CFD-DEM based wind-deposited sand high concentration slurry pipe transport characteristics and erosion study

Abstract

In order to study the conveying process of wind-accumulated sand slurry pipeline, this study simulates the flow process of wind-accumulated sand slurry at 1m/s inlet flow rate with straight pipe bend and uphill by coupled CFD-DEM method. The fluid flow, particle motion and position distribution, pipe erosion and force during the whole process are analyzed based on the selection of a suitable traction model. The results show that the flow velocity of highly viscous slurry at the wall of the pipe is small which can easily lead to the deposition of sand particles, which is proved by the particle velocity cloud diagram. The extent of erosion and the degree of erosion increase with time, and the peak of erosion occurs at the bend. The force changes along the Y-direction in different parts of the pipe show that the extreme values of force and erosion are located at the bend. This part is the weak point of the whole pipeline slurry flow and erosion project should pay attention to reinforcement or monitoring.