Pressure loss evaluation in polymer and fiber laden flows
Fiber laden flows are used in many industrial processes
(e.g. pulp and paper, wood processing).
Depending on fiber characteristics (length, diameter, aspect ratio)
and concentration in the flow, the mode of transport may change
from dilute (evenly distributed fibers) to semi dilute or dense,
with the formation of flocs or a plug of fibers inside the pipe.
Each transport mode corresponds to different
values of pressure drop and energy required to maintain the flow.
Polymers added in small quantity to the flow can be used as drag reducer
(flow enhancer) to contain the pressure drop and/or to improve flowability.
The objective of this benchmark is to
perform systematic tests to build incremental knowledge on
drag reduction (DR) in fiber suspensions.
Three different type of test fluids will be considered:
(i) aqueous polymer solution, (ii) aqueous fiber solution and
(iii) aqueous polymer \& fiber solution.
Fluids will be test at various Reynolds number to
evaluate changes in the friction factors due to the presence of fibers,
of polymer and of fibers and polymer together.
More information about the benchmark can be found
here.