Chirodzi Mine in Mozambique required assistance with the design of one of their transfer chutes, so they requested JAD to undertake a Discrete Element Model (DEM) analysis. The transfer chute also has a diverter plate to alter the material’s path.
JAD’s in-house bulk material handling department ran the simulations using Rocky 4 DEM Software. The results assisted with the chute shape to optimize the flow of the material, thus preventing chute blockages and evenly distributing the flow to avoid high wear points where possible. Where high wear areas are present (where the chute changes directions), the DEM provides material flow rates to allow suitable thicker wear plates. These thicker wear plates in critical locations will allow for longer periods between maintenance and reduce the risk of the actual chute plating being worn.
A simulation is also done for the case if the discharge conveyor were to stop and not the feed conveyor, thus causing the chute to block and fill with material. The DEM ensures that when normal operation of the conveyor belts is restored, the material will flow out of the chute and not form bridges or ratholes.
After the material and thickness of the liner plates were recommended to the client, the length and width of the plates were also recommended to prevent stockholding of multiple plate sizes.
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