ABSTRACT
Discrete element modeling has been widely used for the simulation of microscopic interactions between particles, fluids and boundaries. In most of these applications to date, the boundary is usually a stationary solid surface. However, many engineering processes, such as fluid/solids separation, encounter an absorptive boundary that acts as multiple go/no-go gauges to screen particles according to sizes. This paper presents a numerical model for the study of particle screening process using the Discrete Element Method. Special attention has been paid to the implementation of a meshed screen boundary with vibration to allow particles to pass through or to rebound when approaching the screen surface. Simulations have been conducted to examine the two inter-linked physical mechanisms involved in particle screening operations: particle segregation in material layers and particle passage through apertures. Modeled results have shown the importance of coupling these two mechanisms to achieving optimal operation.
