Pressure of Slurry in a Stainless Steel Pipe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the pressure in a stainless steel pipe carrying a slurry of fiberglass and water. Participants explore the challenges of determining pressure drop and loss in the context of fluid dynamics, particularly focusing on the properties of slurries compared to water.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to calculate the pressure in a 10-inch nominal diameter pipe carrying a slurry, noting the viscosity and flow rate.
  • Another participant suggests that the available data can only yield a pressure drop per unit length, indicating that additional information is necessary for absolute pressure calculations.
  • A third participant emphasizes the need for more information, such as the density of the fluid, to estimate pressure loss over a specific length of pipe, particularly for water.
  • A participant references the 16th Edition of Cameron Hydraulic Data, suggesting that while it contains information on pressure loss for viscous liquids, the variability in slurry composition complicates accurate predictions.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of specific details regarding the pipe's schedule or internal diameter, which are crucial for accurate calculations.
  • One participant notes that the characteristics of the fiberglass fibers, such as length, are important variables that could affect flow and pressure loss.
  • Participants agree that slurries present unique challenges and suggest that empirical measurements may be necessary to develop a reliable design chart for the specific slurry in question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the information provided is insufficient for a definitive calculation of pressure. Multiple competing views exist regarding the approach to estimating pressure loss, particularly in relation to slurries versus water.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the absence of specific density values, the need for additional pipe specifications, and the inherent complexities of modeling slurry behavior in fluid dynamics.

stevenkyle96
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I am trying to find the pressure in a ANSI stainless steel pipe with a nominal diameter of 10 in. A slurry of fiberglass and water is flowing through the pipe that has a viscosity of 3.2 centipoise. The flow rate through the pipe is approximately 3000 GPM.

How can I figure out the pressure in this pipe?

If it is not possible to figure out the pressure with the above information. What is the pressure assuming the fluid flowing through the pipe is water at 3000 GPM?
 
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Hi,

Best you can get with the given data is a pressure drop per unit of length. To find an absolute pressure, more info is needed.
 
You do not provide enough information. The "pressure in the pipe" could be anything, it depends on what is pushing the flow along.

You have almost enough info to predict the pressure loss in the pipe. I think if you gave the density you might be able to estimate the psi loss over 100 ft of pipe, for instance, for the case of water. I haven't ever done calculations for "slurries" -- maybe someone else here could help with that.

EDIT: looks like I was typing while @BvU was finishing up
2nd EDIT: also, 10" nominal does not provide enough info on the pipe. You'd need the schedule, or pipe internal diameter.
 
My 16th Edition of Cameron Hydraulic Data has pressure loss information for viscous liquids and for paper stock. If your slurry consists of fiberglass fibers in water, then the paper stock information might be useful. Maybe. The trends (pressure loss vs velocity and % solids) should be of some use. I would not expect to be able to get useful results for pressure loss because there are too many differences that affect the flow. I see there is a copy of the 16th Edition posted online.

Assuming the fiberglass is in the form of loose fibers, then a key variable is the fiber length.

Slurries are a challenge, Your best option is to take some measurements and develop a design chart for your specific slurry.
 
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