Discrete Element Simulation of Vibration-Assisted Chute to Prevent Blockage of Viscous Materials

Blockages in a transfer system are a crucial problem for the wet coals conveying process in thermal power plants. Improving the viscous material flow is a fundamental solution to prevent blockages. A discrete element simulation was employed to investigate the flow characteristics of viscous materials in transfer systems with different structures under vibration-assisted conditions. The results indicate that, near the structure wall, the adhesive force increased, which was the root cause of material blockages. Introducing vibration motions into the chute could break the adhesive forces between the wet particles and the structure wall. Compared with a linear chute, a curved chute was more sensitive to vibration movement and had less leftover viscous materials and a lower output velocity. Compared with a deflector hood, an impact plate had less residual material and a higher particle velocity because of its longer ejection distance and lower adhesive force. Based on the above simulation results, a transfer system with an impact plate and curved chute is proposed. By introducing the critical vibration intensity for the transfer system, the vibration parameters and transfer system structures are optimized. The aforementioned research findings provide guidance for intervention measures aimed at preventing material blockages in industrial bulk material conveying processes.