Experimental Design-Based Analysis on Process Parameters for Head Loss in Pipe Bend

In the present, the parameters responsible for head loss have been optimized by using Taguchi approach. The head loss characteristics in transportation of slurry are function of various parameters like solid concentration, flow velocity and additive proportion. Present investigation is focused to recognize the most influencing parameter for the head loss in 90° pipe bend. Several influencing parameters of head loss are optimized with the help of the Taguchi method. L₁₆ array is used for experimental design of process parameters. The S/N ratio for head loss is characterized by using smaller-is-better rule. The solid concentration of slurry was varied from 30 to 60% (by weight) for flow velocity range of 2–5 m/s. Series of experiments are performed on pilot plant test loop to obtain head loss in pipe bend. Results obtained from experimental design reveal that flow velocity is found as a dominating parameter as compared to solid concentration and proportion of additive. Probability plot reveals that the experimental data follows the 95% level of confidence.