Artículo de revista
Numerical simulations of comminution slurries over complex topographies: Putting together CFD and pipeline integrity
Fecha
2014Registro en:
Minerals Engineering 63 (2014) 139–148
dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2014.03.005
Autor
Trewhela, Tomás
Ihle Bascuñán, Christian
Tamburrino Tavantzis, Aldo
Institución
Resumen
The use of computational fluid dynamics gives new and interesting insights for risk analysis of crosscountry
ore hydraulic transport operations. In particular, they offer the possibility to predict, with reasonable
accuracy, the progression and final condition of spills driven by pipeline leaks at selected locations,
at a relatively modest computational cost. In this work, a depth-averaged, two-dimensional numerical
model is used to simulate an ore concentrate pipeline rupture and subsequent spill, reproduced as a constant
flow condition at the leak point. Although the model is well suited to solve the governing flow equations
on arbitrary topographies by means of digital elevation models, two specific locations featuring
relatively mild and steep slopes, are analysed with regard to their implications on the potential requirements
for emergency team response. Results, obtained using different slurry rheologies, are compared
with those obtained using a simpler, common flow resistance model derived for water flowing over rough
surfaces.