Model construction method of discharge rate of eccentric silo

Accurate discharge rate is important in the process of particle handling and processing. The complex particle flow characteristics in eccentric silos make it difficult to predict discharge rate. In this work, discrete element method is used to analyze the effect of eccentricity of orifice on the particle flow characteristics and discharge rate. The results show that with the eccentricity increases, the particle flow characteristics are basically unchanged at first and then significantly changed, based on which the critical eccentricity is defined. When the eccentricity is less than or equal to the critical eccentricity, the discharge rate follows the Beverloo equation, but when the eccentricity is greater than the critical eccentricity, the discharge rate does not follow the Beverloo equation, then the Beverloo equation is modified. Finally, the critical eccentricity prediction model is proposed by the change of discharge rate. Overall, the results are helpful for the design of eccentric silo.

Automated summary

In this study, the effect of eccentricity on particle flow characteristics and discharge rate was analyzed using the discrete element method. The concept of critical eccentricity was introduced based on the change in particle flow characteristics. A prediction model for critical eccentricity was proposed by considering the variation in discharge rate.