ABSTRACT
Eleonore Mine experiences high transient forces in their pastefill underground distribution system which results in significant damage to the pipeline supports. This investigation examines the causes of the transients in this pumped system and looks at their effect.
A transient flow model was developed and validated using operating data. The investigation showed that favourable transient conditions came from operation in full flow conditions. It was also shown that a misaligned hydraulic pulsation dampener can produce higher transients in the line than would be experienced without one. This investigation spurred design and operating strategy changes to combat transients in the underground distribution system.
