pompes centrifuges

Limestone Slurry Pipeline Optimization

Slurry Pipeline

A slurry pipeline transports a mixture of materials suspended in a liquid or gas. These materials are usually particles of solid matter, such as sand, clay, and other minerals, suspended in a liquid base, such as water or oil. Slurry pipelines are used in many industries, including mining, oil and gas, and agriculture.

The optimization of a slurry pipeline depends on the type of slurry and the application. In general, the goal is to minimize the total cost of the pipeline, which includes capital and operating costs. Optimization may involve adjusting the diameter of the pipeline, the type and number of pumps, the use of valves and other controlling devices, and the installation of strainers and other equipment to filter out solids. Other considerations include the environmental impact of the pipeline, safety, and the ability to handle the slurry without damage to the equipment. In some cases, the optimization process may also include the use of additives to improve the flow characteristics of the slurry.

Design a pipeline for transporting crushed limestone from a quarry to a terminal located some distance away, using water as a transporting medium.

Part of the optimization model requires an empirical model of C d vs. C d R p 2 to correctly size the slurry pump. There are several methods for obtaining a regression model of this relationship.

The limestone is crushed at the quarry, mixed with water to form a slurry, and pumped through the pipe. We would like to minimize the operating cost, which is primarily determined by the grinding power and the pumping power.

This problem is taken from James Siddall, Optimal Engineering Design, Dekker.