A study of hydraulic transport parameters for copper–porphyry refuse ores

S.Yu. Avksentyev, V.I. Belousov
Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4S/ 2026 p. 04-11

Abstract: The paper presents the results of a laboratory study of the hydraulic transport parameters for copper–porphyry refuse ores. The effects of the solids mass concentration and the pipeline internal diameter on head losses during the slurry flow were analyzed. The tests were performed using a laboratory test bench for hydraulic transportation with 50, 40, and 25 mm pipelines. The study considered slurries with the solids mass concentrations of 15, 25, 40, 50, and 60%, as well as water without added solids. Laboratory tests have shown that the head losses during hydraulic transportation of copper-porphyry refuse ore significantly depend on the mass concentration of the solid phase and the internal diameter of the pipeline. An increase in the slurry concentration results in higher hydraulic resistance, which is particularly apparent when transporting mixtures with the solids content of 40–60%. Particle size analysis showed that the investigated tailings are characterized by a high share of fine dispersed particles. Prevalence of the fraction below 45 μm contributes to formation of the internal structure of the slurry and manifestation of non-Newtonian properties. The obtained experimental relationships refine head loss calculations for the refuse ore slurries, allow assessing the impact of the pipeline diameter on the energy characteristics of the process, and justify the selection of rational pipeline system parameters. The results of this study make it possible to improve design reliability and reduce the energy consumption associated with operation of hydraulic transport systems at mining and processing plants.

Keywords: hydraulic transport, thickened slurries, refuse ores, copper-porphyry ores, fine dispersed particles, head loss, solids mass concentration

For citation: Avksentyev S.Yu., Belousov V.I. A study of hydraulic transport parameters for copper–porphyry refuse ores. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(4S):04–11. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4S-04-11

Article info

Received: 07.06.2026

Revised: 29.07.2026

Accepted: 17.08.2026

Information about the authors

Sergey Yu. Avksentyev – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0382-1803; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vladimir I. Belousov – Postgraduate Student, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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