Abstract: A method for determining a bed height of a solids bed formed in a pipeline transporting an oil sands slurry is described. The method can include measuring an actual flow rate of the slurry, obtaining at least one measured velocity, determining a velocity derived flow rate from the measured velocity and a cross-sectional area of the pipeline, determining a cross-sectional bed area to then determine the bed height. A process for operating a pipeline transporting a slurry including the method for determining the bed dimension is also provided. Bed height determination and control can help mitigate slurry pipeline wear.