Experimental investigation of the flow of dense solid-liquid suspensions using echo-PIV and echo-LPT

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The goal of this research is to better understand the flow physics of dense solid-liquid suspensions using an Ultrasound-based velocity measurement technique. Dense suspensions are complex fluids whose behaviour in the turbulent state is not fully understood. This gap in our understanding is partially due to their opaqueness, which prevents us from using conventional optic measurement techniques to study them in detail. These fluids are present in a wide range of industrial applications and environmental problems such as sediment transport, avalanches, slurries, pyroclastic flows, renewable energy and pharmaceutical processes. Recently RheEnergise, a clean energy developer, has invented a High-Density Hydro (HDH) technology, which boosts pumped hydro storage system by using a specialized dense suspension fluid. This technology paired with renewable energy sources can help move towards decarbonizing energy systems to prevent dramatic climate change. Our proposed research is aimed at fully characterizing the flow features of dense suspensions to allow for the optimized design of various components of the High-Density Hydro system such as pumps, turbines, valves, and different pipes and fittings. We will use Ultrasound Image Velocimetry and echo Lagranginan Particle Tracking to investigate the interaction of dispersed particles (suspended solid particles) and carrier fluid particles to uncover the flow physics of these dense suspensions. The experimental results obtained in this investigation will play a key role in deriving novel models for the turbulent flow of dense suspensions under different flow conditions and geometries, as well as for validating computer models. Furthermore, we aim to improve the Ultrasound Image Velocimetry technique so as to push this technique to higher Reynolds numbers and more complex fluid flows. This will include developing an Ultrasound-based velocity measurement method that allows us to measure the fluid flow of dense suspensions near solid surfaces, which is currently challenging.