Research on Sieving Performance of Flip-Flow Screen Using Two-Way Particles-Screen Panels Coupling Strategy

Sieving performance of flip-flow screen determines the profit of coal preparation plants. The validity of its research depends on the two-way coupling relationship between particles and screen panels, for which the action of particles on screen panels is not only considered, but the effect of screen panels on particles as well. However, traditional one-way coupling method merely reveals the unilateral effect of particles on flip-flow screen panels. In order to run a simulation model conformed to more realistic working conditions, this paper presents a method of DEM-MBD (Discrete Element Method-Multiple Bodies Dynamics) two-way coupling. Firstly, the principle of this method is analyzed and disadvantages of simulation are proposed. Secondly, for solving the problem that the contact area within particles and flexible panels cannot be worked in co-simulation with software EDEM and RecurDyn, we simplify the rigid panels that are similar to the real case by piecewise linear interpolation method instead of flexible panels. The bending and shrunk ratio of pores have been computed under the positions of static and outer dead point in the mid-point of similar panels, which are compared with catenary curve to reduce the relative error. Finally, the effect of rotation speed of motors and elastic modulus on screening efficiency, production ratio and vibrating velocity are studied. The results indicate that the equivalent method of approximate flexibility is effective. Additionally, we conclude that screening efficiency, production ratio and vibrating velocity will increase as rotation speed increases nonlinearly, and elastic modulus has no distinct effect on screening performance indexes.