DEM simulations of tote blenders for enhanced axial mixing efficiency--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Yu, F., Yao, Z., Chen, G., Zhang, Y., & Zheng, Y. (2021). DEM simulations of tote blenders for enhanced axial mixing efficiency. Particuology, 55, 199-208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2020.08.006

DEM simulations of tote blenders for enhanced axial mixing efficiency

Fuhai Yu ^a, Zhihao Yao ^a, Guojie Chen ^a, Yun Zhang ^b *, Yang Zheng ^c *

a Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jining University, Qufu 273155, China
b College of Chemical Engineering and Safety, Binzhou University, Binzhou 256603, China
c College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China

10.1016/j.partic.2020.08.006

Volume 55, April 2021, Pages 199-208

Received 8 October 2019, Revised 6 July 2020, Accepted 26 August 2020, Available online 27 October 2020, Version of Record 3 February 2021.

E-mail: yzhang802@163.com; 007176@yzu.edu.cn

Highlights

• A DEM simulation with exact description of spheres and sphero-cylinders is performed.

• Inclined short baffles can break the symmetrical flow in the axial direction.

• The asymmetrical flow and convective flow of granules enhance the axial mixing efficiency.

• The segregation caused by the shape discrepancy can be alleviated by inclined baffles.

Abstract

The mixing performance of a multi-bladed tote blender is investigated using a graphics processing unit-based discrete element method program. The positioning, dimensions, and applicability of the baffles are systematically studied according to the axial mixing efficiency. The results indicate that the novel inclined multi-bladed baffles can break the symmetrical axial granular flow and introduce a more efficient convective flow into the granular mixing in the axial direction of the tote blender. Owing to the joint effects of convective mixing and asymmetrical granular flow, the axial mixing efficiency is increased by a factor of nearly 20. More importantly, the novel baffle placement approach exhibits excellent applicability to different operating conditions, particle shapes, and blender sizes. Additionally, the inclined baffles can prevent the segregation caused by shape discrepancies and improve the mixing homogeneity in the steady state. The novel baffle design is promising for applications in more complex industrial blenders for achieving a high axial mixing efficiency.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Discrete element method (DEM); Tote blender; Axial mixing efficiency; Inclined baffles; Non-spherical particles

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