On the continuum modelling of segregation of granular mixtures during Hopper emptying in core flow mode

On the continuum modelling of segregation of granular mixtures during Hopper emptying in core flow mode

Christakis, N.
Chapelle, P.
Patel, M.K.
Cross, M.

2006-09-08

Many industrial processes involve particulates with materials ranging from pharmaceuticals, ceramics, cosmetics and foods. Common to all these particulate processes is the discharge of granular material from bins/hoppers in either mass flow mode (i.e. all material regions in the domain are in motion) or core flow mode (i.e. there is a flowing material channel above the orifice of the discharging vessel and there are stagnant material regions further away from it). A mathematical model which accounts for material size segregation of multi-component granular mixtures during mass flow discharges has been developed and validated [1]; however, most of the observed discharges in industrial processes occur in core flow mode. The development of a reliable framework for the modelling of core flow discharges is more complicated, due to the existence of stagnant zones. Recently, a continuum mechanics approach for the modeling of such processes was proposed, which makes use of kinematic principles of granular dynamics [2]. The incorporation of material segregation in the model is crucial in order to predict the correct evolution of any industrial operation. In this paper, the application of the continuum model is presented in a real industrial problem. The segregation propensity of a multi-component granular mixture is assessed with the aid of experimental data and then predictions are made for the segregation patterns developed during mixture discharge in core flow mode. Finally, conclusions are drawn for the capability of the model to correctly represent material segregation in core flow discharges and its utilization for industrial process optimisation is discussed.

Computational Fluid Dynamics
continuum modelling
micromechanical parametrisations
granular material
core flow
segregation

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Conference proceedings

conference paper

(c) 2006 Christakis, N.; Chapelle, P.; Patel, M.K.; Cross, M.