Bulk Density Variations and Implications On Plant Design and Operation

摘要

The bulk density of any bulk solid, although outwardly a simple parameter, is a difficult item to fully define. The density of a granular solid is a function of the moisture content, stress level and the loading history. It is easily observed that the bulk density, or inversely the porosity, of the solid is significantly affected by the application of stress. Specifying a state of stress does not uniquely define the density of a bulk material at any given moisture level or past history. This paper investigates some aspects of densification and relates them to the mining industry. Results in this paper are for three materials tested via a number of methods over a range of moisture contents. The variation of the results raises questions regarding even the simplest design task for materials handling as the product density is used in almost every calculation. The results of this density testing may provide some insight into some observed phenomena at mine sites.