DPM model segregation validation and scaling effect in a rotary drum

Discrete phase method (DPM) model was used to analyse rotary drum systems for segregation behavior. DPM simulations were performed for comparison with a dynamic segregation experimental measurement from the literature. This included dynamic segregation and time-averaged particle velocity field, which were validated with experimental data. In addition, a direct DPM and parcel scaled DPM simulation study was performed to analyse the effect of drum and particle parcel size scaling. The segregation dynamics was evaluated using the Lacey mixing index. This work shows segregation dynamics decreases with increasing drum size while keeping the same particle size. It further shows that for a given drum size the segregation dynamics deviate after a certain particle parcel scaling limit. The parcel scaling limit also increases with increasing drum size.

Numerical prediction of short-cut flows in gas-solid reverse flow cyclone separators

The effect of operational and geometrical parameters on the short-cut flow in cyclone separators has been investigated computationally using the Reynolds stress model (RSM). The motion of solid particles in the flow field was simulated using the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach with one way discrete phase method (DPM). Eleven cyclones with different cone tip diameters, vortex finder lengths and diameters were studied and the simulation results were analyzed in terms of velocity fields, pressure drops, cut-off diameters and short-cut flows. The numerical simulation was verified with the published experimental results. The results obtained demonstrate that all three parameters, particularly, vortex finder diameter, have significant effects on the cut-off diameter (collection efficiency), the short-cut flow and the pressure drop.