Abstract
Most methods of particle-size separation involve particle fractionation which is often done by filtration or the use of screens. 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 separation technologies.
Experiments were conducted for three targeted particle fractionation technologies to evaluate the in-pipe removal of oversized sands in Newtonian slurries prior to the introduction to bump arrays. This mesofluidic system uses an array of staggered posts at controlled offset angle to establish flow streams within the device. The methods and results of these experiments are described in this paper. This information could be applied in most industrial and laboratory systems to rapidly remove oversized particles from a flowing slurry.