RU2800879C2 - Slurry transportation system and method for reducing wear of the lower inner surface of the suction section of the slurry pump - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: industrial equipment.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to improvements to the components used in the transportation of slurry through a pipeline. The application describes an internal tilted auxiliary channel, or diverter (24), for suspending and/or resuspension of solids within the piping system during pulp transport, which can be installed in various components of the pulp transport system to contain or reduce local and significant wear, often occurring in pulp pumps. Embodiments of the diverter (24) can properly change the structure of the multi-phase slurry flow and/or prevent the usual moving/sliding bed behaviour from occurring. Embodiments of the diverter (24) may be configured to properly lift large abrasive particles from the lower portions of the slurry pipeline section, where the concentration and amount of larger particles may be higher.

EFFECT: variants of the diverter can be installed near and/or upstream of the slurry pumps to prevent the occurrence of severe local wear along the inner circumference of the pump wall on the suction side at the bottom at the 6 o'clock position.

15 cl, 22 dwg

Description

Links to related applications

This international application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 62/638001, filed March 2, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if set forth herein.

Technical field

The present application relates to industrial equipment, in particular, improvements to the components used in the transportation of slurry pipeline (slurry pipeline).

In particular, embodiments of a new device and method for suspending and/or resuspending pulp inside a pulp pipeline during its transportation are described. Embodiments of the new device and method can improve the uniformity of the distribution of concentration (particles) in the flow in the suction area of the slurry pump and reduce the wear of pump components in slurry transportation systems.

This disclosure clearly shows that the described designs and methods allow you to get various advantages and positive effects that increase the life of slurry pumps, but are missing from existing technologies for transporting slurry.

State of the art

In existing slurry conveying systems, slurry conveying lines and/or slurry pumps can experience wear, particularly at the bottom, or in the "6 o'clock" area (i.e., at the bottom), due to the action of gravity. Moreover, wear can occur in the same area due to the manifestation of the moving/sliding layer mode.

Wear can occur in slurry pumps when the flow approaching the suction port is within the moving/sliding bed mode zone. The greater concentration and/or presence of more larger particles at the bottom is combined with suction recirculation, which causes significant local wear along the inner circumference of the wall on the suction side near the "6 o'clock" region (see Fig. 6-7) .

As the slurry passes through the pipelines, there is a tendency for solid particles to settle in the pipeline under the influence of gravity forces, which creates an increased concentration of solid particles at the bottom of the pipe. When the flow velocity drops below a critical value, the dynamic forces in the fluid are unable to keep the solid particles in suspension. This is especially the case for larger particles, which tend to settle and form a moving layer at the bottom of the pipeline, which slides at a slower speed compared to the rest of the stream. In the worst cases, this moving/sliding layer may even stop.

In FIG. 8 is an illustration explaining the wear at the 6 o'clock position mentioned above. Wear on slurry pump components can occur when the pump inlet flow is within the moving/sliding bed mode (where there is a higher concentration and/or more larger particles at the bottom of the suction pipe). The moving bed mode, combined with suction recirculation or seepage, which is inevitably present in centrifugal pumps, forms a localized and powerful wear mechanism.

Several solutions have been proposed for resuspension of solids in slurry pipelines. One of them uses pre-swirling of the flow or the use of helical "vanes" to create swirls (see, for example, US 1608547; US 2013/0202426A1). Another uses sloped sidewalls and reduced pipeline cross-sectional area (see, for example, US 6428268).

US 5,301,984 proposes the use of a protrusion in pipe elbows to reduce wear on slurry conveying pipe bends, but wear on slurry pumps (which has a separate specificity) is not covered by this document.

The present invention proposes new solutions to overcome the disadvantages resulting in high wear in slurry pumps and to improve the said known solutions for resuspension of solid particles. There is currently a need for slurry conveying systems that can extend the life and maintain or improve the efficiency of slurry conveying without the need for changes in slurry conveying speed or the use of expensive materials in the pumps.

Objectives of the invention

Thus, it is the object of some embodiments to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages associated with the settling of solids in pipelines and the resulting pump wear in known slurry transport systems.

