Analysis of blade erosion of intensive mixer based on DEM during wet particles mixing

Abstract: Erosion caused by particle flow during the mixing process is a key factor affecting the intensive mixer life. For wet particles, the existence of liquid has an effect on the particle flow and erosion due to cohesion force of liquid bridge. In this paper, DEM simulations were carried out to investigate the blade erosion of intensive mixer during wet particles mixing process. The Mikami capillary force model was introduced to simulate the complex effects of liquid bridge between wet particles. 4 commonly used erosion models were combined to predict the blade erosion and the Huang's erosion model was finally chosen after comparing with the experimental data. The results showed that the blade erosion was focused in the divisions of 35 to 55 mm from the reference point in radial direction, and in the division of 0 mm from the reference point in the azimuthal direction. The compressive force and particle relative speed of blade were more pronounced due to the cohesion force of liquid matter, leading to the increase of blade erosion. High blade speed and small particle size intensified the blade erosion, whereas vessel speed had little influence on it. The results obtained can be used to improve the design of intensive mixer.