Flow Pattern for a Silo with Two Layers of Materials with Single or Double Openings

Abstract

For the silo flow of two materials with contrasting strengths, an automatic separation without mixing of the materials is observed during drawing. In the present paper, the writers observe that a columniform funnel flow will appear in a silo with a single opening while a uniform flow will occur for a silo with a double opening. The classical and popular Janssen equation is hence less suitable for a silo with a single opening than for a silo with a double opening. The development of the arch action arising from the contact force is investigated through the distinct element analysis for the two different types of silo. It is also found that there are significant differences in the velocity and stress fields between the two different types of silo, which are worth consideration in the design of the silo and the recovery of the mineral ore.