Comparative, Analytical and Virtual Study of the Flow Parameters of the Bearing Cement-Air Mixture, in a Pipeline Route

Abstract

Abstract The method of transporting cement with the help of an air jet through pipes is very practical and reliable. However, improper dimensioning of the constructive and functional parameters can lead to improper functioning, to cement agglomerations in certain areas of the route configuration. In order to be able to know the problem areas and geometries, in this paper a comparative, analytical and virtual study of cement transport through a pipeline route, known as geometry and dimensions, was made. Analytical calculation showed that a floating speed of cement particles of 23.45 m/s, with an air flow rate of 0.155 m3/s, is needed to be able to transport a quantity of 40 t/h (11.11 kg/s) of cement. The virtual study done in Flow Simulation showed the behavior of cement particles during transport. The virtual behavior is similar to the real one, with cement particles tending to settle in bends and on long stretches of horizontal pipes. The behavior of the air-cement mixture in the separation cyclone is well exemplified by the virtual simulation. The separation of those two components is well represented and conforms to the real phenomenon.