Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling of transfer chutes: A study of the influence of model parameters

Transfer chutes are essential components in almost all bulk material handling plants. Belt conveyors utilize transfer chutes to load and redirect bulk materials from one conveyor to another, with their reliability and performance being critical to the overall operation of the plant. While reliability and operational performance is typically measured by availability and throughput, transfer chutes must also operate with minimal environmental impact. Consequently, the design of transfer chutes in relation to entrained air flow, with the aim of minimizing fugitive dust emissions, is an area of ongoing research and investigation requiring the analysis of complex multiphase systems. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been successfully applied to evaluate potential dust emissions from transfer chutes, with the implementation of appropriate models and modelling parameters shown to be critical to the overall accuracy of the simulation results. A notable shortcoming in the current research is the lack of systematic guidelines available to appropriately select model parameters. The aim of this paper is to offer guidance in this regard, and provide a better understanding of the influence of the maximum fractional packing limit and evaluate the most appropriate model parameters for simulations, including particle-particle restitution coefficient values and solid slip conditions. For this purpose, the two-phase three-dimensional Euler-Euler model of commercial CFD software Fluent has been selected to model the granular and air flow in the transfer chute. Air velocities were measured experimentally by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) with the simulated velocity profiles being in good overall agreement with the experimental data. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.