Session: 10-09-01: Multiphase Flows and Applications

Paper Number: 110684

110684 - Targeted Particle Fractionation Technologies: Proof of Concept 

Particle fractionation is an important step to analyze particle size. Filtration or passing particles through sieves are common analysis methods to analyze particle size. This paper provides proof of concept testing for new in-pipe particle fractionation technologies that can be used at laboratory to industrial scales. These technologies are extensions of recent advancements in bump arrays as well as testing of new inline angled to the flow slats and advanced Boycott-based Avalanche separation technologies. Bump arrays are in-line arrangements of pins that are staggered to move larger particles to one exit and deplete these particles from the opposite exit. 

 

Rapid advances in the Mesofluidic Separator (MFS) technology (Patent pending Separator Assemblies and Methods No. 16/395,097) for the in-pipe removal of targeted sized particles has led to the opportunity for advances in oversized particle removal prior to the installation of smaller particle MFS units.  Mesofluidic separator technology has been applied to Newtonian and non-Newtonian slurries over a range of laminar and turbulent flow conditions. 

To minimize the plugging and inline pressure build up that are caused by filters and screens, three new, novel in-pipe particle fractionation technologies were developed, designed, constructed, and performance tested. These new configurations included the: Bump Array Staged Particle Fractionator, Angled Grated Gate Particle Fractionator, and Avalanche Boycott Oversized Particle Separator.

Key to the Bump Array Staged Particle Fractionator technology is the use of stage pin arrays that are angled to the flow to move targeted particles to an express lane so the oversized materials can be rapidly removed from the pipe.

 

The Angled Grated Gate Particle Fractionator technology uses controlled spaced slats that are similarly angled to the flow as in the Bump Array Staged Particle Fractionator to move targeted particles to an express lane so the oversized materials can be rapidly removed from the pipe.

In this paper, we evaluate the three new particle fractionation technologies in proof-of-concept testing using a Newtonian sand and water slurry. We first document the devices tested, the slurries used, and the experimental systems conditions. Then we present the experimental performance results to compare the performance of the three approaches. This information could be applied in most industrial and laboratory systems to rapidly remove oversized particles from a flowing slurry. Testing has shown that two of the new particle fractionator technologies were very successful, removing over 97% of the targeted oversize particles from the slurry stream at industrial flow rates over 100 gpm in a 3 in. diameter pipe.

Presenting Author: Judith Bamberger FEDSM2020 Chair and Senior Research Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Judith Bamberger specializes in slurry mixing and transport at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA

Authors:

Michael Minette Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Carolyn Burns Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Nathan Phillips Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Casie Davidson Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Judith Bamberger FEDSM2020 Chair and Senior Research Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Jason Serkowski Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Leonard Pease Pacific Northwest National Laboratory