Another objective of some embodiments is to eliminate or mitigate the effects of wear that occurs in centrifugal slurry pumps used in mining, oil sands, and other industrial operations.

Another objective of some embodiments is to eliminate or mitigate the effects of wear that would result from severe localized wear around the inner circumference of the lining on the suction line, stuffing box or adjustable wear ring (in the case of FLSmidth® KREBS pumps), which wear is typically found near the low point, commonly referred to as the 6 o'clock position.

Another objective of some embodiments is to initiate hydraulic resuspension of solids that may have settled to the bottom of the slurry lines feeding the centrifugal slurry pumps, thereby eliminating or reducing localized wear along the inner circumference of the lining on the suction line or wear compensation ring at the 6 o'clock position.

It is another object of some embodiments to provide for the installation of an internal inclined auxiliary conduit or "diverter" into the slurry pipeline, including but not limited to any location along a suction pipe used to feed slurry pumps, pipe assemblies, or alternatively, a suction pipe inlet at areas with sediment.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent on reading the drawings and description.

Although it is intended that each object of the invention be solved by at least one embodiment of the invention, it is not necessary that all objects of the invention be solved in any single embodiment.

Disclosure of invention

Disclosed is a new device for resuspension of solids in pipelines, or "deflecting device". The "deflecting device" may comprise a structure substantially as shown in the accompanying drawings. Each structural element shown plays an important role in influencing the fluid dynamics within the piping and pumps of the slurry transport system.

The pulp transport method may include introducing a new diverter into a component of the pulp transport system, and then passing the pulp through the pulp transport system over the diverter. When implementing a method for reducing wear of a component of the pulp transportation system, this component can be removed from the system and a replacement component containing a deflector, the design of which is mainly shown in the attached drawings, can be introduced. In some embodiments, the method may include the step of providing a component for use with a pulp conveyance system having a structure generally shown and described in the respective drawings. In some embodiments, the method may include the step of introducing a component having the structure generally shown and described in the accompanying drawings into the pulp conveyance system and installing the component. This design is preferably designed to change the flow containing particles (for example, suspension or resuspension of large abrasive particles) and reduce wear.

More specifically, the present invention proposes a slurry transportation system comprising a slurry pump and a component for making the slurry flow upward from the lower inner surface of this component, including: an outer casing; an inner lining disposed within the outer casing and configured to allow pulp flow to flow therethrough; and a diverter located on the lower surface of the inner lining and configured to direct the flow of pulp inside the inner lining upwards from the lower surface of the inner lining, said component being located upstream and in close proximity to the suction inlet of the pump and configured to resuspend large solids particles from the bottom of the slurry stream to ensure a more uniform distribution of concentration in the stream at the suction port of the slurry pump and thereby reduce wear associated with the slurry pump.

In particular embodiments, the component is located in the straight section of the slurry pumping system.

The diverter comprises an upwardly rising and concave section tapering in width from the beginning to the end to give the pulp flow direction of movement upwards and inwards in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the component.

The deflecting device is attached to the lower surface of the inner lining with suitable fasteners.

The deflector is integrally molded with an inner lining of the same material.

The deflecting device is configured to direct the pulp flow inside the inner lining upwards and inward from the bottom surface of the inner lining.

The inner lining is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, metal alloy, white chromium iron, steel, ceramic, rubber, polyurethane, plastic, elastomeric and polymeric materials.

The deflector is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, metal alloy, white chromium cast iron, steel, ceramic, rubber, polyurethane, plastic, elastomeric and polymeric materials.

The deflecting device comprises an upwardly deflected section configured to direct the pulp flow upwards from the bottom surface of the inner lining.

The deflecting device comprises an upwardly deflected and concave section configured to direct the pulp flow upwards from the bottom surface of the inner lining.

The deflecting device comprises: a base, the general curvature of which basically corresponds to the curvature of the part of the inner lining on which it is located; and an upwardly deflected section configured to direct the pulp flow upward from the bottom surface of the inner lining.

