EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF IRON ORE TRANSPORT IN SLURRY PIPELINES WITH DIFFERENT FLOW VELOCITIES

Abstract

This work investigates the transport of iron ore pellets in pipelines, using an experimental system to determine the ideal speed that maximizes transport efficiency. The study was carried out with 0.015 mm sinter feed ore, applied to a 1” transparent PVC piping system. The results showed that, by increasing the flow speed, the amount of ore deposited in the piping decreases, indicating greater efficiency in transport. The mass analysis with the “fingers” revealed an uneven distributimn of solids, with a greater concentration in the lower third of the pipe. A decrease in pressure was also observed throughout the circuit, with more pronounced variations at high speeds. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing operating speed to ensure efficient and safe ore transport, reducing load loss and solids deposition.

Keywords: Pipeline; iron ore; sinter feed; ore transportation.