Rheology characteristics and critical velocity of particle-laden flow affected by three-lobed spiral pipe

The use of piping systems for fluid transportation is increasing because it is considered the most effective method. Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid flows are suitable for piping systems, and non-Newtonian, particle-laden fluids are more complex due to various factors. Deposition is one of the problems that must continue to be investigated because of the effects of flow efficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of the three-lobe spiral pipe effect. Working fluids in several variations of concentration weight (Cw 20%, 30%, and 40%) were used. Test pipe with a length of 1550 mm and consisting of spiral pipe P/Di = 7 and a circular pipe with an inner diameter of 25.4 mm were used. The circular pipe was used to investigate the rheological workings of fluid. Both pipes were used to investigate the particle effects. Using scanning electron microscopy, 1-μm to 5-μm slurry particles were obtained from the mud eruption source at Semau Island, Kupang, Indonesia. The critical velocity value of the spiral pipe was lower than the circular pipe, so the spiral pipe is highly effective for slurry transportation.