Reduction of erosion in elbows due to flow modifications: Final report, Phase 1. [Elbows]

Technical Report · Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5537725· OSTI ID:5537725

Johnson, E. K.; Means, K. H.; Eyler, R. L.; Holtzworth, J. D.

The objective of this project is to investigate the concept of flow-field modification as a method for reducing erosion in bends (elbows) used in pneumatic transport systems. Flow field modifications were primarily accomplished by injecting air at selected locations within the bends. Part I of this project shows the feasibility of the concept. Part II of this project will include further experiments and analysis, leading to a design methodology for incorporating this concept into piping systems. This report represents the final report for Part I of this project. This report contains a survey of the literature dealing with the erosion in bends (elbows) and the fundamental subjects of erosion and two-phase, gas-solids, flow. Based on this literature survey, a pneumatic transport test loop was constructed. Several bend designs were tested, using sand, under a variety of operating conditions. The results of this exploratory effort indicate that modifying the flow field in a bend with jets may: (1) decrease erosion; (2) change the erosion pattern with the same amount of erosion; or (3) significantly increase the erosion process. Data indicate that the erosion rate may be reduced by low-velocity jets for high phase-density flow. Apparently the interaction of jets with dilute phase-density flow tends to accelerate the erosion process. It is recommended that the project be continued in order to more fully understand the process and its capabilities to solve the difficult technical problem of erosion in bends (elbows).

• Research Organization: West Virginia Univ., Morgantown (USA). Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• DOE Contract Number: AC21-84MC21349
• OSTI ID: 5537725
• Report Number(s): DOE/MC/21349-2531; ON: DE88001028
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
EROSION
PIPES
PNEUMATIC TRANSPORT
FLUID MECHANICS
TEST FACILITIES
SOLIDS
COAL
CONTROL
DENSITY
INCIDENCE ANGLE
MATERIALS
PARTICLE SIZE
PRESSURE DROP
SAND
VELOCITY
WEAR
WEAR RESISTANCE
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICS
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SIZE
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013000* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Transport
Handling
& Storage