Laboratory modelling of erosion damage by vortices in slurry flow

By using fluid dynamics modelling, experimental visualisation and quantitative measurements of erosion scars, several fluid dynamic mechanisms have previously been identified as causing severe erosion attacks. These included erosion by vortices, by flashing and by various non-uniform flows. Observations of accelerated wear have shown that vortex erosion is present in many flow geometries critically important in sponsors' plants, e.g. pipe work around a valve, protrusions in a pipe and many conventional engineering designs. This paper focuses on vortex erosion in a variety of flow situations and examines the fluid dynamics and consequent erosion.