Modelling of the Fine-Grained Materials Briquetting Process in a Roller Press with the Discrete Element Method

By using the Altair(®) EDEM™ software, which implements the discrete element method, modelling and further study of the processes occurring in the roller press’s deformation area were carried out. It was shown that the discrete element method makes it possible to accurately describe the phenomena occurring in the area of roller press deformation compared with the finite element method. Models of material compaction in a roller press are developed using calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) and copper ore concentrate. The developed model makes it possible to determine the process’s energy parameters and the material’s compaction characteristics, taking into account the characteristics of its constituent particles. It was shown that discrete element modelling could be used effectively to create roller presses that provide rational characteristics of the briquetting process, taking into account the properties of the material being briquetted and the operating modes of the equipment. The results of the studies provided the basis for the applicability of the development of the discrete element method for describing the phenomena occurring in roller presses and accelerating the design of press equipment and briquetting technological processes.