Particle Transport Velocity in Vertical Transmission with an Airlift Pump

Abstract

This paper presents the optimal conditions for fast transfer of solid particle with an airlift pump. The experimental examinations were carried out in an airlift pump with a length of 5.64 m and an inner diameter of 0.102 m in order to determine the impact of submergence ratio, air flow, and physical particle properties, such as shape, size, and density, on the vertical velocity of the particle in detail. The results showed that with the same air flow, the maximum particle velocity was achieved when the churn flow regime is established with a submergence ratio close to 0.89. However, in bubble and slug flow, it is not possible to carry a large particle in the dimensions of centimeters. Furthermore, in a churn flow, the velocity of the particle exceeds the velocity of pumped water; hence, water is not the only particle carrier in a vertical three-phase flow.