Numerical study of segregation using multiscale models

Abstract

Segregation occurs ubiquitously and is an important process in mineral processing. Numerical simulation of the segregation phenomena can improve the understanding of the mechanisms and hence helps the optimisation of equipment and process designs. In this article, a multi-fluid model and a hybrid model are presented. Their capabilities of addressing various aspects of segregation problems in gas–solid flows are demonstrated. Specifically, the multi-fluid model treats both particles and fluid at the macroscopic continuum level. It can be employed to simulate segregation, given different particle types are treated as different solid phases. The hybrid model is derived using a concurrent multiscale modelling approach, where the discrete element method for solid particles is coupled with continuum fluid mechanics for the fluid phase. It is demonstrated to be able to capture segregation, which may be difficult to be predicted by the current multi-fluid model in some cases.

Keywords:

• segregation
• multi-fluid model
• discrete element method
• hybrid method
• multiscale modelling