: The head loss is considered one of the most important design parameters for pipeline transportation of
granulated solid materials. The head loss mainly affect the pump design and the operational costs. The transported
solids can be characterized by its median grain size, d50, density and uniformity coefficient, which primarily affect
the solid-water flow head loss. Whereas, type of pipe material remains an important parameter affecting the head
loss in solid-water flows. This paper presents the results of an experimental study undertaken with 50.8 mm
diameter horizontal pipes. The experiments were conducted in a state-of-the-art hydraulics laboratory to study the
effect of median grain sands and the pipe roughness on head loss in sand-water flow. The sands were used of median
sized grains having d50 of 0.12, 0.23 and 0.42 mm, while pipes used were of PVC, copper, and steel. The
experiments were designed to include conditions that have been tested by other authors to facilitate comparison. It
has been concluded that the head losses increase with increasing grain sizes at lower velocities, but correspondingly
decreases at higher velocities. Whereas, head losses increase with increasing pipe roughness. The results have been
comprehensively analyzed in the light of earlier published data and presented in the form of curves and equations,
along with obtained relationships |
