Experimental analysis of particle-laden flow and erosion mitigation in a 90° elbow using guide vanes

Solid particle erosion presents a significant operational challenge in gas and oil transport, leading to component failure, increased maintenance costs, and reduced pipeline lifespan. Pipeline elbows are particularly susceptible to severe erosion, owing to the change in flow direction. This study presents a laboratory-scale experimental investigation into the erosion characteristics of a 90° elbow subjected to particle-laden flow with high-inertia sand particles. An innovative erosion paint method is employed for accelerated visualization of surface wear patterns, while a Lagrangian particle tracking algorithm is used to quantify the particle dynamics and their link to erosion severity. The results reveal that erosion is highly localized, with particle inertia and secondary flows driving a congregation of particles and subsequent intense impacts on the outer wall of the elbow. A direct correlation between particle kinetic energy loss and the erosion severity is established. Furthermore, a novel passive mitigation strategy using an array of guide vanes installed upstream of the elbow is proposed and tested. The guide vane system is found to significantly alter particle trajectories, leading to a more uniform particle distribution and a substantial delay in the onset of erosion in the 90° elbow, demonstrating its potential as an effective method for extending component life.