An EPSRC Funded Research Project

Modelling and experimental work on triboelectrification in a dense shearing bed, a lean vertical riser and a horizontal pneumatic conveying line, plus addressing the role of charge modifiers

Use will be made of single particle data obtained in WP5 and API code developed in WP6 for CFD-DEM modelling of triboelectrification in (i) dense shearing beds; (ii) pneumatic conveying and (iii) cyclone operation.  The predictions will be validated by experimental work.  The FT4 rheometer of Freeman Technology will be adopted to investigate the influence of shearing on triboelectrification and associated dynamic bulk cohesion.  Some preliminary work on the electrical aspects of the design of the setup has already been carried out in collaboration with Freeman Technology, and an impeller with an insulated top part of the shaft has been made.  The test facilities of PM will be used for measuring the role of charge modifiers in mitigating charge accumulation of PP and PE particles during pneumatic conveying.  There are also two small recirculating systems at Calabria and UoL for assessing charge accumulation, which will be used and modelled by CFD-DEM collaboratively.  There is also a cyclone set up at UoL which has previously been used for attrition studies and will be adopted for charge transfer studies.

Video courtesy of Prof Alberto Di Renzo

Deliverables

Prediction of charge accumulation in three unit operations, supported by experimental validation using polymer particles, and a quantitative correlation with the amount of anti-static agents used in charge mitigation tests.

PDRA

Investigator

Collaborators

Synergy Work Packages