Discrete Element Simulations of Screw Feeder Performance

Doron Haviv, Chemical Engineering, NRCN, Beer Sheva, Israel
David Furman, Chemistry, Hebrew University Of Jerusalem And Nrcn, Beer Sheva, Israel

Screw Feeders are an effective method to transport dry particulates with a controlled throughput [1-3]. Nevertheless, the transportation action is a complex process that requires relying heavily on empirical correlations. While screw feeders technology is available and widespread, some well-known and common problems still remain, such as missing stability of material flux over time, throughput changes with product quality, powder jamming and a lack in design know-how based on theoretical solutions [4]. Computer simulations using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) [5] can assist in elucidating the origins of poor function and predict performance of screw feeders based on given geometry and material properties. In this study, we present preliminary results on the simulation of two types of screw feeders. The effects of screw geometry, material properties and agitation are investigated.

References:

[1] P. J. Owen and P. W. Cleary, Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, 10, 2010

[2] M. Kimata, S. Kikai, T. Kagami and M. Hasegawa, APCOM & ISCM, 11-14th Dec., 2013

[3] P. J. Owen and P. W. Cleary, Powder Technology, 193, 2009

[4] M. Bortolamasi, PARTEC 2001, 27-29 March, Nuremberg, Germany

[5] Q. F. Hou, K. J. Dong and A. B. Yu, Powder Technology, 256, 2014