Two Dimensional Transfer Chute Analysis Using a Continuum Method

The performance of transfer chutes is vital to the productivity of conveyor belt systems in the bulk solids industry yet no traditional design method is able to reliably predict the flow characteristics. The discrete numerical method has come to be regarded as the primary tool for particle flow modelling, but many design engineers in industry may not be aware that continuum methods are also suitable for some types of chute analysis. This paper reports an investigation into a continuum model based on kinetic theory as an alternative to the discrete element method for basic transfer chute analysis. Fluent software has been used to perform two-dimensional modelling of chutes and the result is compared to traditional design methods. The conclusions suggest that continuum models may have an important part to play in the future of chute design.