ALGORITHM OF AUTOMATED CONTINUOUS MIXING COMPLEXES DESIGN FOR BULK MATERIALS

Abstract

Purpose. Creation of design algorithm of continuous action mixing complexes that will allow defining parameters of the equipment proceeding from requirements to quality, productivity and the set compounding of mixture.

Methodology. The method of discrete elements, classical mechanics positions, theory of solids contact interaction, method of mathematical modeling are used in the work.

Findings. The paper proposes a generalized algorithm for designing a continuous mixing complex for bulk materials. The procedure for designing a centrifugal mixer, the flow shapers, plate feeders and conical-cylindrical hoppers are presented. Calculations of design and technological parameters are carried out on the basis of information about the physical and mechanical properties of bulk components particles, requirements for equipment performance and the mixture homogeneity. The results of calculations of the mixing complex for the three-component mixture used for the production of polyethylene film are presented. To test the proposed algorithm, a mathematical model based on the discrete elements method is created. The mixing process is modeled and the coefficients of inhomogeneity of each of the components in the finished mixture are determined. The obtained results confirmed that the proposed algorithm allows to determine the parameters of the mixing complex, which ensure compliance with the specified requirements for the quality and the equipment performance.

Originality. Mathematical models of bulk motion dynamics in mixing complexes are improved, which include bunker devices, plate feeders, flow shapers and continuous centrifugal mixer, taking into account the bulk motion discrete nature.

Practical value. The obtained results allow calculating the design and technological parameters of the equipment that is a part of the continuous mixing complex according to the set productivity, recipe and requirements to the mixture homogeneity.