Filter cake compaction by oscillatory shear

We investigate the influence of oscillatory shear on the compaction of filter cakes for different model materials. The model systems investigated vary in particle size and shape and therefore show different compaction characteristics. Parameters varied are frequency and number of cycles as well as normal pressure. The effect of oscillatory shear is compared to the compaction obtained by applying solely mechanical pressure. Results show that by applying oscillatory shear, a significant reduction of compaction pressure needed to obtain a certain degree of compaction can be obtained. However the advantage over conventional pressing is different for each particle system. We further evaluate the effect of compaction on the degree of cracking that occurs during filter cake desaturation. The compaction achieved by oscillatory shear leads to a significant reduction in filter cake cracking.