Algorithm for calculating grain separation parameters in a gravity separator

   Effective grain pre-cleaning in compound feed production demands compact, energy-efficient separators with simple designs, like gravity separators. To optimize the design of these separators, specifically, the slotted opening geometry, to ensure maximum separation efficiency, the authors developed a novel algorithm based on a systematic approach and mathematical modeling of grain separation. The simulations made by the authors revealed that successful passage of a grain particle through the slot requires its velocity relative to the separator surface to exceed a critical threshold. The authors present a flowchart and algorithm to calculate the key parameters of grain separation, modeling particle flow through the slotted openings. Given specific separation conditions and particle size, this algorithm helps determine the critical velocity and ensure optimal separation, even considering random factors. The algorithm testing, involving variations in slot width and height difference between opposite acceleration surfaces, demonstrated a close match (within 9 % deviation) between predicted and experimental separation intensity, validating the model’s accuracy. The algorithm provides a powerful, cost-effective tool for exploring the impact of material properties and the gravity separator design on overall separation performance.

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