Incorporating particle flow information from discrete element simulations in population balance models of mixer-coaters


AUTHOR(S)

B. Freireich, C.l Wassgren, J. Li, J. Litster

PUBLISHER

Elsevier

SOURCE

Chemical Engineering Science

YEAR

ABSTRACT

A multi-scale modeling approach is presented in which discrete element method (DEM) and population balance (PB) models are combined via a compartment model (CM) to account for flow heterogeneity in a particle mixer-coater. Using this approach, the mixer is decomposed into bed and spray regions, and particle trajectories taken from the DEM model are used to generate an intermediate sub-CM that matches the residence time distributions of particles in these regions. A system of PB models is then generated from the CM. The CM presents a simplified, but still accurate description of the particle residence times in the regions of the mixer. A case study of a simple top spray coating system shows the method is 80% faster than using DEM alone with 13% of the error of using PB alone. Approaches to estimating the minimum DEM simulation time are also presented.Access Full Text

KEYWORDS

Compartment model, Discrete element method, Granulation, Mixing, Particle processing, Population Balance

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