Inclined-flow segregation characteristics of multi size particles in a moving granular bed

Abstract

Multi-layer particle bed has an important application in the field of high temperature filtration. This paper uses the Discrete Element Method to study the flow and segregation characteristics of multi size mixed particles on inclined surfaces. The research results show that: in the process of segregation, the particles mainly carry out rolling motion; when the replacement rate of the particles reaches 60%, the degree of segregation reaches the maximum, and the optimal incline length is 600 mm. A universal quantification index for particle bed segregation and a criterion for the steady state of particle flowing are obtained. The particle size distribution close to continuous distribution is not conducive to particle segregation. The segregation effect of the largest and smallest particles in the mixed particles is better than that of the intermediate particles. This study provides a reference for the design of the segregation layered structure of the multi size particle bed.

Graphical Abstract

HIGHLIGHTS

1. A universal quantization index for particle segregation was proposed

2. The criterion of steady state and critical replacement rate were given

3. The critical value of slant length for ternary particle segregation was obtained

4. The unique mechanism in the process of segregation of multi-particle size was obtained

5. The multi size particles segregation law based on size distribution was determined

Keywords:

• Filtration
• moving granular bed
• multi size particles
• segregation index
• stability criterion

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by the National Key R & D Program of China [No. 2016YFB0601101].