Resistance Reduction Mechanism in Slurry Pipeline Transportation Under the Action of the Swirler

Flow resistance is a critical determinant of the efficiency and economics of a slurry pipeline. This study aims to reduce pipeline resistance by integrating a swirler to enhance particle suspension. The variation laws of slurry conveying resistance with and without a swirler under various conveying conditions were investigated. Whether a swirler is present or not, the conveying resistance increases with an increase in the conveying velocity (1~6 m/s), volume concentration (10~50%), particle diameter (0.1~5 mm), particle density (1100~1500 kg/m3), and pipe inclination (0~90°). It decreases with an increase in the pipe diameter (50~200 mm). A moderate swirling intensity reduces the resistance in high-velocity large-particle slurry transport. Considering the swirling flow characteristics in the conveying pipeline, resistance loss calculation models accounting for these characteristics were established for different flow states of the slurry in the pipeline. Taking into account the swirling characteristics in the conveying pipeline, a calculation model for resistance loss of the slurry in different flow states within the pipeline was established. The average error between this model and the experimental results was 9.04%.