Numerical investigation of novel geometric solutions for erosion problem of standard elbows in gas-solid flow using CFD-DEM

As erosion by solid particles is a serious concern in the pipeline industry, especially in pneumatic transport pipelines, this study has investigated novel numerical geometric solutions to solve this problem using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The studied geometries included square section elbow (with a replaceable backing plate), T-plug, double T-plug, T-plug with axillary air and standard elbow with vane, ribbed-elbow (circular and square section) with different configurations, and elbow with air injection with different conditions. Results of the sensitivity analyses used to study the effects of the changes in the particle shape/size/velocity, mass loading, erosion model and turbulence model on erosion rate revealed that long-radius ribbed-elbow (circular and square section, θ = 30°), long-radius elbow with vane, long-radius elbow with square section, double T-plug and elbow with air injection (with Vinjection = 0.6Vmain and tilt angle = 45°) are good choices.