Modelling and optimization of an inclined plane classifier using CFD-DPM and the Taguchi method

PETIT, HORACIO A.; PAULO, CECILIA I.; CABRERA, OSCAR A.; IRASSAR, EDGARDO F.

APPLIED MATHEMATICAL MODELLING

ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC

Año: 2019 vol. 77 p. 617 - 634

0307-904X

The inclined plane air classifier is a device designed for the classification of limestoneparticles. It presents a simple classification mechanism and low energy requirements.Despite its advantages, the industrial application of the classifier has not been reported.This study was carried out to model the classification mechanism inside the inclined planeclassifier and to propose its use in the aggregate industry where the adjustment of theparticle size distribution of manufactured sands is required. The velocity and pressurefields inside the equipment were modelled using computational fluid dynamics and theparticle trajectories were computed using a Lagrangian discrete phase modelling. Thecollisions between particles were modelled by using the discrete element method. TheTaguchi method was used to study the influence of the operational and design variableson the classification performance and to optimize the equipment. The inclined planeclassifier was successfully modelled and optimized for the improvement of the particlesize distribution of manufactured sands showing excellent results.