Transient Flow of a Slurry

by Hubbard, Lanny Thomas

The effect of solid particles on pressure transients produced by flow changes was studied.

Water slurries of finely ground limestone were used at concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 35% by volume in experimental runs in a 2" pipeline. The experimental results were compared to computer simulations of the flow process.

The pressure transient associated with startup of a settled bed of solids was also studied. The results indicate a reduced sonic velocity and a unique underdamped oscillation for a system with a settled bed. No major difficulties were encountered in start-up of the settled bed in concentrations up to 35% by volume.