What is Slurry Density

Slurry density is the density of a mixture of a solid and a liquid, commonly encountered in industries like mining, construction, and chemical processing. It is calculated based on the concentration of solids by weight, the density of the solids, and the density of the liquid without solids. The formula accounts for the proportional contribution of each component to the total mass and volume of the slurry.

For example, a slurry with 30% solids, a solids density of 2.5 t/m³, and a liquid density of 1 kg/L has a density of approximately 1220 kg/m³.

How to Calculate Slurry Density

Conversion Formula: The slurry density is calculated as:

\(\rho_m = \frac{100}{c_w / \rho_s + (100 - c_w) / \rho_l}\)

Where:

• \(\rho_m\) = Density of slurry (converted to kg/m³ for calculation)
• \(c_w\) = Concentration of solids by weight in the slurry (%)
• \(\rho_s\) = Density of the solids (converted to kg/m³)
• \(\rho_l\) = Density of the liquid without solids (converted to kg/m³)

Example Calculation: For a slurry where:

• Density of solids (\(\rho_s\)) = 2.5 t/m³ = 2500 kg/m³
• Density of liquid (\(\rho_l\)) = 1 kg/L = 1000 kg/m³
• Concentration of solids (\(c_w\)) = 30%

1. Denominator = \(30 / 2500 + (100 - 30) / 1000 = 0.012 + 0.07 = 0.082\)
2. \(\rho_m = 100 / 0.082 \approx 1220 \, \text{kg/m³}\)
3. Convert to other units (e.g., \(\rho_m = 1220 \times 0.0624279 \approx 76.16 \, \text{lb/ft³}\))

Use the form above to input the densities in your preferred units and concentration, and the calculator will compute the slurry density in multiple units.

Density Units and Conversions

The calculator accepts input in the following units and displays results in:

• Tons per cubic meter (t/m³): 1 t/m³ = 1000 kg/m³
• Kilogram per cubic meter (kg/m³): Base unit for calculation
• Kilogram per cubic decimeter (kg/dm³): 1 kg/dm³ = 1000 kg/m³
• Kilogram per liter (kg/L): 1 kg/L = 1000 kg/m³
• Gram per liter (g/L): 1 g/L = 1 kg/m³
• Gram per deciliter (g/dL): 1 g/dL = 10 kg/m³
• Gram per milliliter (g/mL): 1 g/mL = 1000 kg/m³
• Gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³): 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³
• Ounce per cubic inch (oz/cu in): 1 kg/m³ = 0.000578036 oz/in³
• Pound per cubic inch (lb/cu in): 1 kg/m³ = 0.0000361273 lb/in³
• Pound per cubic foot (lb/cu ft): 1 kg/m³ = 0.0624279 lb/ft³
• Pound per cubic yard (lb/cu yd): 1 kg/m³ = 1.68555 lb/yd³
• Pound per US gallon (lb/US gal): 1 kg/m³ = 0.0083454 lb/US gal
• Milligram per liter (mg/L): 1 kg/m³ = 1000 mg/L

Inputs are converted to kg/m³ for calculation, and results are provided in all listed units.

Standard Slurry Examples

Below are typical specific gravities and slurry solids concentrations for various water slurries:

Product	SG	Typical Solids Concentration (% weight)	Typical Solids Concentration (% volume)
Coal	1.40	45 - 55	37 - 47
Copper concentrate	4.30	60 - 65	26 - 30
Gilsonite (asphalt, bitumen)	1.05	40 - 45	39 - 44
Iron ore	4.90	-	-
Iron sands	1.90	-	-
Limestone	2.70	60 - 65	36 - 41
Magnetite	4.90	60 - 65	23 - 27
Sand	2.65	43	23 - 30

Some additional example slurry densities include:

• Water with 20% solids (density 2 t/m³), liquid 1 g/mL: \(\rho_m \approx 1111 \, \text{kg/m³} \approx 69.36 \, \text{lb/ft³}\)
• Clay slurry with 30% solids (density 2.5 t/m³), liquid 1 kg/L: \(\rho_m \approx 1220 \, \text{kg/m³} \approx 76.16 \, \text{lb/ft³}\)
• Cement slurry with 40% solids (density 3 t/m³), liquid 1 g/mL: \(\rho_m \approx 1333 \, \text{kg/m³} \approx 83.23 \, \text{lb/ft³}\)

Use this calculator to determine slurry density for your specific mixture in various units.

FAQs

How do you calculate slurry density?

To calculate slurry density:

1. Input the density of the solids in your chosen unit.
2. Input the density of the liquid in your chosen unit.
3. Input the concentration of solids by weight (%).
4. The calculator converts inputs to kg/m³, uses the formula \(\rho_m = 100 / (c_w / \rho_s + (100 - c_w) / \rho_l)\), and displays the result in all units.

What is the slurry density for 30% solids, 2.5 t/m³ solids, and 1 kg/L liquid?

The density is \(\rho_m = 100 / (30 / 2500 + 70 / 1000) \approx 1220 \, \text{kg/m³} \approx 76.16 \, \text{lb/ft³}\).

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