Slurry transport medium

US4205929A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Louis Schiffman · Abington, US
• Walter Rosenthal · Kleinmachnow, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 20, 1978
• Grant date: Jun 3, 1980
• Expiry date: Mar 20, 1998

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G53/30
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

This invention provides for an improvement in slurry transport systems, especially coal slurry lines. Instead of the usual use of fresh water resources which, in some geographic areas, are scarce for slurry transport, concentrated brine is used which is prepared from abundant salt water resources. Because of the higher density of this concentrated brine, it is a superior carrier of pulverized material. It dimishes the separation and settling tendency of slurry components during transport and particularly during shutdown. Other advantages in the use of concentrated brine include: freezing point depression which permits ease of transport during winter and at lower temperatures; dust suppression of stored coal; avoidance of spontaneous combustion of stored coal; inhibit freeze packing of dewatered pipeline coal; and diminished extent of corrosion in ferrous metal pipelines as compared to that which might occur with lower concentration brines. Important in the economy of the process is that the concentrated brine can be recycled. An inexpensive method for producing the concentrated brine is given.