Analysis of granules behavior in continuous drum mixer by DEM

Abstract

A numerical simulation model was developed to analyze the behavior of iron ore granules in a continuous drum mixer by Discrete Element Method (DEM). The effects of the gradient angle of the drum mixer on the behavior of granules were investigated using the simulation. The granulation experiment of iron ore fine was also performed to observe the occupation ratio and retention time. The occupation ratio and retention time obtained by both the simulation and experiment decrease with an increase in the gradient angle. The effect of the length of the drum mixer on the behavior of granules was investigated using the DEM simulation. The retention time increases with an increase in the length of the drum mixer. If the occupation distributions in the direction of the rotational axis is based on the exit of the drum mixer, it will be the same regardless of the length of the drum mixer. This simulation model proposed will be useful to understand granules behavior and to design of granulators. © 2009 ISIJ.