Slurry Conduit Wall Heating for Particle Settlement Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In the mining and mineral extraction industry, slurry pumping systems face challenges in maintaining optimal flow conditions to prevent particle settlement and pipeline blockage, as the critical deposition velocity varies with slurry properties, leading to increased operating costs and potential blockages.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using locally heated spots on the conduit wall to measure temperature differences, allowing for continuous monitoring and control of slurry flow conditions, detecting the onset of particle settlement and maintaining flow velocity while maintaining high slurry concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If slurry is pumped at a velocity well in excess of the critical deposition velocity to avoid particle settlement, then particle settlement is prevented, but operating costs increase due to higher power consumption and frictional losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of particle settlementVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs temperature sensors to continuously monitor the conduit wall temperature and provides feedback to a control system. When the temperature indicates particle settlement (temperature drop below threshold), the system automatically adjusts pumping velocity to prevent settlement, and reduces velocity when settlement is not detected, optimizing energy consumption dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static fixed-speed pumping to dynamic variable-speed pumping based on real-time temperature monitoring. The pumping velocity is continuously adjusted according to slurry flow conditions detected by temperature sensors, allowing the system to operate at the lowest effective velocity at any given moment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If slurry is pumped at a velocity just above the critical deposition velocity to minimize operating costs, then energy consumption is reduced, but particle settlement occurs leading to pipeline blockage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprevention of pipeline blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Temperature sensors provide continuous feedback on slurry flow conditions by monitoring conduit wall temperature. When temperature drops indicate particle settlement, the system responds by increasing pumping velocity to restore proper flow, preventing pipeline blockage while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects the onset of particle settlement through temperature monitoring before it progresses to full pipeline blockage. By taking preliminary action to adjust pumping velocity when temperature changes are detected, the system prevents the harmful condition of blockage from developing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If water content is increased to reduce particle concentration and critical deposition velocity, then critical deposition velocity decreases, but water wastage increases and additional pumping operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of critical deposition velocityVSAvoidwater wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing slurry composition (water content) to reduce critical deposition velocity, the system changes the operational parameter of pumping velocity dynamically. By monitoring temperature and adjusting velocity in real-time, the system maintains effective flow conditions without diluting the slurry, avoiding water wastage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and cost-effective monitoring and control of slurry flow, preventing pipeline blockages and reducing operating costs by detecting particle settlement and adjusting flow conditions in real-time.

Implementation Method 1

delivering heat to the conduit wall at a heating power level... generating a first locally heated spot on an interior surface of the conduit wall by means of heat delivered to the conduit wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

measuring the temperature of the first heated spot, thereby obtaining a first temperature value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation detection: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11268842B2Electronically deriving a conclusion of the condition of slurry flow in a non-vertical conduit

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 COUNCIL FOR SCI IND RES

AI summary

A method of electronically deriving a conclusion of a condition of slurry flow in a non-vertical conduit having a conduit wall and which contains a slurry to flow or flowing along the conduit is provided.