Parameters which affect the flow rate of minerals through silos with varying silo angles and particle size

Abstract

The study was carried out to develop a model for mineral flow rate through conical silos. Dominant factors governing the flow behaviour of minerals through silos were studied. Silo angle and the outlet diameter were identified as the dominant factors of the mineral flow behaviour. Silos were fabricated with half angles varying from 45° to 80°. The range of selection was based on preliminary studies and literature survey. Experiments were carried out for Garnet, Ilmenite, Zircon and Quartz. The initial outlet diameter of the silo was set at 15mm and, then increased gradually by 5mm up to 30mm. Each silo was designed to support up to 15 kg of the mineral. Time taken for a flow lOkg's of each mineral through the silos was obtained while varying the orifice diameter. Results were analysed using Mat-lab and, models were developed for each mineral separately. They show an optimum flow rate of each mineral when the half angle varying in the range between 50° to 60°. The models can be further extended by considering more parameters.