Laminar-Turbulent Transition Flows of Non-Newtonian Slurries: Models Assessment

Abstract

In this study, a qualitative assessment of transitional velocity engineering models for predicting non-Newtonian slurry flows in a horizontal pipe was performed using data from a wide range of pipe diameters (25–268 mm). In addition, the gamma theta transition model was used to compute selected flow conditions. These models were used to predict transitional velocities in large pipe diameters (up to 420 mm) for slurries. In general, it was observed that most of the current engineering models predict transitional velocities conservatively. Based on the gamma theta transition model results, for large Hedström numbers (He ≳ 105), other methods should be used to predict transitional velocities if a change in the pipe diameter (scale-up) results in an order of magnitude increase in the He value. It was also found that the gamma theta transition model predicted a laminar flow condition in the fully developed region for flow conditions with a small plug region (low-yield stress-to-wall shear stress ratio), which is contrary to what has been observed in some experiments. This is attributed to the local fluid rheological parameters values, which might be different from those reported. However, the gamma theta transition model results are in good agreement with the experimental data for flow conditions that have a large plug region (high-yield stress-to-wall shear stress ratio).