The study of hydraulic transportation and re-suspension velocity of chalk powder in a small diameter pipe

Much work over the past fifty years has been completed in analyzing slurry flows through 25mm or larger diameter pipes. These flow systems are representative of many mineral processing operations and provide useful operating correlations for such processes. Unlike many other industries, the Nuclear Sector transports slurries in small volumes which are populated by micron sized particulates. Consequently, the piping required for the flow system can be of reduced diameters. An experimental study has been made of the hydraulic transport of chalk particles in a horizontal pipeline of 10mm diameter. Re-suspension velocities and pressure gradients are recorded as a function of solids concentration 2,6,10 and 18% by volume. The results indicate that re-suspension properties are influenced by surface chemistry effects, which are not depicted in classical coarse particle transport studies.