Specific energy consumption and optimum operating condition for coarse-particle slurries

This paper deals with settling solid–liquid (slurry) flows of coarse particles with particle sizes of 150 μm or larger. The specific energy consumption (SEC), which is a measure of transport efficiency, was used to find the optimum operating condition. The effect of different parameters on SEC is determined by using the near-wall lift model. The analysis shows that the minimum SEC occurs at a solids concentration of approximately 30% by volume. The accuracy of the near-wall lift model is investigated by comparing the model predictions with the results of a number of experimental works. The comparisons show good agreement between model prediction and experimental data in the literature.