Modelling of the Separation Process in a Ferrohydrostatic
Separator Using Discrete Element Method

Murariu, V.; Sergeant, P. J.

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/48238

Physical Separation in Science and Engineering

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Research Article | Open Access

Volume 2007 | Article ID 048238 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/48238

Modelling of the Separation Process in a Ferrohydrostatic Separator Using Discrete Element Method

V. Murariu¹and P. J. Sergeant¹

Academic Editor: Gerd Mauschitz

Received15 Nov 2006

Revised29 Jan 2007

Accepted24 Mar 2007

Published23 Apr 2007

Abstract

This paper presents a model of the separation process in a ferrohydrostatic separator (FHS) which has been designed and developed at DBGS, De Beers, South Africa. The model was developed using special discrete element method software package called Particle Flow Code in 3D (PFC3D). Special attention has been paid to the selection of the simulation parameters in order to achieve the required feed rates. The simulation was carried out using spherical particles and density tracers of different sizes and densities ranging between 0.004 and 0.008 m and 2700 and 3800 kg/m3, respectively. The tracers were used to set the apparent density of the ferrofluid (the cut-point) and to provide a measurement of the efficiency of the separation. The model is replacing the ferrofluid by imposing a drag force on the particle. The results of the simulation were presented in the form of the distribution of the density tracers into the sink fraction. These results are realistic and show the advantages of DEM to understand the complex flow behavior of granular materials.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2007 V. Murariu and P. J. Sergeant. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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