(624f) A DEM Model of Roller Compaction Including Powder Feeding

A DEM Model of Roller Compaction Including Powder Feeding

In our work we studied roller compaction by means of Discrete Elements Method (DEM) modeling. Roller compaction is an industrial process in the field of dry granulation, aiming to obtain granules from fine powder mixtures. Our interest is to understand the impact of powder feeding from hopper via a screw on the compaction process and the product quality .

In the presentation, we will compare our results with particle tracking results and ribbon analysis from experiments to qualitatively validate the model. The Coarse Graining framework is employed to compute the mass density, velocity and pressure fields in both, the feeding and the compaction zone. As well known, the screw feeder induces a period flow of particles, inducing a periodic flow structure of the particle bed close to the compator rolls. This effect and its impact on the sheet quality will be discussed.

This work is our first approach to DEM modeling of this process. The ability of DEM to better understand roller compaction will be highlighted as well in the talk. Finally, we will define the framework for studying roller compaction by means of DEM in the future.

Acknowledgements: this work was supported by the IPROCOM Marie Curie initial training network, funded through the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013/ under REA grant agreement No. 316555.