Sapindus laurifolia: an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dispersants for limestone transportation

Abstract

The use of natural additives in pipeline transportation has gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance the stability and rheology of the suspension. In this study, the dispersing and stabilizing properties of the saponin extracted from the fruits of Sapindus laurifolia are examined in the pipeline transportation of limestone. The physicochemical, morphological, and flow characteristics of limestone samples less than 75 μm are determined. The rheological behaviors of the suspension have been examined by varying the shear rate, solid, and dispersion concentrations. The critical micelle concentration of the dispersant was determined to be 1.8 wt%. In the tested concentration ranges of 40–70%, the Hershel–Bulkley model best matched the data. When the surfactant was added to the suspension, the water’s surface tension was lowered, increasing the wettability of the limestone particles and decreasing particle-particle contact. Increases in zeta potential measurements confirmed that the steric component primarily stabilizes limestone water suspension. Finally, the dispersant’s economic impact was studied depending on slurry head loss and specific energy consumption.

Graphical abstract

Keywords:

• Limestone
• rheology
• natural dispersant
• head loss
• specific energy consumption

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), New Delhi, an autonomous organization under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India, for providing financial support for carrying out this study (Grant number: CRG/2020/001520).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.