VKB Tech is one of the few companies which offers simulation services of bulk material behaviour during transportation, mixing, milling and crushing by Discrete Element Method DEM.
Discrete Element Method
DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD is a computational method of modelling and simulation of particles during motion, their influence on the environment and mutual interaction. Available software like EDEM BulkSim allows simulation of almost any physical conditions prevailing during transportation, mixing or crushing taking into account the size and shape of particles, their density, elasticity and the ability to adhere. DEM simulation results deliver many valuable information for engineers like: displacements, velocities, forces and stress in elements/particles of moving medium.
DEM SIMULATION WILL ALLOW YOU TO:
Predict and improve performance of machines and devices
Choose optimal parameters and configuration of tools
Reduce energy consumption
Determine the real loads for design process
Avoid demurrage and breakdown
Increase service life of machines
Reduce the repair and service costs
Reduce dust emissions, spillage and wear
Identify regions of high wear
DEM Simulations are currently used in many industries for simulation and optimization of processes and for machine design. Below are examples of DEM simulation capabilities.
MINING AND METALS INDUSTRY
DEM Simulation in mining and metal industry allows:
Predict and improve performance of quarrying and handling processes in mining combines and conveyors
Determine optimal shape of excavator buckets
Determine the real loads acting on elements and next use it for FE structural analysis
Avoid problems with blockage in transfer chutes
Avoid demurrage and breakdown
Reduce energy consumptions by control of flow stream
Speed design and development processes of modern mining machines
DEM Simulation of coal transfer chute with gentle guide path of coal stream
DEM Simulation of bucket wheel excavator
PROCESSING OF MINERAL RAW MATERIALS
Discrete Element Method works very well in simulation of braking/separation and joining of particles. Thanks to the employed Explicit method and automatic contact detection algorithm between particles, DEM allows in an easy way to get reliable results.
Use of DEM for crushing, milling, and mixing processes simulation allows:
Geometry optimisation of tools, mixers, blades and buckets
Determine forces and loads acting on operating tools
Predict process efficiency
Verify many design configurations without the need of building prototypes
Speed development and design process
DEM Simulation of rock crushing process
DEM Simulation of mixing process
MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT
DEM simulations are more and more often used to design modern bulk material transportation system in mines, power stations and electro – thermal plants.
The use of DEM simulation allows:
Lower energy consumption by optimal selection of discharge angle and velocity of feed stream
Reduction of dynamic forces during material impact on belt
Reduction of dust emission by consolidating stream
Minimise material spillage
Avoid blockage of material in transfer chutes
DEM simulation of bulk material flow in transfer chute
The use of DEM simulations in the design process of transport systems
AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY
DEM simulation allows better design of agricultural machines like: combines (grain, potatoes, fruits, vegetables), fertilizer spreader and tillage machines, it helps:
Determine the influence of design on performance
Reduce the damage of crops
Accurately determine loads acting on machine elements that next can be used for structural calculations
Verify machine performance without the need of building prototype
Reduce R&D cost
DEM simulation of potato harvester
DEM simulation of fertilizer spreader
MULTIPHYSICS SIMULATION (FEA-CFD, DEM-MBD,DEM-FEM)
Multiphysics simulation of bulk material flow with heat transfer and fluid flow allows even more realistic simulation. Coupled DEM with FEA or CFD (fluid-structure interaction) gives much more information about processes, efficiency and influence of structure (mechanical and thermal loads). Multiphysics simulation is becoming the primary tool for verification of conceptual machines and designs at early design stage. Accurate prediction of loads during loading, transportation or processing of bulk materials is possible thanks to coupled DEM-CFD or, DEM-FEA simulations. Simple data exchange between software for bulk material handling and structural analysis allows engineers design robust & reliable machines without over design.
The use of multiphysics simulation in the design and development process allows to:
Determine the efficiency of various technological processes like: cooling, heating, drying, filtration
Accurately predict mechanical and thermal loads
Optimise the strength and weight of structure
Avoid breakdown during services or testing
Identify and secure places from wear and corrosion
Speed development and design process of reliable and energy efficient machines
Coupled DEM-FEA simulations (EDEM-ANSYS)
Multiphysics simulation of drying process of loose material
Coupled DEM-MBD simulations (EDEM-ADAMS)
Please contact us for more information or if you wish to talk to us about a specific project.