Abstract: As a new type of pipeline hydrotransport, capsule hydrotransport is more energy-saving, highly efficient, and environmental-friendly compared with traditional transmission. In order to optimize the structural parameters of cylindrical capsule and promote capsule hydrotransport, we investigate the hydraulic characteristics of cylindrical capsules conveyed in pressurized pipeline under different loads. We find that: 1) the mean velocity of capsule increases with the rising of load; 2) water pressure in the pipeline reduces along the way, and the load of capsule does not affect this trend; 3) on a given section, pressure magnifies with the increment of load; 4) unit energy consumption also rises with the augment of load; 5) the transmission rate of capsule increases until the load reaches 4 N, and then decays. The conclusions of this paper offer theoretical basis for optimizing the structural parameters of cylindrical capsule and applying capsules in hydrotransport.

Key words: hydraulic transmission, capsule pipeline, cylindrical capsule, pressurized pipeline, unit energy consumption, transmission rate