Laboratory Investigation of the Dynamics of Mud Flows Generated by Open-Water Pipeline Diposal Operations.

摘要

This was a laboratory study of the fluid mud system originating at the discharge point of open-water pipeline disposal operations. The objective was to define the dynamics of the mud system and to quantify the primary variables that control its behavior. These variables included salt content of the sediment, slurry solids concentration, bottom slope, slurry flow rate, water current, and surface waves. The fluid mud system was characterized by head current, and surface waves. The fluid mud system was characterized by head wave velocity, cloud height, fluid mud layer thickness, concentration profiles, and bottom sediment deposition. Settling played an important role in the mud system dynamics. When settling was present, the head wave and mud flow slowed down and eventually stopped. In its absence, the mud system sustained its motion. Slurry flow rate and solids concentration influenced the mud system in accordance with the constant densimetric Froude number relationship. The fresh and saltwater systems did not reveal evidence of flocculation. Bottom slope indicated the strongest control over the dynamics of the mud system. A minimum downslope angle of 0.75 deg (slope 1:76) was required for the flow to sustain itself. Water current generated more turbidity in the water column; these suspended solids were transported in the direction of the current. Surface waves set up orbital motion throughout the water column but did not hamper the net forward motion of the mud system.