scholarly journals Modelling of the Separation Process in a Ferrohydrostatic Separator Using Discrete Element Method

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Murariu ◽  
P. J. Sergeant
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Separation Process ◽  
Spherical Particles ◽  
Particle Flow Code ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
De Beers ◽  
Simulation Parameters ◽  
Element Method

This paper presents a model of the separation process in a ferrohydrostatic separator (FHS) which has been designed and developed at DBGS, De Beers, South Africa. The model was developed using special discrete element method software package called Particle Flow Code in 3D (PFC3D). Special attention has been paid to the selection of the simulation parameters in order to achieve the required feed rates. The simulation was carried out using spherical particles and density tracers of different sizes and densities ranging between 0.004 and 0.008 m and 2700 and 3800 kg/m3, respectively. The tracers were used to set the apparent density of the ferrofluid (the cut-point) and to provide a measurement of the efficiency of the separation. The model is replacing the ferrofluid by imposing a drag force on the particle. The results of the simulation were presented in the form of the distribution of the density tracers into the sink fraction. These results are realistic and show the advantages of DEM to understand the complex flow behavior of granular materials.

Design modification of iron ore bearing transfer chute using discrete element method

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saprativ Basu ◽  
Arijit Chakrabarty ◽  
Samik Nag ◽  
Kishore Behera ◽  
Brati Bandyopadhyay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Iron Ore ◽  
Bulk Material ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Material Model ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Iron Ore Fines ◽  
Cohesive Materials ◽  
Element Method

Purpose The dryer feed chute of the pellet plant plays an important role in the pelletizing process. The chute discharges sticky and moist iron ore fines (<1 mm) to the inline rotary dryer for further processing. Since the inception of the installation of the dryer feed chute, the poor flowability of the feed materials has caused severe problems such as blockages and excessive wear of chute liners. This leads to high maintenance costs and reduced lifetime of the liner materials. Constant housekeeping is needed for maintaining the chute and reliable operation. The purpose of this study is to redesign the dryer feed chute to overcome the above challenges. Design/methodology/approach The discrete element method (DEM) has been used to model the flow of cohesive materials through the transfer chute. Physical experiments have been performed to understand the most severe flow conditions. A DEM material model is also developed for replicating the worst-case material condition. After identifying the key problem areas, concept designs were proposed and simulated to assess the design improvements to increase the reliability of chute operation. Findings Flow simulations correlated well with the existing flow behavior of the iron ore fines inside the chute. The location of the problematic areas has been validated with that of the previously installed chute. Subsequently, design modifications have been proposed. This includes modification of deflector plate and change in slope and cross-section of the chute. DEM simulations and analysis were conducted after incorporating these design changes. A comparison in the average velocity of particle and force on chute wall shows a significant improvement using the proposed design. Originality/value Method to calibrate DEM material model was found to provide accurate prediction and modeling of the flow behavior of bulk material through the real transfer chute. DEM provided greater insight into the performance of the chute especially modeling cohesive materials. DEM is a valuable design tool to assist chute designers troubleshoot and verify chute designs. DEM provides a greater ability to model and assess chute wear. This technique can help in achieving a scientific understanding of the flow properties of bulk solids through transfer chute, hence eliminate challenges, ensuring reliable, uninterrupted and profitable plant operation. This paper strongly advocates the use of calibrated DEM methodology in designing bulk material handling equipment.

scholarly journals Effect of the integration scheme on the rotation of non-spherical particles with the discrete element method

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 545-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquín Irazábal ◽  
Fernando Salazar ◽  
Miquel Santasusana ◽  
Eugenio Oñate
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Spherical Particles ◽  
Integration Scheme ◽  
Element Method

Surface Lunar Soil Excavation Simulation Based on Three-Dimensional Discrete Element Method

2013 ◽  
Vol 376 ◽  
pp. 366-370
Author(s):  
Hui Gao ◽  
Da Wei Zhang ◽  
Bin Liu ◽  
Long Chen Duan
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Lunar Soil ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Spherical Particles ◽  
Lunar Exploration ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Soil Excavation ◽  
Element Method

One of the important objectives of lunar exploration is to obtain the lunar soil samples. However, the sampling process is very different from that on the Earth due to special characteristics of the lunar soil and surface environment. In order to ensure that the lunar exploration and sampling are successful, large numbers of ground experiments and computer simulations must be taken. In this paper, the surface lunar soil excavation simulation is investigated by three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM). It is implemented based on the open source LIGGGHTS, which takes the lunar soil as spherical particles. The interaction between the excavation tool and lunar soil is demonstrated. The excavation force and torque have also been calculated in real time. Moreover, the comparison of the excavation in different environments between the Earth and Moon corresponding to their different gravity accelerations was done. This paper shows that three-dimensional discrete element method can be used for the surface lunar soil excavation simulation and can provide important reference results for actual operations.