The deflecting device comprises: a base, the general curvature of which basically corresponds to the curvature of the part of the inner lining on which it is located; and an upwardly deflected and concave section configured to direct the pulp flow upward from the bottom surface of the inner lining.

The deflecting device includes a base, the general curvature of which basically corresponds to the curvature of the part of the inner lining on which it is located; an upwardly deflected section configured to direct the pulp flow upward from the bottom surface of the inner lining; and a pair of generally vertical guiding sections located on opposite sides of the upwardly deflected section to further direct pulp flow upward from the bottom surface of the inner lining.

The deflecting device comprises: a base, the general curvature of which basically corresponds to the curvature of the part of the inner lining on which it is located; and an upwardly deflected and concave section configured to direct the pulp flow upward from the bottom surface of the inner lining; and a pair of generally vertical guiding sections located on opposite sides of the upwardly deflected section to further direct pulp flow upward from the bottom surface of the inner lining.

The present invention also proposes a method for reducing wear on the lower inner surface of the suction section of the pulp pump in the pulp transport system, which includes: providing one or more diverting devices configured to make the pulp flow upward from the lower inner surface of the pulp transport system; positioning said one or more diverters at one or more locations upstream and in close proximity to the suction inlet of the pump along the lower inner surface of the pulp conveyance system; and transporting the slurry through the slurry transport system through said one or more diverters, wherein the diverter is provided upstream of the slurry pump so that the slurry has a more uniform distribution of concentration in the flow at the suction inlet of the slurry pump. Brief description of the drawings

As a supplement to the present description and for a better understanding of the features of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to the present disclosure, illustrating new and previously unknown methods and apparatus for improving industrial slurry transport processes, forming an integral part of the disclosure, and depicting the following invention in illustrative form, not limiting this invention. It should be understood that the same reference numbers used throughout the drawings (if used) may identify the same components.

in fig. 1-5 show a diverter that can be used in a component of a pulp conveyance system according to the first particular embodiment. The deflecting device contains a design that improves the functional characteristics and reduces the wear of the components of the pulp transportation system and their base;

in fig. 1 is a top cross-sectional view of a component of a slurry transport system including an attached deflector in accordance with the present invention;

in fig. 2 is an end view of a component of a pulp conveyance system including an attached diverter in accordance with the present invention, as viewed from the direction of pulp entry into the component;

in fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a component of a slurry transport system incorporating an attached deflector in accordance with the present invention;

in fig. 4 is a perspective view of a component of a pulp conveyance system including an attached diverter in accordance with the present invention, as viewed from the pulp exit side of the component;

in fig. 5 is a top perspective view of a component of a pulp conveyance system including an attached diverter in accordance with the present invention, as viewed from the pulp inlet of the component;

in fig. 6-7 illustrate problems specific to the prior art, in particular showing areas of local heavy wear of components on the suction side of the slurry pump on the inner circular surface in the region of the 6 o'clock position;

in fig. 6 shows wear in the bottom area of the inner circumferential surface of the FLSmidth® KREBS adjustable wear ring;

in fig. 7 shows the expected wear in the area of the bottom of the inner circular surface of the stuffing box bushing or lining on the suction part in a conventional slurry pump;

in fig. 8 illustrates the various possible flow regimes within a slurry transport system (eg, in a pipe or pipeline component). This drawing also shows the usual pattern of solid-liquid flow in a pipe in various modes, and shows the increase in concentration at the bottom of the pipeline with increasing subsidence. Moving/sliding layers of large abrasive particles settling to the bottom (under the action of gravity) can cause wear on slurry pipelines and pump components in the "6 o'clock" area;

in fig. 9 is a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) prediction of the trajectory of particles within a moving/sliding layer passing over an open assist channel deflector, in accordance with one exemplary disclosed embodiment;

in fig. 10 and 11 compare conventional pipes (top of each drawing) with embodiments of the invention (bottom of each drawing). It can be seen that the new deflector aids in resuspension of the particles in the moving/sliding bed;

