Bootle, M 2006, 'Practical Aspects of Transporting Pastes with Rotodynamic Slurry Pumps', in R Jewell, S Lawson & P Newman (eds), Paste 2006: Proceedings of the Ninth International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 413-427, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/663_36
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/663_36_Bootle/)
Abstract: Reduced safety concerns, reduced environmental impact, faster land reclamation, reduced water 
consumption and corresponding efficiency improvements are some of the possible benefits of mine disposal 
in the form of thickened tails or paste. Transportation of these higher density slurries presents special 
challenges for the system designer. 
The corresponding yield stress and higher viscosity associated with these higher density slurries often result 
in slurry pipeline operation in laminar flow at an elevated pipeline pressure drop. Much research is ongoing 
with respect to determination of pipeline friction, as well as solids settling in laminar flow. 
Previous work has looked at the economic benefits and disadvantages of rotodynamic (i.e., centrifugal) 
versus positive displacement pumps as the motive source for high density, high yield stress tailings. This 
work has shown the choice is not always clear cut. Initial capital outlay versus long term operating costs, 
pipeline length, slurry concentration, corresponding rheology, corresponding volume flow rate and 
corresponding pressure drop are integral factors in the decision making process. 
Rotodynamic pumps have been shown to be a viable choice for lower concentration, higher volume flow 
rate, shorter pipeline distance, lower pressure drop services.  This paper will discuss the application limits of 
standard slurry pumps on high yield stress slurries, revisit an often misused method of predicting 
corresponding pump performance de-rating, present test data on a modified “flow inducer” equipped 
rotodynamic pump with improved high yield stress capability, and finally discuss rotodynamic pump suction 
requirements in an effort to explain the observed change in pump performance.