CFD Modeling and Effect of Radial Distribution Function on Slurry Transport Parameters

The transport of solid particles in the form of slurry is gaining popularity in industry and research. CFD modeling is gaining popularity in industry and research due to expensive experimental studies and limited experimental data sets and also due to its reliable results. The kinetic theory of granules plays an important role in particles’ transport CFD modeling as it affects solid pressure which is governed by radial distribution function. When the solid granular phase becomes dense, a correction factor called the radial distribution function (RDF), modifies the probability of collisions between grains. The present study visualizes the effects of different granular distribution function approaches on CFD modeling in slurry transport through pipelines. The impact of various granular distribution function approaches on the slurry pipe flow has not yet been examined, as far as we are aware. To investigate this a two-fluid CFD modeling was performed for horizontal slurry pipe of diameter 54.9 mm and same was examined with Kaushal et al. (Int J Multiph Flow 31:809–823, 2005) experimental data for particle size 125 µm and concentration ranging 30–52% by volume for slurry inlet velocities 2–5 m/s. The study concluded with superior performance of RDF proposed by Lun et al. The present study further analyzes particle concentration, and solid phase velocity for concentration ranging 30–50% by volume for slurry inlet velocities 2–5 m/s.