in fig. 12 shows possible suitable locations for the diverter according to embodiments of the invention, in particular in the immediate vicinity of and in front of the suction inlet of the pump;

in fig. 13-15 are isometric views of a slurry conveyance system component incorporating a diverter, in accordance with some embodiments. In FIG. 15 shows how a polymer (eg, rubber, urethane, plastic) lining can be used inside an outer metal cage. The diverter may be molded in a resin liner as shown in the drawing, but may also be fabricated separately and attached within a component of the pulp conveyance system as a stand-alone accessory. Polymer cladding, among other things, can be added to an existing metal cage (for example, as an after-sales service);

in fig. 13 is an isometric view of a component of a pulp conveyance system incorporating a diverter according to the present invention molded as an integral part of the component's polymeric inner liner, as viewed from the direction of pulp entry into the component;

in fig. 14 is an isometric view of a component of a pulp conveyance system incorporating a diverter in accordance with the present invention molded as an integral part of the component's polymeric inner liner, as viewed from the direction of pulp exit from the component;

in fig. 15 is a sectional isometric view of a slurry conveyance system component incorporating a diverter in accordance with the present invention molded as an integral part of the component's polymeric inner liner;

in fig. 16 and 17 illustrate flow patterns within a conventional suction tube (top of each figure) compared to two resuspension diverters with closed auxiliary channels, according to the two possible embodiments described here (middle and bottom of each figure);

in fig. 18 is a front view of a deflector in accordance with the present invention, which in another embodiment uses wear inserts that can be easily installed inside standard slurry pipelines, when viewed from the side of the slurry outlet of the component;

in fig. 19 is a plan view of a diverter according to the present invention;

in fig. 20 is a bottom view of a diverter according to the present invention;

in fig. 21 is a perspective view of the top of a diverter in accordance with the present invention;

in fig. 22 is an isometric view of the bottom of a deflector in accordance with the present invention.

The following is a more detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings in relation to particular embodiments.

Detailed description of the invention

While the present invention has been described herein using particular embodiments of a slurry pipeline component comprising a previously unknown diverter, and methods for making and using the same, it should be understood that those skilled in the art upon reviewing the foregoing disclosure will recognize its many variations and modifications.

The embodiments described and shown in detail in the text and drawings are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. On the contrary, all embodiments presented are to be considered illustrative in nature. Accordingly, the present invention is only limited by the appended formula.

The inventor has proposed a novel and previously unknown method for conveying pulp within a pipe or component of a pulp conveying system using a new diverter.

To redistribute the flow within the pipe section, an inclined auxiliary channel or "deflector" may be used, as shown in the attached drawings. This diverter can be made using polymer, metal, or, if necessary, ceramic wear resistant material. A combination of these materials can be used to make the diverter.

In some practical embodiments, in some cases, the slurry/solids may include, among other things, post-mineralization concentrate, sludge, slurry, mineral processing waste, process waste, and other materials that need to be transported.

The diverter may be an open auxiliary channel, the shape of which allows solid particles to be pulled out of the moving/sliding layer of particles located at the bottom of the slurry pipeline, lift them up and then bring them closer to the central axis of the pipe section, as shown in Fig. 9 at the bottom of FIG. 10-11, and in the middle and bottom of FIG. 16-17.

The diverter may "fluidize" the particles to create a more uniform flow within the pulp conveying pipe or, inter alia, within a component of the pulp conveying system. The converging flow formed by the design allows the slurry above the bed to move and/or surround the solid particles carried out from the internal auxiliary channel through the diverter.

In some preferred embodiments, an internal closed auxiliary channel may be used. The internal auxiliary channel may be configured to branch a pipe section or a component of the slurry transport system. With this design, the flow within a pipe section or slurry transport system component can be redistributed. When flow is redistributed by a diverter, solids are pulled from the moving/sliding bed at the bottom of a pipe section or slurry conveyance system component, lifted by the flow, and carried closer to the pipe axis. All this happens when the rest of the slurry contained within the pipe section or slurry conveyance system component surrounds the outer walls of the inner auxiliary channel and redistributes around the solids carried out of the inner auxiliary channel.

