Particle Flow Characteristics and Transportation Optimization of Superfine Unclassified Backfilling

In order to investigate the high volume fraction problem of the solid phase in superfine unclassified backfilling pipeline transportation, characteristic parameters were obtained by fitting to test data with an R–R particle size distribution function; then, a Euler dense-phase DPM (Discrete phase model) model was established by applying solid–liquid two-phase flow theory and the kinetic theory of granular flow (KTGF). The collision and friction of particles were imported by the UDF (User-define function) function, and the pipeline fluidization system, dominated by interphase drag forces, was analyzed. The best concentration and flow rate were finally obtained by comparing the results of the stress conditions, flow field characteristics, and the discrete phase distributions. It is revealed that reducing the concentration and flow rate could control pressure loss and pipe damage to a certain degree, while lower parameters show negative effects on the transportation integrity and backfilling strength. Indoor tests and field industrial tests verify the reliability of the results of the numerical simulations. Research shows that the model optimization method is versatile and practical for other, similar, complex flow field working conditions.