Erosion Experiment for Horizontal Elbow in Slug Flow Carrying Sands

Erosion experiment for horizontal elbow in slug flow carrying sands was carried out by using multiphase flow erosion test loop,the influence of sand particle size on erosion law was studied.The results showed that the liquid slug flowing through the elbow carried the particles from bottom,and the particles moved to the outer portion of the elbow under the action of centrifugal force and secondary flow,causing severe impact on the outer side of elbow outlet.The most serious erosion occurred at the middle and bottom of elbow outlet.Both particle size and particle quantity had effects on erosion rate,but the effect of particle size on erosion rate was more significant than that of particle quantity;the erosion rate decreased and then increases with the increase of particle size.Micro-cutting wear,plowing and deformation were three main forms of damage on the surface of sample due to impact of sands;the maximum depth of erosion pit increased with the increase of particle size.