Pipeline resistance distribution characteristic during the pump-stop restart process

In mining projects, clarifying the dynamic behavior of solid materials and their resistance features is of great significance for reducing pumping resistance, preventing blockage, and extending the transportation distance. In this research, multiple numerical tests using the FLUENT were conducted to clarify the slurry-water replacement flow process during the pumping startup process and the pump-stop restart process. The fluid mechanics model was adjusted according to the medium properties to study the pipeline resistance distribution characteristic parameters of the whole process of slurry flow replacing water in the pipe during the transportation startup process, as well as the pipeline resistance distribution characteristics during the restart process after stopping the pump for 1 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h. The result suggested that the evolution characteristics of resistance distribution, the velocity in the pipe, and the friction loss law along the pipeline during the restart process after stopping the pump are revealed. The pressure is the highest 1.0 s after the slurry is stopped for 1 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h and then restarted and is 154 066.89, 153 664.14, 153 171.23, and 134 749.16 Pa, respectively. This study provides a practical application for mineral engineering to optimize the construction efficiency.