Development and preliminary experimental evaluation of a venturi-based slurry jet erosion test rig for comparative study of ductile and brittle materials

Abstract

Slurry erosion significantly affects the durability of fluid-handling components in hydroelectric, mining, petroleum, and chemical industries. This study presents the design and preliminary laboratory-scale evaluation of a Venturi-based slurry jet erosion test rig capable of introducing dry erosive particles into a flowing liquid stream without the use of pressurised or vacuum systems. The erosion behaviour of brass (ductile) and cast iron (brittle) was investigated under varying particle sizes, slurry concentrations, and impingement angles using river sand as the erodent. Results showed maximum erosion of brass at 30° due to dominant plastic deformation, whereas cast iron exhibited peak erosion at 90° due to brittle fracture mechanisms. Kinetic energy threshold values required for erosion initiation were estimated for both materials and correlated with experimental observations. Qualitative surface morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy supported the identification of distinct erosion mechanisms governing the ductile and brittle material responses. The developed apparatus demonstrated reasonably consistent operation and repeatable comparative erosion behaviour under the selected experimental conditions, indicating its suitability for controlled slurry erosion testing and comparative evaluation of ductile and brittle engineering materials without the need for pressurised particle delivery systems.