Calculation of pressure gradient in laterite slurry hydraulic transport through horizontal pipelines in laminar flow

Abstract

The rheological behavior of laterite slurries with 44% solids and at a temperature of 27 ºC was analyzed to determine the pressure gradients in a horizontal pipeline in laminar flow in order to validate the gradient calculation methodology for this type of fluid based on the rheological behavior. Experiments (particle size, rheological and pressure gradient) were carried out. The resulting gradient values were compared with theoretical values from the methodology used. The results revealed an average particle size of 2,8 μm in the slurry, which explains the plastic behavior of the slurry. In addition the Herschel-Bulkley model describes 87% of the slurry’s rheological behavior. The methodology applied is considered to be effective for the specific conditions established for this investigation with a maximum absolute error of 8,8 %.

Keywords

• reología
• modelo Herschel-Bulkley
• pulpa laterítica
• gradiente de presión
• régimen laminar