Showing papers by "Kenneth Williams published in 2019"

Calibration of DEM Parameters for Cohesionless Bulk Materials under Rapid Flow Conditions and Low Consolidation

Abstract: Why a white paper for DEM calibration? Although DEM simulations are increasingly used in many research and industrial fields, a standard approach for the determination of the right contact model parameters does not currently exist. The white paper is aimed to provide an overview about best practices for DEM simulation in the field of bulk material handling. The style of the paper is focussed on a comprehensive overview, not about a discussion or description of certain details. However, such a detailed description is required for the full understanding of the content. Hence, this white paper contains a number of important references. The white paper is planned as a ongoing project which can be changed and extended regarding the content and authors. The paper makes no claim to completeness but summarises the knowledge and experience of many experts to give an holistic overview of the topic.

Calibration procedure of Discrete Element Method (DEM) parameters for cohesive bulk materials

Abstract: The downtimes are often too late to prevent the downtime of the system. One of the newer methods which can associated with blockage events in the materials handling sector is prompting the iron ore industry to optimise their operations to maximise the profitability of fines and lump products. These blockage events are caused by materials with high clay and moisture contents typically referred to as Wet and Sticky Material (WSM). There are numerous methods which are commonly used to prevent such blockage events, however, for majority of cases they be used to predict and visualise bulk material flow is the Discrete Element Method (DEM). DEM is capable of replicating the flow of non-cohesive granular materials with reasonable accuracy, however, when cohesive materials are considered the mechanism becomes much more complex. With the advancement of computational power over the last few decades it is now more practical to simulate WSMs into DEM. This paper presents a calibration procedure for cohesive bulk materials where the parameters for the Hybrid contact model are discussed in detail. A series of calibration simulations with systematic parameter variation is undertaken to define a set of calibration matrices. The developed calibration matrices enabled the formation of a parameter database, which can be used for the simulation of on-site applications to optimise plant geometry and other operational parameters.

Investigation of impingement angle influence on impact wear of different chute liners by employing a novel impact wear tester

Abstract: In the bulk solids handling industry, and particularly in the mining industry, liners are installed at high wear locations to limit the erosion of materials handling equipment by working as a sacrificial layer between the equipment and the erodent material. Among the stresses experienced by liners, impact wear can be highlighted as it is present in a range of routine operations such as the loading and unloading of bins, conveyors and trucks. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to study the behaviour of liners to improve their performance, reduce replacement frequency and maintenance costs. This work investigated the wear behaviour of different liners commonly implemented in the mining industry. For this, a novel impact wear tester, developed by the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technology in partnership with TUNRA Bulk Solids - University of Newcastle, was utilized. The wear rate results were correlated with liners' material specifications and test impingement angles to assess their impact wear behaviour.

Vibration Unit Assembly for a Belt Conveyor

Abstract: A vibration unit assembly (100) for a belt conveyor has a vibration element (105), and vibration generator (120) and a connection assembly (130). The vibration generator (120) is operatively connected to the vibration element (105) for inducing vibrations in the vibration element. The connection assembly (130) connects the vibration element (105) to the belt conveyor so that the vibration element may move relative to the belt conveyor. A contact surface (110) of the vibration element (105) engages a material to vibrate and compress the material as it is transported on the belt conveyor. The vibration element may comprise a plate (105) or a roller. A method for treating a material involves applying a vibration force and applying a compressive force to compact the material. A method for drying a material involves applying a vibration force to the material to release fluid and applying a compressive force to compact the material.