Mason, Alex (2016) Improved transfer chute design using DEM software to predict material flow behaviour. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
Over the last decade the author has designed 20 or more chutes and been involved in the modification of 100's of others. However this work was all based on rules of thumb, with limited input from flow characteristics of the material being transferred. Although there are specific benefits to this rule of thumb based design, the end result is often a less then optimal chute design and the associated increase in operational costs.
The latest trend in chute design is to accurately model the granular flow through the chute using Discrete Element Method (DEM) software. The use of this software has been well documented in many research papers, particularly in the last 15 years. If used correctly DEM can serve as a valuable tool in predicting the behaviour of the granular material, highlighting the areas of impact and wear within the chute as well as the position, velocity and direction of the chute discharge, the latter of which is import in reducing belt wear of the conveyor.
The main objective of this project will be to investigate the use of Applied DEM’s Bulk Flow Analyst software supplied by CABS Pty Ltd to analyse the flow in an existing transfer chute at Kwinana Bulk Terminal. This analysis will then be used to compare against an improved chute design in an attempt to improve the operation costs of the facility, specifically by the reduction down time, spillage and maintenance.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Major Mechanical Engineering project |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Tran, Cahn-Dung |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Jul 2017 23:39 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Jul 2017 23:39 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | transfer chute; Discrete Element Method software; material flow behaviour |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 09 Engineering > 0913 Mechanical Engineering > 091302 Automation and Control Engineering |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 40 ENGINEERING > 4007 Control engineering, mechatronics and robotics > 400799 Control engineering, mechatronics and robotics not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/31438 |
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