Mathematical Modeling of Turbulent Flows of Suspensions in Horizontal Pipelines

The paper presents a numerical study of multiphase fluid flows. Numerical study of turbulent flows of fluid with particles for arbitrary concentrations. The model includes equations for a two-phase flow as a whole with rheological relations and an equation for the transfer of particle concentration taking into account interphase slip. The statistical model of turbulence takes into account the modulation of turbulence by particles. The model has been tested on problems of steady flow with heavy particles in a horizontal pipe. Transporting solids as a water carrier through long pipelines is widely used in many industries and power plants. Transporting slurry through a vertical pipeline is a challenging task and requires modification to overcome pressure loss and power consumption requirements. In this regard, a numerical simulation of a three-dimensional horizontal slurry pipeline carrying glass beads with spherical particles with a diameter of 440 μm and a density of 2650 kg/m3 was carried out. The simulation is performed using an Eulerian multiphase model with SST turbulence model in the solid concentration range of 10–20% (by volume) for mean flow velocities of 1–4 ms–1. A parametric study is conducted to visualize and understand the transition flow. Finally, solid concentration contour, velocity contour, solid concentration profiles, velocity profiles results and predictions for slurry pipelines.