Maximum flowrate the pipeline can handle

[mechanicalbro]

Hi Everyone,
I have a HDPE pipeline carrying slurry which has % solids of 20-25% and specific gravity 1.13. The pipeline starts off as a 12" line, then reduces to 8" for majority of path and finally before discharging into a thickener it becomes 12" again. The elevation difference between first point and final point of discharge is 10' 11". I have attached a rough sketch showing the route and pipeline details (size and lengths). Could you help me determine the maximum flow this line can handle in the form of calculations ? Please let me know if you need additional information to calculate the flow ? Appreciate all the help.

 

[FacEngrPE]

Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) HANDBOOK OF PE PIPE ch 6 has some guidance on the design of slurry transport systems. Keeping your flow turbulent may be important.

 

[LittleInch]

I just recommended 12" based on a similar velocity of this mysterious slurry.

No idea what a "froth factor" is though...

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[Artisi]

Froth factor is the amount of air contained in the product from froth flotation, tricky stuff to pump as it's a 3 phase product - - not sure how it would affect gravity flow.

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[Artisi]

Mechanicalbro : it might be worthwhile to repost this in the mining forum, you might find someone with 3 phase gravity flow experience, if you want to pump it, I can help - but not with gravity flow.

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[GD2]

Mechanicalbro,

You need to first get your data’s right to get help from the forum.
How old is the installation? Can you pull up the PFD with all stream data?
Have anything changed after the original design?

State clearly what was designed and what you are getting.

Once understood clearly, you will get better help.


GDD
Canada