Resistance Reduction Mechanism and Efficacy of a Rotating Vortex Flow Conditioner in High-Concentration Slurry Pipeline Transport

  • WANG Tong ,
  • SHEN Gaoyang ,
  • YU Guoliang ,
  • et al
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  • KLMIES, MOE, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

Online published: 2026-03-20

Abstract

This paper addresses the drag reduction challenge in slurry pipeline transportation by proposing a novel drag reduction device—a rotating vortex flow conditioner. Through numerical simulation, the effects of key parameters such as the rotational speed-to-flow velocity ratio and particle concentration on its resistance reduction performance were systematically analyzed. The study demonstrates that the device can generate strong vortices via its guide vanes, transforming the originally asymmetric velocity profile into a symmetric elliptical profile. This facilitates the resuspension of sediments on the pipe bottom, thereby enhancing the resistance reduction effect of pipeline transportation. The geometric parameter (H/D) and operational parameter (k) of the device are identified as critical factors influencing its resistance reduction performance. The drag reduction rate initially increases and then decreases with both H/D and k, achieving optimal performance at H/D=0.15. The optimal k value is significantly influenced by slurry concentration (Cv)—higher Cv requires greater k to achieve optimal resistance reduction. Specifically, the optimal k is approximately 2.35 at Cv=30% and ≈5.79 at Cv=50%. These findings provide a new approach for energy-efficient slurry pipeline transportation.

Cite this article

WANG Tong , SHEN Gaoyang , YU Guoliang , et al . Resistance Reduction Mechanism and Efficacy of a Rotating Vortex Flow Conditioner in High-Concentration Slurry Pipeline Transport[J]. Ocean Engineering Equipment and Technology, 2026 , 13(1) : 77 -83 . DOI: 10.12087/oeet.2095-7297.2026.01.09

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