New Developments In Characterizing And Improving The Flow Of Bulk Granular Solids

Over the last few years, new methods to characterize the flow properties of bulk solids have been developed. Abrasive wear and particle attrition can now be accurately measured in a laboratory and scaled up to field conditions. In addition, the effect of large particles on a material's flow properties (cohesive strength, bulk density, wall friction) can be determined as well as the effects of various additives such as Freeze Conditioning Agents. New developments have also taken place in terms of devices to improve the reliability of solids flow. Much attention has been paid to finding ways to provide a mass flow pattern with relatively shallow hopper walls through the use of inserts. Such devices can also provide reliable in-bin gravity blending of bulk solids and/or completely non-segregated discharge. Other developments have occurred in the area of belt-to-belt transfer chutes and sealing screws. Many of these developments have direct application in the mining and minerals processing industries. Examples of each will be highlighted.