Pressure loss coefficients of ice slurry in horizontally installed flow dividers

The paper discusses pressure drops and pressure loss coefficients of ice slurry made from 10.6% ethylene alcohol, flowing through pipe fittings. Pressure drops of the ice slurry were measured in four pipe tees: ∅15 mm, ∅18 mm, ∅22 mm and ∅28 mm in branch direction and straight direction flow, as well as in three flow dividers: two, three, and four outlets. The inlet diameter of the dividers was 28 mm and the outlet was 15 mm. In experimental investigations, the mass fraction of ice varying from 5% to 30% was used. The Herschel–Bulkley model was applied to describe the characteristics of slurry flow. In calculations of pressure loss coefficients for the pipe tees, pressure drops for 15 mm, 18 mm, 22 mm and 28 mm tubes were used. Furthermore, pressure loss coefficients of the ice slurry flowing through four pipe tees and three flow dividers were obtained from experimental results and corresponding correlations for the laminar range were also developed.

► I examine the flow of 5–30% ice slurry made from 10.6% ethylene alcohol.
► I examine the pressure loss in four pipe tees and in three dividers.
► Loss coefficients of the ice slurry flowing through fittings were obtained.
► Correlations to calculate pressure loss coefficients were also developed.