Optimal sizing and life-cycle cost modelling of pipelines transporting multi-sized solid–liquid mixtures

•Methodology developed for sizing of pipelines for multi-sized solid–liquid mixtures.•Model proposed to predict life-cycle costs of such pipelines.•Design example presented to obtain pipe lifetime and its optimal diameter.•Interrelationship amongst process variables.

A methodology has been developed to determine the optimal size and lifetime of pipelines transporting multi-sized solid–liquid mixtures. The methodology includes a model for prediction of various life-cycle costs for the flow of multi-sized particulate solid–liquid mixtures in a pipeline. The particle size distribution effects have been incorporated in the analysis by the weighted mean diameter. The methodology provides a closed form solution to predict the optimal pipe diameter corresponding to the least total cost for given solid characteristics. Such solutions are obtained for different life-cycle costs, of which the one associated with minimum annual total cost provides the lifetime. The developed methodology has been used to obtain the optimal diameter of a pipeline for a practical case. The parametric study reveals the interrelationship among various flow parameters including the optimal pipe diameter, the corresponding minimum total cost and the particle size.