SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAXIMISING SOLIDS CONCENTRATION OF SLURRY PUMPED THROUGH A PIPELINE

摘要

A method for controlling slurry flowing through a pipeline (11) is provided. Dense slurry is provided into a sump (8). Water is added into the sump (8) to dilute the dense slurry. The diluted slurry is pumped from the sump (8) to a main pipeline (11). A section of testing pipeline (1) is provided in-line with the main pipeline (11). Parameters relating to a turbulence parameter Y of the diluted slurry flowing through the test pipeline (1) are measured. A current turbulence parameter Y is determined and compared with a predetermined maximum threshold value. If the current turbulence parameter Y is greater than the predetermined maximum threshold value, the volume of water being added to the sump (8) is increased until the current turbulence parameter falls to a predetermined minimum value. Otherwise, if the current turbulence parameter Y is less than the predetermined maximum threshold value, the volume of water being added to the sump (8) is decreased. A system for implementing the method is also provided.