Investigation of Belt Conveyor Transfer Chute Configurations to Reduce Dust Generation Using CFD Modeling

Abstract:

“Passive” dust control systems for belt conveyor transfer stations have become increasingly popular in recent years. Effective design relies on a fundamental understanding of the flow of granular material and air throughout the transfer chute. This paper presents an investigation into the flow properties of the air and particles in the enclosure for different transfer chutes based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. A multiphase Euler-Euler model was applied to develop a 3D model of the transfer chute. Experiments were undertaken to verify the theoretical models, with overall results indicating good correlation. Furthermore, a number of alternative transfer chute configurations were modelled to investigate the effect of geometry on dust generation.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 26-28)
• Pages: 1126-1131
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.26-28.1126
• Online since: June 2010
• Authors: X.L. Chen, C.A. Wheeler, T.J. Donohue, A.W. Roberts
• Keywords: Belt Conveying, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Dust Generation, Transfer Chute

References

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[3] P. Mcllvenna and R. Mossad. Two Dimension Transfer Chute Analysis Using A Continuum Method. Third International Conference on CFD in the Minerals and Process Industries CSIRO, Melbourne, Australia, 10-12, December, 2003, pp.547-551.