Simulation and Optimization of Conveying Parameters for Vertical Screw Conveyor Based on CFD + DEM
This study investigates the interaction between airflow and low-density bulk particles within vertical screw conveyors and examines its impact on conveying performance. A combined simulation approach integrating the Discrete Element Method and Computational Fluid Dynamics was employed to model both...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Fluids |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5521/10/7/171 |
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| author | Xiao Mei Xiaoyu Fang Liyang Zhang Yandi Wang Yuan Tian |
| author_facet | Xiao Mei Xiaoyu Fang Liyang Zhang Yandi Wang Yuan Tian |
| author_sort | Xiao Mei |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study investigates the interaction between airflow and low-density bulk particles within vertical screw conveyors and examines its impact on conveying performance. A combined simulation approach integrating the Discrete Element Method and Computational Fluid Dynamics was employed to model both single-phase particle flow and gas–solid two-phase flow. A periodic model was developed based on the structural characteristics of the conveyor. Particle motion dynamics under both single-phase and coupled two-phase conditions were analyzed using EDEM and coupled Fluent-EDEM simulations. The effects of key operational parameters, including screw speed, filling rate, and helix angle, on mass flow rate were systematically evaluated. A comprehensive performance index was established to quantify conveying efficiency, and its validity was confirmed through analysis of variance on the regression model. Finally, the response surface methodology was applied to optimize parameters and determine the optimal combination of screw speed and filling rate to enhance mass flow efficiency. The results indicate that the gas–solid two-phase flow model provides a more accurate representation of real-world conveying dynamics. Future research may extend the model to accommodate more complex material conditions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2e5e7f2e215f42ddba7c2d2ab0a95c0d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2311-5521 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Fluids |
| spelling | doaj-art-2e5e7f2e215f42ddba7c2d2ab0a95c0d2025-08-20T03:32:32ZengMDPI AGFluids2311-55212025-06-0110717110.3390/fluids10070171Simulation and Optimization of Conveying Parameters for Vertical Screw Conveyor Based on CFD + DEMXiao Mei0Xiaoyu Fang1Liyang Zhang2Yandi Wang3Yuan Tian4School of Science, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, ChinaSchool of Science, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, ChinaSchool of Science, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, ChinaRizhao Port Technology Innovation Center, Rizhao 276827, ChinaSchool of Science, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, ChinaThis study investigates the interaction between airflow and low-density bulk particles within vertical screw conveyors and examines its impact on conveying performance. A combined simulation approach integrating the Discrete Element Method and Computational Fluid Dynamics was employed to model both single-phase particle flow and gas–solid two-phase flow. A periodic model was developed based on the structural characteristics of the conveyor. Particle motion dynamics under both single-phase and coupled two-phase conditions were analyzed using EDEM and coupled Fluent-EDEM simulations. The effects of key operational parameters, including screw speed, filling rate, and helix angle, on mass flow rate were systematically evaluated. A comprehensive performance index was established to quantify conveying efficiency, and its validity was confirmed through analysis of variance on the regression model. Finally, the response surface methodology was applied to optimize parameters and determine the optimal combination of screw speed and filling rate to enhance mass flow efficiency. The results indicate that the gas–solid two-phase flow model provides a more accurate representation of real-world conveying dynamics. Future research may extend the model to accommodate more complex material conditions.https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5521/10/7/171vertical screw conveyorCFD–DEM couplinggas–solid two-phase flowconveying characteristicsResponse Surface Methodology (RSM) |
| spellingShingle | Xiao Mei Xiaoyu Fang Liyang Zhang Yandi Wang Yuan Tian Simulation and Optimization of Conveying Parameters for Vertical Screw Conveyor Based on CFD + DEM Fluids vertical screw conveyor CFD–DEM coupling gas–solid two-phase flow conveying characteristics Response Surface Methodology (RSM) |
| title | Simulation and Optimization of Conveying Parameters for Vertical Screw Conveyor Based on CFD + DEM |
| title_full | Simulation and Optimization of Conveying Parameters for Vertical Screw Conveyor Based on CFD + DEM |
| title_fullStr | Simulation and Optimization of Conveying Parameters for Vertical Screw Conveyor Based on CFD + DEM |
| title_full_unstemmed | Simulation and Optimization of Conveying Parameters for Vertical Screw Conveyor Based on CFD + DEM |
| title_short | Simulation and Optimization of Conveying Parameters for Vertical Screw Conveyor Based on CFD + DEM |
| title_sort | simulation and optimization of conveying parameters for vertical screw conveyor based on cfd dem |
| topic | vertical screw conveyor CFD–DEM coupling gas–solid two-phase flow conveying characteristics Response Surface Methodology (RSM) |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5521/10/7/171 |
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