A Eulerian–Eulerian computational fluid dynamics
approach
is used in conjunction with appropriate auxiliary models for turbulence
and solid dynamic properties to study the complex turbulent flow of
particle–liquid suspensions in a horizontal pipe. Numerical
simulations of the detailed flow field are fully and successfully
validated using a unique experimental technique of positron emission
particle tracking. The study includes nearly neutrally buoyant as
well as dense particles, ranging from small to large at low to high
concentrations, conveyed by a Newtonian liquid. Results are analyzed
in terms of radial particle and liquid velocity profiles as well as
particle distribution in the pipe. The approach provides predictions
with a high degree of accuracy. Particle behavior can be classified
into three categories depending on their size and particle–liquid
density ratio. An analysis of the forces governing the two-phase flow
is used to interpret the phenomena observed.