Study of particle mass loading effects on sand erosion in a series of fittings

• Published in: Powder technology 2020-08, Vol.373, p.118-141
• Main Authors: Farokhipour, A., Mansoori, Z., Rasoulian, M.A., Rasteh, A., Saffar-Avval, M., Ahmadi, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bends; Coupling; Cushioning; Cushioning effect; Erosion rate; Erosion rates; Erosion resistance; Fittings; Gas solid flow; Impact velocity; Industrial applications; Inter-particle collisions; Interaction coupling models; Low speed; Particle collisions; Particle impact; Particle mass; Particle mass loading; Sand
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2020.06.040

Sand erosion occurs in a host of industrial applications and accounts for one of the key factors in equipment failure. This study investigated sand particle erosion performance of different 90-degree fittings. To this end, a CFD-DEM model was employed and the erosion rates of various fittings carrying particle-laden flows were analyzed. Several cases with different mass loadings were simulated using different coupling models and the erosion-related parameters including erosion rate, particle impact angle, impact velocity and frequency were evaluated. The simulation results at high mass loading showed that the four-way coupling predicts much higher erosion along the bend in the elbows compared with one- and two-way coupling models. In sharp bends and plugged tees, however, the four-way coupling model predicts the lowest erosion due to the cushioning effects generated by the incoming high speed particle collisions with the high concentration of low speed particles near the walls. Therefore, at high and moderate mass loadings the four-way coupling model must be used. Furthermore, it was determined that the plugged tee is the most erosion-resistant bend geometry, due to the cushioning effect and low frequency of particle impingements on the end region. [Display omitted] •Simulation of gas-solid flow for evaluating the erosion in a series of 90o fittings.•Erosion rates for a wide range of mass loadings using different coupling models.•Inter-particle collisions play a key role in protecting plugged tee and sharp bend.•Sand rate increase enhances the cushioning effects for plugged tee and sharp bend.•Plugged tee is the most erosion-resistant bend at high and moderate mass loadings.