PIPEWAY

ENGINEERING
Lecture # 4:
Transportation of Solids by
Pipelines

 Another form of two phase pipeline flow involves the

transportation of solids in a liquid or gas medium.
 Solids pipeline transportation has been confined to
manufacturing, mining, and construction activities.
 Solids pipeline have most often been used for loading
and unloading operations, in plant movement of
materials and transportation of construction materials
for short distances.
 A coal transportation pipeline of 170 km from mines to
a power station exists in Ohio
In order for solids to be transported
successfully and economically by pipeline,
the following conditions must generally be
satisfied:
1. The solid material should not react in any
undesirable way with the carrying of
fluid or become otherwise
contaminated within pipeline system.
2. Attrition (abrasion, erosion, wear) during
transport should have negligible effect
on subsequent operations.
3.The top particle size should be such that
it can be handled in commercially
available pumps, pipes and preparation
equipment.
4.The solid material should mix easily with,
and separate easily from, the carrying fluid
at the feeder and discharge terminals
respectively.
5.The solid material should not be corrosive,
or become so, in the carrying fluid.
Transportation of Solids by
Pipelines
Solid pipeline flow may occur in at least four
flow regimes:
1. Flow as a homogenous suspension.
 For velocities experienced in most pipeline
applications, this regime involves suspension
of particles of diameter less than 30
microns.
 Provided the flow is turbulent, the suspension
flows like a homogenous fluid.
 In this case, head losses is computed by using
density and viscosity values corresponding
to the suspension.
Transportation of Solids by
Pipelines
2. Flow as a heterogenous suspension
 In a heterogenous suspension, the
concentration of particles at a cross
section is not uniform.
 This type of flow involves transportation
of particles slightly larger than those
which flow in a homogenous suspension.
 In heterogeneous transport, the solid
particles travel with a velocity slightly
less than that of the fluid.
Transportation of Solids by
Pipelines
3. Flow by Saltation

 In solids pipeline flow involving relatively

large particles and flow velocities,
particles collect at the bottom of pipe
and form a stationary bed.
 There is virtually no movement of solids in
this case.
 At higher velocities, movement of
particles at the interface occurs, called
Saltation.
Transportation of Solids by
Pipelines
 Which of these flow regimes occurs in a given
instance will depend on the mean velocity,
particle size, pipe diameter, and specific gravity
of the material.
 The effect of velocity and particle size is
illustrated in Figure.
Transportation of Solids by
Pipelines
The effect of velocity and particle size
Transportation of Solids by
Pipelines
 The Location of boundaries separating
various regimes for a given case will
depend on the nature of the solids-fluid
mixture.
 Basically, the problem of designing a
solids pipeline is to find a flow velocity
which will prevent setting, yet minimize
the friction loss.
 At the same time the percentage of
solids and diameter of pipe must be
sufficiently large to transport the required
tons per day.
 Transportation of Solids by
Pipelines
The minimum of critical carrying velocity and friction
losses in a pipeline transporting fluid-solids mixtures are
dependent on the following factors.
 The density and /or percentage solids by weight of
mixture
 The specific gravity of solids relative to that of the
transporting fluid
 The gradient of the pipeline
 The presence of colloidal material
 Friction losses are influenced by interior pipe
surface (type of pipe) and gradation (distribution
of various diameter particles) of the solids being
transported.
Home Assignment

 Please Specify at least 5 solid materials which can be

transported by pipelines.
 Describe the classification of flow of those solids.
 Describe any Case Study of transportation of Solid
Materials.
 Operation and Maintenance

From the moment construction begins

until the day it is retired – a pipeline
is subject to regular and thorough
inspections.
Pipelines

 Gathering Lines: These lines lead from each

well to central gathering facilities

 Transmission Line: These lines transport

materials across the country

 Compressors: Pipelines are fitted with

compressors at different locations throughout the
pipelines e.g: gas pipelines 65to 160 km
Pipelines

 Sensors: Sophisticated sensors along the pipeline

route collect information like temperature, flow
speed and pressure. The information is collected
and monitored in real time from the control room
often through satellites or optic fiber feeds.
A pipeline is subject to regular thorough inspection
including:

 Examining pipelines with visual, x-

ray, ultrasound and magnetic particle inspections
 Using aerial surveillance
 Having employees walk the right-of-way
 Inspecting inside the pipeline with
diagnostic tools called smart pigs
Monitoring and Inspection

 An integrity dig is a precise operation that spans

several days. Here’s what the process looks like.

Step 1: Determine the exact location of integrity

dig using information from the in-line inspection.
Notify and cooperate with affected landowners to
ensure their circumstances are considered.
Monitoring and Inspection

Step 2:Create a safe work environment – including

using a One-Call service to have location of buried
facilities marked, establishing a route to the site and
setting up protection from the weather, like snow
fences.

Step 3: Strip the top soil, followed by the other soil

layers – carefully preserving each layer to be re-used
later. Excavate to expose the pipe using a procedure that
ensures the safety of the pipe. Confirm the precise
location of the anomaly.
Monitoring and Inspection

Step 4: Remove the coating, clean the pipe surface,

and visually inspect any anomalies with magnetic
particle inspection and ultrasonic. Divert the
product around the segment that’s being repaired.

Step 5: Maintain or repair the pipe segment, if

necessary. This may require placing a protective
sleeve over the anomaly or replacing the short
segment. Recoat the pipe with a high performance
coating.
Monitoring and Inspection

Step 6: Backfill the excavation carefully, removing

any rocks or other objects that could damage the
pipe. Clean up and return the land to its original
state.