BULK SOLID FLOWTHROUGH

CHUTE COMPONENTS

CHAPTER SIX

6.

BULK SOLID FLOW THROUGH CHUTE

COMPONENTS

6.1

Mathematical models

The aim of mathematical modelling is to predict the behaviour of bulk solids flow
within a complicated chutes system. This can be achieved by breaking down the
system into simpler chute elements and then applying mathematical simplified
model formulation.
It is assumed that the mathematical modelling represents the flow equations of bulk
solids through components of the system.
The basic assumptions made are as follows:
a.

The model is discrete, where continuous loads are replaced by

concentrated loads;

b.

bulk solids characteristics remain invariable in time;

c.

air resistance has minor influence on the bulk solids velocity;

d.

deflections of the system elements are not taken into account;

e.

stochastic processes are replaced by deterministic processes, e.g.

variation of flow intensity.

The flow equations for components are based on the principles of flow dynamics
and conservation of energy.

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TRANSFER CHUTES
Principles for calculation and design

A.

The mathematical model of the bulk solid flow is shown in Figure 6.1.

The bulk solid stream will exert forces and reactions on the surroundings. The
resulting force is acting in the direction of motion as shown in Figure 6.1.

Figure 6.1 Bulk solid flow model

Mathematical analysis of the bulk solids flow model leads to the following
equation

dI = dG + dFo + dFa + dN + dT

(6.0a)

where:

dI

dG

- inertial force
- gravitational force

dN - sum of normal force

cross-sectional area (at point s)

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m - mass flow

dFo - centrifugal force

dT - sum of resistances to shears A(s)

dFa - adhesion force (for static conditions)

BULK SOLID FLOWTHROUGH

CHUTE COMPONENTS

Equations, which describe the material stream flow, are:

+ dv) mv
= dG + dFo + dFa + dN + dT
m(v
m = vA
= tan w

(6.0a)
(5.10)

q
ev = w (1+ k v2 )
vb

(2.12)

(2.4)

B.
Where there is no transfer of energy from or to another system, the
principle of energy conservation requires the following condition to be satisfied
within the system:
(6.0b)

E = Ek + E p + U
where: E
Ek
Ep
U

- change of system energy

- change in kinetic energy
- change in potential energy
- dissipation function.

In general, the principle of energy conservation can be presented as

n

E=

E + E + E
ki

i=1

pj

j=1

rk

(6.0b)

k=1

where:
n

ki

- sum of kinetic energy of the inflowing bulk solids stream

i=1
n

pj

- sum of potential energy

j=1

Erk

- dissipation function

k=1

The discrete model of the system, the chute, is created by means of dividing the
chute into finite elements, which each have a determined geometrical shape,
material characteristics and chute wall properties.

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TRANSFER CHUTES
Principles for calculation and design

6.2

Sloped and vertical chutes

A straight flow down chute - shown in Figure 6.2 - is analysed with a widening or
narrowing chute outlet.

Figure 6.2 Flow down sloping chute

The only forces acting on the bulk solid are gravitational and the wall friction
between the bulk solid and the wall surface.
The dynamical equilibrium (6.0a) leads to the differential equation [65, 74]

+ dv) mv
= dG sin dG cos
m(v

dv
+ mgsin mg cos = 0
dt

and the acceleration is

(6.1)

dv dv dx
, hence equation (6.1) becomes of form
=
dt dx dt

dv
g(sin + cos ) = 0
dx

and the solution is v 2 = v02 + 2gx(sin cos ) , hence

v = v02 + 2gx(sin cos )

(6.1a)

The exit velocity of the flow using equation (6.1a) is the velocity the bulk solid
flow actually reaches at the end of the chute.

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