Particle stratification and penetration of a linear vibrating screen by the discrete element method

A simulation of stratification and penetration was performed over a range of structural parameters that included screen width, aperture size, inclination angle, and wire diameter. The discrete element method (DEM) was used for the simulations. The terms stratification and penetration are defined and the change in fine particle concentration is discussed. Mathematical models relating fine particle ratio to time are established using the least squares method. The effect of structural parameters on fine particle ratio is analyzed. Stratification and penetration rate are discussed by considering the time derivative of the fine particle ratio. The conclusions are: an increase in inclination or wire diameter has a positive effect on particle stratifying; The optimal screen width is 40 mm for particle stratification; The inclination angle has a negative effect on the penetration; The effect of wire diameter and screen width on the penetration rate is negligible. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Mining & Technology.