While a single element is disclosed or shown in the accompanying drawings herein, it should be understood that one or more such elements may be used or installed instead. For example, the terms "diverting device" or "auxiliary channel" as used herein may, in some embodiments, include, among other things, "at least one" diverting device or "at least one" auxiliary channel. In other words, within a single conveyance system or a component thereof (eg a pipe section) several diverting devices or elements thereof may be used and/or placed, among other things. For example, a plurality of diverters may be used throughout the slurry transport system without limitation.

It should also be understood that any combination of the disclosed elements may form a unique embodiment of the invention. For example, an embodiment of a retrofit kit may be formed by combining, in any combination, the necessary structural elements to assemble part of a diverter or the entire diverter. The retrofit kit may be configured as a component of the pulp conveyance system, comprising at least one diverter that may be used with or installed in the pulp conveyor system. A component of an existing slurry handling system (e.g., a section of pipe) may be removed from the existing slurry handling system, and a replacement component of the slurry handling system containing at least one diverter (ie, a component from a retrofit kit) may be installed instead.

The disclosure of each patent, patent application, and publication cited, listed, named, or referred to in this specification is hereby incorporated in its entirety, as if it were wholly cited therein.

While this subject matter has been disclosed with reference to particular embodiments, it is obvious that other embodiments and modifications can be imagined by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. The appended claims may include some but not all such embodiments and equivalent modifications.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Thus, the scope of the invention is indicated and defined only by the appended claims, and not by the above description. All embodiments covered by the spirit and scope of the claims are to be contained within this scope.

A contractor or other economic entity may provide, manufacture, install, maintain, operate, or offer for sale a diverter or slurry conveyance system component comprising the diverter described in this disclosure. A contractor or other economic entity may provide, manufacture, install, maintain, operate, or offer for sale one or more modifications to an existing slurry conveyance system or component thereof that can effectively replicate the functions of the novel diverter disclosed herein.

A contractor or other economic entity may provide, manufacture, install, maintain, operate, or offer for sale one or more components or elements of a slurry transportation system, containing one or more deflecting devices or one or more structural elements disclosed in this description, without going beyond the scope of the claims and essence of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments and applications, a person skilled in the art, having read this disclosure, will be able to suggest additional embodiments and modifications that do not go beyond the essence or scope of the claimed invention.

In FIG. 6 and 7 illustrate wear problems caused by abrasive slurry flows within pumps used in slurry transport systems. As an example, these drawings show areas of local heavy wear on the suction side of the slurry pump components along the inner circumferential surface around the lower region at the 6 o'clock position. In FIG. 6 shows wear along the bottom of the inner circumferential surface of the FLSmidth® KREBS Adjustable Wear Ring, while FIG. 7 shows the wear on the lower part of the inner circumferential surface of the stuffing box bushing or the lining of the suction part of a conventional slurry pump. Since this type of wear significantly shortens the life of these components, it is desirable to reduce this wear.

In FIG. 8 illustrates the various possible flow regimes within a slurry transport system (eg, in a pipe or pipeline component). In a uniform flow, the suspended solids are usually uniformly distributed throughout the slurry. In an inhomogeneous flow with full suspension of solid particles, the particles are usually distributed unevenly in the slurry, with more particles in the lower part of the slurry due to particle gravity. In a non-uniform sliding bed flow, the concentration of solids is much higher in the lower part of the pipeline, as a result of which the movement of the lower part is significantly impeded, which leads to a decrease in speed or even a complete stop. Accordingly, this figure depicts a typical solid-liquid flow in a pipe in various modes, and shows an increase in concentration at the bottom of the pipeline with increasing subsidence. Moving/sliding layers of large abrasive particles that collect on the bottom under the influence of gravity can cause severe localized wear of the slurry pump components in the lower region, at the 6 o'clock position. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to redirect solid particles of the sliding bed from the lower "6 o'clock" region of the slurry transport system, redistributing them to other areas of the pipeline to improve flow uniformity, which prevents serious local wear in the lower part of the internal surface of the pump, due to the mode sliding layer.

