Improving operations: coupling DEM and CFD to optimize particulate flows

The unique capability of DEM coupled to CFD is a key enabler to simulate particulate flows. This provides valuable insight to better predict performance, risk and energy usage in equipment over time.

Companies in the chemical and mineral processing industries need to produce products at the lowest possible cost and highest quality while meeting safety requirements. Staying competitive is vital in the current challenging economic environment, so companies must ensure that all elements of their operations perform as efficiently as possible.

Many processing methods involve the transport or processing of particles, using equipment such as pneumatic or belt conveyors, hoppers, chutes, cyclone separators, calciners, dryers and coaters. Process engineers need to take into consideration not only the flow of particles but also that of a carrier fluid. The intricate dynamics of the interaction of these two phases is governed by momentum and energy transfers, impacting various phenomena such as erosion, abrasion, wetting, cohesion and agglomeration.

In this webinar, we show how the unique capability of Discrete Element Method (DEM) coupled to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a key enabler to simulate particulate flows. Experts will demonstrate how a greater understanding of the drag and contact behavior of the particulate flow simulations allows engineers to effectively explore designs digitally, troubleshoot industrial problems and carry out scale-up studies. This provides valuable insight to better predict performance, risk and energy usage in equipment over time.

Attendees will learn about the various particulate unit operations that can be simulated using DEM and CFD. Industry experts will provide case study examples, commercial insights and a live demonstration.