Numerical modelling of the slurry flow in pipelines and prediction of flow regimes

摘要

Large scale numerical modelling of slurry flow in horizontal pipelines has been carried out. A combination of analytical and commercial CFD modelling, with Eulerian two-phase flow models, has been used in the present investigation. The modelling results are validated with well-documented experimental data and are found to be in good agreement. Flow regime maps were developed and pressure drops calculated for a wide range of flow rates, particle sizes and solid concentrations. It was observed that flow regime maps calculated with analytical empirical correlations near the transition flow regimes are unreliable. It is concluded that the performance of this model at the presented scales allows for application at smaller scales that still feature turbulent flows.