Apparatus for causing a fluid to enter a semi-solid state in the presence of an energy field, and method for causing a fluid to enter a semi-solid state in a container.

摘要

A field-responsive fluid which enters a semi-solid state in the presence of an energy field is improved by use of a plurality of energy field responsive particles which form chains in response to the energy field. The particles can be (a) composite particles in which at least one field-responsive member having a first density is attached to at least one member having a second density that is lower than the first density, (b) shaped particles in which at least one field-responsive member has one or more inclusions, and (c) combinations thereof. The particles improve the field-responsive fluid by reducing density without eliminating field-responsive properties which afford utility. Further, a multi-phase base fluid including a mixture of two or more substances, at least two of which are immiscible, may be used. The multi-phase base fluid improves the field-responsive fluid because surface tension between the boundaries of the immiscible substances in conjunction with chains formed by field-responsive particles tends to stop or retard creep flow, resulting an improved dynamic or static seal.