Using discrete element method to analyze the mixing of the solid particles in a slant cone mixer

The slant cone mixer with an intensifier bar is an advanced type of the powder mixer which is a combination of the tumbling and agitator blenders. In this study, the discrete element method (DEM) was employed to investigate the mixing of solid particles in a slant cone mixer. To achieve this goal, the effects of initial loading (side-side, top-bottom, and back-front), drum speed, fill level, and agitator speed on the mixing rate were explored. In addition, the effect of the rotational direction of the agitator in relation to the direction of the drum (co-rotating and counter-rotating) on the mixing performance of the slant cone mixer was studied. In order to provide a mathematical understanding of the mixing rate, Lacey index was utilized. DEM results were validated using experimental data obtained from both sampling and image techniques. DEM simulation results were in good agreement with the experimentally determined data, both qualitatively and quantitatively. (C) 2014 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.