Rheological properties of gangue-filled slurry based on L-pipe experiments

Abstract

ABSTRACT The examination of rheological properties of gangue slurry is a crucial precondition for the application of gangue slurry in pipeline transportation. This study focused on the investigation of the rheological properties and hydraulic gradient of gangue slurry in a mining region located in northern Shaanxi. By employing the L-pipe test method, the research examined the impact of gangue particle size, slurry concentration, and conveying pipe diameter on the aforementioned characteristics. The findings indicated a positive correlation between the hydraulic gradient of the mine gangue slurry and the concentration of the slurry, whereas a negative correlation existed between the hydraulic gradient and both the particle size and pipe diameter. Additionally, the slurry flow rate was negatively connected with both the slurry concentration and particle size. The concentration of gangue-filled slurry had a positive correlation with both the shear stress and viscosity, whereas the particle size demonstrated a negative correlation with both properties. The optimal slurry concentration for conveying is between 70% and 75%. Furthermore, the ideal slurry particle size ratio is either 10:0 or 9:1, and the recommended pipe diameter is 125mm. The research findings offer theoretical support for the judicious selection of transport parameters when conveying gangue slurry.