Transfer chute designs are commonly engineered to fit within a predefined structure where the principles for efficient and reliable material flow are often overlooked. Such an oversight can result in unfavorable outcomes associated with blockage, spillage, belt tracking issues, increased dust emissions, and liner and belt wear. In addition to increasing plant down times and productivity losses, any plans for upgrading existing facilities to higher throughputs is also severely hampered by these kinds of flow-related issues. This online course will teach engineers about the critical flow properties required for proper transfer chute design and how to evaluate transfers for reliable flow under all operating conditions. The presentation will outline the principles and methodologies for optimum flow, will explain how to analyze and fix problems, and will cover the essentials related to the traditional continuum mechanics approach. An overview of numerical simulation approaches, notably, Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) as applied to transfer design and flow analysis, will also be provided.

Course Agenda:

Part 1

1. Principles for Optimal Flow;
2. Critical Flow Properties, Wall Lining and Chute Type;
3. Modeling Transfer Flow: Continuum Theory:
– Burden Profile during Transportation and at Discharge;
– Transition, Angle of Discharge, Trajectory;
– Transfer Chute Flow Model;
– Loading and Acceleration;
– Wear Aspects.

Part 2

4. Modeling Transfer Flow: Discrete Element Modelling:
– Overview of Simulated Material Properties;
– Selection of Flow Parameters, Calibration and Considerations;
– Chute designs demonstration;
5. Design principles for Optimal Geometry:
– Deflector Position, Central Loading, Chute Cross Section;
– Reducing Wear;
– Reducing Dust;
– Constrained / Shearing Flow;
– Adhesion / Cohesion.

Part 1: Thursday | August 05th, 2016 | 12am AEST

Location: Online

Time: 2 sessions 1h each

Instructor: Dr. Dusan Ilic, Senior Consulting Engineer, TUNRA

Dr Dusan Ilic is a materials handling and engineering consultant with TUNRA Bulk Solids and has held this role for over 10 years. Through direct industry engagement, he has completed numerous projects spanning a range of applications, fields and bulk solids both in Australia and Internationally. His main expertise involves troubleshooting, design and optimization of loading, unloading and transfer systems (belt conveying) with a focus on reliable flow, reduced wear and dust minimization. Other areas he has considerable experience in include characterization, plant layouts, development of technical design criteria and design of storage systems such as stockpiles, bins and hoppers. Dr Ilic is highly experienced in delivering professional development courses and also lectures as part of the final year technical major in bulk solids handling at the University of Newcastle.