Study on Initial States of Steel Balls in Mill by Discrete Element Method

2012 ◽  
Vol 546-547 ◽  
pp. 120-124
Author(s):  
Ping Zhou ◽  
Jing Hong Du ◽  
Xi Xiang Duan
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Particle Flow Code ◽  
Filling Rate ◽  
Initial State ◽  
State Models ◽  
Steel Balls ◽  
Small Steel ◽  
Element Method

Based on Discrete Element Method(DEM), initial state models of steel balls were establisheded by Particle Flow Code in three Dimensions (PFC 3D), the initial void rate of steel balls at different filling rate were calculated. The results showed that at the same filling rate, the initial void rate of steel balls decreased as steel ball’s diameter decreased. The initial void rate of steel balls with one diameter and grading steel balls both increased gradully as ball filling rate increased, but the initial void rate of grading steel balls were smaller than that of steel balls with one diameter. The Stratification phenomenon will occur after steel balls in grading scheme reached to the initial equilibrium sates, that is, Large steel balls moved near the mill’s center, but small steel balls moved away from the mill’s center and close to the cylinder of mill, which is benifical to improve grinding effeciency.

Numerical Studies of Cutting Water Saturated Sand by Discrete Element Method

2012 ◽  
Vol 256-259 ◽  
pp. 306-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shao Hua Qin ◽  
Li Quan Xie ◽  
Guo Jun Hong ◽  
Jie Wang
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Static Friction ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Particle Flow Code ◽  
Saturated Sand ◽  
Model Soil ◽  
Water Saturated ◽  
Cutting Model ◽  
Element Method

The discrete element method (DEM) has been recognized as an effective tool to simulate soil–tool interactions. In this study, a saturated sand cutting model is developed using a commercial DEM software, Particle Flow Code in Two Dimension (PFC 2D). In the model, soil are defined as particles with the basic PFC 2D model, full coupling with a deformable fluid. The mechanical interactions between particles and also between particles and the walls are modeled by sprints, dash-pots and friction sliders. The properties of the material and interactions (Poisson’s ratio, shear modulus and density, coefficients of restitution, rolling and static friction) relate to the particle properties and not to the bulk properties. Such quantitative and qualitative models are essential for improving the design, selection and use of water saturated sand cutting implements, in different field sand under different conditions. This paper describes a numerical experimental investigation of the failure characteristics of two-dimensional water saturated sand cutting. Comprehensive simulated tests were carried out on sandy loam using a box apparatus and two model plane blades of rake angles 30º, 60º and two angles of friction 32º,42º, respectively. Besides, there are two extreme densities of the sand, compacted and loose. These factors should provide a basis for the reliable prediction of the failure type.

Numerical simulation of particle flow behavior in a screw conveyor using the discrete element method

Particuology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 137-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuyan Wang ◽  
Haolong Li ◽  
Ruichao Tian ◽  
Ruichen Wang ◽  
Xu Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Particle Flow ◽  
Screw Conveyor ◽  
Element Method

scholarly journals 2D Image-based calibration of rolling resistance in 3D discrete element models of sand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Arroyo ◽  
◽  
Riccardo Rorato ◽  
Marco Previtali ◽  
Matteo Ciantia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Particle Shape ◽  
Rolling Resistance ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Spherical Particles ◽  
Shape Effects ◽  
Element Method

Contact rolling resistance is the most widely used method to incorporate particle shape effects in the discrete element method (DEM). The main reason for this is that such approach allows for using spherical particles hence offering substantial computational benefits compared to non-spherical DEM models. This paper shows how rolling resistance parameters for 3D DEM models can be easily calibrated with 2D sand grain images.

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