Laboratory scale validation of a DEM model of screening processes with circular vibration

In this work, DEM results and experimental data from a specially designedcircularly vibrating screening model are compared quantitatively under a range of operatingconditions. The validation is carried out in two aspects. First, the motion of tracked particlesis recorded using high-speed dynamic analysis system and their velocities are compared withDEM results. Second, the total screening performance indexes are compared to thosepredicted by DEM. Overall agreements for both spherical and non-spherical particle modelsare observed in both the motion of individual particles and the screening performancequantities. Generally, better agreements are found for non-spherical particle model with theparticle shape reasonably considered. Quantitatively, spherical particle model is less accuratebecause the simplification of particle shape leads to good mobility and over-prediction ofvelocity and screening efficiency. The validity of the DEM model of the screening process ishence approved. The validated DEM model can be applied to perform extensive numericalstudies to achieve optimal performance and better operation of such complicated andimportant processes in mineral processing