In accordance with the present invention, in FIG. 1-5 and FIG. 13-15 and FIG. 18-22 depict a component of a slurry conveyance system, generally referred to as 10, which may take the form of a slurry conveyor pipe, piping, piping assembly, pump suction inlet, sludge area inlet section, including feed assembly, inlet, outlet, bleed orifice, drainpipe, suction and/or pumping sections of any of the aforementioned items. In these drawings, component 10 is shown as a flanged suction inlet element commonly used in slurry conveying. The shown component 10 is generally cylindrical in shape, although its shape may be any suitable for conveying slurry. The component 10 shown has an outer casing (body) 12 and a series of mounting flanges 14 for attaching the component 10 to any appropriate location within the pulp conveyance system. Accordingly, the outer casing may be made of any suitable slurry conveying material, including conventional metals such as steel and iron, or polymer pipes and flexible pipes, or wear resistant metals such as steel or white chromium iron, as appropriate. Component 10 also includes an inner lining 16, which may either form an integral structure with the outer casing 12, or may be a separate structure inserted within the outer casing 12, or molded or fabricated to form the inner surface of the component 10. Accordingly, the inner lining 16 may be made of the same metal as the outer sleeve 12 or another material such as rubber, polyurethane, plastic, polymer, elastomer or metal such as white chromium cast iron, or, if necessary, corrosion-resistant alloys or wear-resistant ceramic coatings or other suitable wear resistant material.

In this design, component 10 includes a drain/suction conduit, such as a nozzle 18, attached to outer casing 12, having an inner opening 20 in fluid communication with the interior of component 10, and extending from inner lining 16 through outer casing 12. 18 is typically manufactured with component 10 and is therefore made of the same material as outer sleeve 12, although it may be an attachment to component 10 made of another suitable material. The drain channel 18 is located on the bottom, extending downward in the "6 o'clock" part of the component 10, labeled 22, although the present invention is also suitable for use without such a drain channel 18, or the suction channel 18 is otherwise located.

The component 10 shown also includes a deflector, generally designated 24, located down the bottom at the 6 o'clock position 22 of the inner lining 16. The deflector may be made from the same material as the outer cage 12 and/or the inner lining. 16, including various metals, such as white chromium iron, or wear or corrosion resistant metal alloys, or polymers, such as rubber, polyurethane, or wear resistant ceramics, or any other suitable wear resistant materials. Accordingly, deflector 24 may be integrally formed with inner lining 16, or with inner lining 16 and outer cage 12 at the same time, or may be a separate insert or accessory fixedly attached by any suitable means, including fasteners, adhesive, slots, sockets, wedges or other suitable connecting devices or means on the inner lining 16 at the bottom bottom, at the 22 6 o'clock position.

The diverter 24 is shaped to remain fixed to the inner lining 16 while being shaped as an open channel to direct the flow of slurry and larger particles often downstream in the slurry conduit passing through component 10 in the upper direction from the lower region of the inner lining 16, located at the bottom in the position 22 "at 6 o'clock". Alternatively, it can be imagined that the diverter 24 could instead be in the form of a closed channel, as shown in FIG. 16 and 17. In an open bore design, the diverter 24 has a curved base 26 whose curvature substantially matches the curvature of the portion of the inner lining 16 on which it is mounted or integrally molded. The diverter 24 is shaped to include a rising or upward inclined central section or ramp 28 having a concave surface and tapering in width from beginning to end to direct the pulp flow upwards or upwards and inwards, as required (e.g., in the direction of longitudinal central axis of the component 10) as it moves through the diverter 24 in order to change the flow of particles (for example, suspend or resuspend large abrasive particles) and reduce wear on the bottom of the slurry pump components at the bottom at the 6 o'clock position 22. Alternatively, it can be envisioned that the upwardly inclined center section, or ramp 28, may be substantially flat rather than concave, and may not taper in width, but preferably be of a design to assist in directing the pulp flow upward towards the central axis of the pipeline, or up and inward, in the process of moving along the deflecting device 24.

