Verified Discrete Element Simulations of Bulk Solids Handling Equipment

摘要

In a time when the globalisation of markets forces companies to become more cost efficient, thedesign and development process of bulk material handling equipment is often characterized by afast construction phase, which risks an improper design not fitting the requirements.Furthermore, the process of designing large conveyor plants can not be standardized. Therefore,the transport process can be optimized just under operating conditions. Due to these facts and theincreasing computational power of standard PCs, the usage of numerical simulation methods,such as the Discrete Element Method, for the design process has become increasingly popular.The use of Discrete Element Simulations in the field of bulk solids handling providespossibilities for the optimization of the design and the operating conditions as well as a view ofthe wear characteristics.The bulk solids properties of a Discrete Element Model should be adjusted by a calibrationprocedure comparing results from simulations and laboratory tests, namely the internal frictionangle and the angle of repose.The further improvement and enhancement of the Discrete Element Models requiresmeasurements on large scale test rigs or industrial equipment. The observation of the generalparticle flow properties as well as the measurement of forces and moments acting on severalcomponents allows detailed and extensive possibilities for the comparison of simulations andexperiments.Transfer chutes and bucket elevators are two typical examples for bulk handlingequipment, which can be optimized by Discrete Element Simulations. The paper will illustratethe optimization possibilities for these two components and will present the results of thesimulations and the verification experiments. Furthermore it will give advises for the calibrationof the used simulation model and an outlook into the verification of Discrete ElementSimulations of other mechanical conveyors, such as screw conveyors.