profile.\n

    Flowing non-Newtonian fluids using Coriolis technology<\/h2>\nWhen selecting a flow meter or controller, it is critical to consider the behavior of fluids used in the process. Non-Newtonian fluids have different velocity profiles compared to Newtonian fluids, and also behave differently when transitioning between laminar and turbulent flows. These characteristics decrease the measurement accuracy of flow meters that rely on expected flow velocity profiles.\n\nCoriolis mass flow instruments are able to accurately measure and control non-Newtonian fluid flow rates due to their unique operating principle<\/a> which uses inertial forces to directly determine mass flow rates. This was validated by a University of Liverpool study<\/a> that found Coriolis flow devices to operate within the specified accuracy tolerance when used with non-Newtonian fluids.\n\nWhile Coriolis instruments have been shown to be the most effective solution for flowing non-Newtonian fluids, it is still important to be aware of the technology\u2019s limitations. Some non-Newtonian fluids are highly viscous\u2014for example, cement slurries, yogurt, and honey\u2014and may not be compatible with certain Coriolis devices.\n\nLess viscous non-Newtonian fluids, such as polymer solutions, are perfect for use with Coriolis instruments like Alicat\u2019s CODA-Series mass flow meters<\/a> and controllers<\/a>. Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a non-Newtonian fluid solution mixture of 32.5% urea and 67.5% DI water. This liquid is poured into many diesel truck engines to reduce emissions by breaking down soot and unburnt fuel into nitrogen and water byproducts. Testing of DEF efficacy and usage often requires accurate measurement of flow over set time periods. The accuracy of standard flow measurement technologies is hindered by the non-Newtonian fluid properties.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"featured_media":46458,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1920","content-type":"","_searchwp_excluded":""},"categories":[],"class_list":["post-38419","support","type-support","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFlowing Non-Newtonian Fluids - Alicat Scientific<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how Alicat flow and pressure controllers are used to flow non-Newtonian fluids\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alicat.com\/de\/unterstutzung\/nicht-newtonsche-flussigkeiten\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"de_DE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Flowing Non-Newtonian Fluids\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how Alicat flow and pressure controllers are used to flow non-Newtonian fluids\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.alicat.com\/de\/unterstutzung\/nicht-newtonsche-flussigkeiten\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Alicat Scientific\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/alicatscientific\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-26T16:58:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.alicat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-alicat.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4\u00a0Minuten\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alicat.com\\\/support\\\/non-newtonian-fluids\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alicat.com\\\/support\\\/non-newtonian-fluids\\\/\",\"name\":\"Flowing Non-Newtonian Fluids - 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