The upwardly inclined center section, or ramp 28, is surrounded on both sides by upwardly projecting first and second guide sections 30 and 32, which may extend substantially vertically from either side of the upwardly inclined center section, or ramp 28. The first and second guide sections 30 and 32 are also shown tapering inward toward the vertical center plane of component 10 to impart an inward direction to pulp flow. However, the degree and direction of contraction of the first and second guide sections 30 and 32 can also be changed (inward towards the vertical center plane of the component 10, generally parallel to each other, or outward towards the inner lining) to obtain the desired pulp flow. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the dimensions of the first and second guide sections 30 and 32 can also be changed to achieve the desired degree of change and direction of pulp flow. Together with the upwardly deflected central section, or ramp 28, the first and second guide sections 30 and 32 also allow the slurry flow to be directed in the desired direction upwards, or up and in, or up and out as the flow moves over the diverter 24 to change the flow. solids (eg, suspension or resuspension of large abrasive particles), and reduce wear on the inner lining 16 at the bottom or at the 22 "6 o'clock" position.

In FIG. 20 and 22 show the construction of the bottom surface of the deflector 24 having one or more holes 34 through which one or more suitable fasteners (not shown) can be inserted to secure the deflector 24 to the inner lining 16 of the component 10. Alternatively, also other fasteners may be used, such as adhesive, splines, sockets, wedges, or other suitable connecting devices or means. As also shown in FIG. 20 and 22, the bottom surface of the diverter 24 includes a recess 36 formed in part by the shape of the ramp 28 and the first and second guide sections 30 and 32 on the back or top side of the diverter 24.

In FIG. 13-15 show an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the pulp conveying system component 40 is also made of any material suitable for pulp conveying, including various metals such as steel, wear resistant iron, or any suitable metal alloy or polymer. Component 40 may also take the form of a slurry conveying pipe, conduit, pipe assembly, pump suction section, or sludge side inlet section, including a supply, inlet, outlet, bleed, drain, suction and/or discharge section of any of the devices mentioned above. In addition, in this design, component 40 is shown in the form of a suction tube assembly commonly used in slurry transport. Component 40 also includes an outer cage 42 similar in design to those shown above. In this design, however, the diverter 44 is formed as part of the inner lining 46, of a suitable polymeric material, such as rubber or polyurethane, or a wear-resistant metal, such as white chromium iron, or a corrosion-resistant steel and metal alloy, or a wear-resistant ceramic lining. or other suitable wear resistant material. In this case, deflector 44 includes an upwardly inclined center section, or ramp 48, flanked on both sides by first and second guide sections 50 and 52 extending upwardly, including generally vertically, from each side of the upwardly inclined center section, or ramp 48. It will be appreciated that different designs for the upwardly inclined center section, or ramp 48, and the first and second guide sections 50 and 52 may also be used in this case, as may be necessary to give direction of movement. pulp flow in the desired manner, as in the embodiments described above.

In FIG. 9-12, 16 and 17 show the results of numerical simulations of pulp flow paths (liquid and solids flows shown) for various flow and suction scenarios, including how a diverter according to the present invention can change pulp flow as desired by resuspending the bottom of the settled solids, to achieve greater uniformity of the flow concentration at the suction end of the slurry pump. In particular, in FIG. 12 shows one possible arrangement of a component, including a diverter according to the present invention, as part of a slurry transport system.

According to the method of the present invention, wear on the lower interior surface of the pulp conveyance system can be suitably reduced by using one or more diverters of the type described herein, which are configured to direct pulp flow upward from the bottom interior surface of the pulp conveyance system. Such diverters are positioned at one or more positions along the bottom inner surface of that pulp conveyance system (either attached to these bottom surfaces or forming an integrally molded part of those surfaces) and convey pulp through the pulp conveyance system through the installed diverters.

