Numerical study of forced axial segregation of binary density granular system in a split rotary drum

Driving and controlling the segregation in a rotary drum is both a theoretical and a practical challenge in powder technology. A novel horizontal split drum design composed of two reverse rotating sub-drums was explored to drive axial segregation of granular matter. DEM (Discrete Element Method) simulations were performed to study the particle dynamics and segregation performance of binary density particles in the split drum. Then, the effects of drum speed, the speed ratio of the two sub-drums, and the split position on the axial segregation were analyzed. It was found that true axial segregation occurred in the split drum and heavier particles tend to accumulate in the region near the split. An increase in drum speed can accelerate the segregation but it has no obvious influence on the final axial distribution of par-ticles. The results obtained indicate when two sub-drums rotate at different speeds, the concentrated region of heavier particles moves towards the low-speed sub-drum. These findings could lead to new designs for a broad range of particle processing industries.(c) 2022 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study explores a novel horizontal split drum design to drive axial segregation of granular matter by two reverse rotating sub-drums. It was found that true axial segregation occurs in the split drum with heavier particles accumulating near the split. Increasing the drum speed accelerates the segregation process but has no significant influence on the final particle distribution. These findings have important implications for the design of particle processing industries.