Special considerations relevant to this systems are introduced by the fact that slurry in not
homogeneous phase (unlike gas or liquid).
Slurry can be described as liquid with solids suspended therein. Typical industrial instances
of slurry handling are as follows:
Coal practices suspended in water ( in coal washeries), crystals suspended in solvent in
crystallization ( wax ma nufacturing process) feed to any filtration equipment. Pulp
suspension encountered in papermaking, sludge encountered in effluent treatment etc. One
or more of various considerations such as solid concentration determines behaviour of
slurry. (Usually expressed in wt. % of solid), practical size of solids nature of solids (soft,
hard, abrasive), properties of liquid (density, viscosity, chemical nature) etc.
The design of the system (including selection of proper materials) is governed by following
general considerations:
a) No solid deposition in system.
b) No change in slurry composition from inlet to outlet of the system.
c) Minimum wear and tar or erosion.
The design and engineering of the system components is discussed in the following order:
i) Line sizing and pressure drop.
ii) Special consideration
iii) Pumps for slurry.
iv) Instrumentation.
1. Line Sizing And Pressure Drop. :The basic steps in design are as follows :
1.1 Identify slurry characteristic .
1.2 Select slurry concentration
Solids concentration governs the Slurry specific gravity (and hence pumping cost) and
sometimes the rheoloy of the Slurry.
The design velocity is significant with reference to the critical velocity .Critical velocity is an
important parameter for a Slurry. When Slurry flows at velocity below the critical velocity
solids in slurry may start separating out and setting in a horizontal pipe . The critical
velocity is analogous to transition velocity in flow of homogeneous fluids , the velocity at
which laminar flow ceases to exist (Reynolds No. NRC = 2100).
Tendency of solids in Slurry to settle or separate out will be reduced in pressure of
turbulence .The critical velocity for a given Slurry will be determined by different
parameters such as size and specific gravity of solids , solids concentration viscosity of liquid
and degree of turbo lance.
B) If the Slurry is non-Newtonian type and exhibits Bingham plastics type behaviour, then
he procedure adopted for calculating critical velocity is as follow:
For this calculation , the numerical value off is to be selected from f Vs NRe charts. Since f
depends on roughness of pipe , as a considered (Hazen William factor = 100).
Secondly , it is a common practice to express the friction loss per say 10m of piping. For this
purpose equivalent lengths of fittings etc. Have to be taken into account.
2. Special considerations
2.1 Slope of pipe lines : Slops of horizontal lines should not exceed angle of repose for
Slurry.
2.2 Provisions for flushing and draining of pipe lines and manual cleaning .
2.3 Selection of wear resistance materials or higher thickness .
2.4 Identification of wear prone points .
2.4.1 downstream of weld
2.7 General observation : Wear /erosion is higher for velocities more than 2.1 m/s whereas
critical velocity may dictate minimum velocity as 1.2 m/s .
2.8 Use valves with maximum port size .
2.8.1 Use full part ball valves.
2.8.2 Avoid use of globe value (seat may be plugged by solid deposition)
2.8.3 Provide flushing connections for valves .
3.1 Centrifugal
3.1.1 For very dilute Slurries , solids concentration up to 10 L), sump type pumps could be
used.
3.1.2 Impeller may have to be replaced frequently due to erosion. Therefore split casing type
design is preferred.
3.1.3 Low efficiencies are to be expected.
3.1.4 Rubber lining may prove useful in many situations.
3.1.5 Special wear resistant materials should be used.
3.1.6 Flushing connection for shaft sealing arrangement is to be provided.
Lock hopper system concept is used in conjunction withy a positive displacement pump . A
chamber filled with clear liquid is interposed between piston and pump valves . Movement
of piston creates a pressure sludge in clear liquid chamber which is utilized to discharge the
slurry .Such design have been used for abrasive Slurries.
4. Instrumentation
Pressure of solids and possibilities of erosion put many restrictions on instruments to be
used .Some relevant observation are as below:
4.1 For measuring slurry concentration, use of radiation density meters is convenient.
However , periodic calibration may be necessary.
4.2 If a side stream is drawn and then returned conveniently measured by magnetic flow
meters (which are rather expensive).
4.3 Flow rate of slurry can be conveniently measured by magnetic flow meters (which are
rather expensive).
4.4 When positive displacement pump is used for slurry transfer pump speed and
displacement can be used to calculate slurry flow rate.
4.5 Pressure gauges and other instruments mounted on pipe line are susceptible to damage
due to vibrations.
4.6 For measurement of pressure, diaphragm type gauges are recommended these should be
provided with back flushing arrangements, connected to pipe line with capillary. Moreover
the gauges should be separately supported and not mounted directly on pipe line.
References/Further reading : (1) Slurry piping system : Trends , T.C. Aude, N.T.
Cowper , T.L. Thompson , E.J. Wasp, chemical Engineering , June28 , 1971, page
74 - 87.
Heterogeneous Slurries :