PREDICTION OF CONCENTRATION AND SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF SOLIDS IN A SLURRY PIPELINE

In any practical slurry pipeline application, the solids that are bein g transported are invariably multi-sized with sizes varying over three orders of magnitude. The prediction of solid distribution across the pipe cross-section is very complicated due to large number of paramete rs involved. It can be easily envisaged that not only the solid concen tration but also the size distribution of solids vary across the pipe cross-section. This knowledge is important for optimum design of the p ipeline. The existing experimental data have been compared with the pr edictions based on the model proposed by Karabelas(1). The reasons for discrepancy have been identified and modifications have been proposed . The dimensionless eddy diffusivity is assumed to vary with solid con centration and an optimum relationship has been derived using a semi-e mperical approach. The modified model has been found to give more accu rate predictions.