Kaolinite Detachment from Silica Substrate - Laboratory and Theoretical Study

The paper presents laboratory study of kaolinite fines detachment from silica/glass substrate in the visualisation cell, which mimics clay release during colloidal and suspension flows in aquifers. The cell saturation by particles is performed until full stabilization during the attachment process; further, detachment of particles occurs during piecewise-constant increasing of flow velocity. The detachment data calculated from microscope images are compared with the forces and torques detaching the particles. Qualitative agreement between the modelling and laboratory data is observed.