Analyze of pipeline transport characteristics and optimization method of structural parameters in slurry shield circulation system with spiral structure

This study introduces the application of a spiral structure in pipeline transportation to enhance the pipeline capacity of a slurry shield circulation system. A numerical model of solid–fluid coupling in a pipeline with a double spiral structure was established based on computational fluid dynamics and the discrete element method (CFD–DEM) theory, and its validity was confirmed through comparison with experimental data. The characteristics of the spiral pipeline were evaluated by comparing them with those of a conventional smooth straight pipeline. A multi-objective optimization method for determining the structural parameters of a spiral pipeline in a slurry shield circulation system is proposed using the Kriging surrogate model. The optimized design of a spiral pipeline was demonstrated through a specific project, and the impact of the main structural parameters on the slurry transport characteristics of the pipeline was analyzed. The results indicated that the optimized structural parameters led to an 18.65% increase in the average flow rate of the slurry and a 19.13% reduction in the accumulation of stones in the pipeline.