Although the subject matter has been disclosed here with reference to private embodiments, it is obvious that specialists in this field can offer other embodiments and changes that do not go beyond the essence and scope of the subject matter described here. All of these embodiments and equivalent modifications are included in the appended claims.

Claims (32)

1. The pulp transportation system, containing a pulp pump and a component (10) configured to make the pulp flow upward from the lower inner surface of this component (10) and including: outer clip (12); an inner lining (16) located inside the outer casing (12) and configured to allow pulp to flow through it; And deflecting device (24) located on the lower surface of the inner lining (16) and configured to make the pulp flow inside the inner lining (16) upward from the lower surface of the inner lining (16), characterized in that the specified component (10) is located upstream and in close proximity to the suction inlet of the pump and is made with the possibility of resuspension of large solid particles from the lower part of the pulp flow to ensure greater uniformity of the concentration distribution in the stream at the suction inlet of the pulp pump and reduce the most of the wear related to the slurry pump. 2. System according to claim 1, wherein the component (10) is located in the straight section of the slurry pumping system. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, in which the diverter (24) contains an upward and concave section, tapering in width from the beginning to the end to give the flow of the pulp the direction of movement upward and inward in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the component (10). 4. System according to claim 1, in which the diverter is attached to the lower surface of the inner lining (16) by suitable fasteners. 5. System according to claim 1, wherein the diverter (24) is integrally molded with the inner lining (16) of the same material. 6. The system according to claim 1, in which the diverter (24) is configured to make the pulp flow inside the inner lining (16) upward and inward from the lower surface of the inner lining (16). 7. System according to claim 1, in which the inner lining (16) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, metal alloy, white chromium iron, steel, ceramic, rubber, polyurethane, plastic, elastomeric and polymeric materials. 8. System according to claim 1, in which the deflector (24) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, metal alloy, white chromium iron, steel, ceramic, rubber, polyurethane, plastic, elastomeric and polymeric materials. 9. The system of claim. 1, in which the diverter (24) contains an upwardly deflected section, configured to give the flow of the pulp direction upwards from the lower surface of the inner lining. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the diverter (24) comprises an upwardly deflected and concave section configured to direct pulp flow upward from the bottom surface of the inner lining (16). 11. The system according to claim 1, in which the deflecting device (24) contains: base, the general curvature of which basically corresponds to the curvature of the part of the inner lining (16) on which it is located; And an upwardly deflected section configured to make the pulp flow upward from the lower surface of the inner lining (16). 12. The system according to claim 1, in which the deflecting device (24) contains: base, the general curvature of which basically corresponds to the curvature of the part of the inner lining (16) on which it is located; And an upwardly deflected and concave section configured to direct the pulp flow upwards from the bottom surface of the inner lining (16). 13. The system according to claim. 1, in which the deflecting device (24) contains: base, the general curvature of which basically corresponds to the curvature of the part of the inner lining (16) on which it is located; an upwardly deflected section configured to direct the pulp flow upward from the lower surface of the inner lining (16); And a pair of generally vertical guiding sections (30, 32) located on opposite sides of the upwardly deflected section to further direct the pulp flow upward from the bottom surface of the inner lining (16). 14. The system according to claim 1, in which the deflecting device contains: base, the general curvature of which basically corresponds to the curvature of the part of the inner lining (16) on which it is located; an upwardly deflected and concave section configured to direct the pulp flow upward from the lower surface of the inner lining (16); And a pair of generally vertical guiding sections (30, 32) located on opposite sides of the upwardly deflected section to further direct the pulp flow upward from the bottom surface of the inner lining (16). 15. A method for reducing wear of the lower inner surface of the suction section of the pulp pump in the pulp transportation system, during which: provide one or more diverting devices (24) configured to direct the pulp flow upward from the lower inner surface (16) of the pulp transportation system; positioning said one or more diverters (24) at one or more locations upstream and in close proximity to the suction inlet of the pump along the lower inner surface (16) of the pulp transport system; And the pulp is transported through the pulp transportation system through said one or more diverters (24), as a result of which the pulp has a more uniform distribution of concentration in the flow at the suction inlet of the pulp pump.