Taguchi approach for optimization of pressure drop characteristics for fly ash with bottom ash addition in slurry pipeline

In this paper, the pressure drop influencing parameters in slurry pipeline have been optimized by using Taguchi’s approach. S/N ratios were calculated by orthogonal array L16 (42) and characterized by using smaller-the-better rule. Pressure drop experimental were conducted on pilot plant test loop having 50 mm diameter. Pressure drop of fly ash slurry was measured with addition of coarser bottom ash at different solid concentrations and flow velocities. The bottom ash addition reduced the pressure drop of fly ash slurry in pipeline and pressure drop increases with the increase in the flow velocity. Flow velocity is the most influencing parameter as compare to the other parameters. The rheological charactertrics of fly ash slurry is also studied with and without addition of bottom ash in order to transport the high solid concentration of fly ash slurry in a pipeline. Apparent viscosity of fly ash slurry suspension with 10, 20 and 30% addition of bottom ash indicates that apparent viscosity of fly ash slurry decreases with the addition of bottom ash due to the presence of coarser bottom ash in fly ash finer particle suspension. The apparent viscosity plays a vibrant role on pressure characteristics of fly ash slurry transportation.