Comparison of predicted and experimental erosion estimates in slurry ducts

Computational models for the impact velocity and impact angle in a bend have been successfully applied to the flow field and validated by electrical resistance tomography (ERT) to confirm the position of particle burdens. Particle impact parameters from this work have been used as inputs to erosion models to predict wall wastage rates in a R_c/D = 1.2 bend and a upstream straight pipe section. The location of damage and the levels of wall wastage agree well with those obtained from erosion trials conducted on a full scale loop rig with AISI 304 stainless steel pipework. Well-distributed but asymmetric particulate flows of sand in water have been studied at average flow velocities of 3 m s^-1. Predicted erosion damage levels and locations are compared to non-destructive ultrasonic and gravimetric measurements as well as wall thickness measurements made with a micrometer after cutting the pipe and bends sections.