Pipe flow measurements of a transparent non-Newtonian slurry. [Includes velocity profiles]

An experimental description of the flow structure of non-Newtonian slurries in the laminar, transitional, and full turbulent pipe flow regimes is the primary objective of this research. Experiments were conducted in a large-scale pipe slurry flow facility with an inside pipe diameter of 51 mm. The transparent slurry formulated for these experiments exhibited a yield-power-law behavior from cup viscometer measurements. The velocity profile for laminar flow from laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) measurements had a central plug flow region, and it was in agreement with theory. The range of the transition region was narrower than that for a Newtonian fluid. The mean velocity profile for turbulent flow was close to a 1/7 power-law velocity profile. The rms longitudinal velocity profile was also similar to a classical turbulent pipe flow experiment for a Newtonian fluid; however, the rms tangential velocity profile was significantly different. 11 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.