Authors

Abstract

This study presents a particle-scale coupled CFD–DEM numerical approach for elucidating aerodynamic sorting mechanisms and optimizing process parameters. Non-spherical particle models were developed to represent the geometric and physical differences between shells and seed-bearing particles. The Stokes number, which characterizes the balance between aerodynamic drag and particle inertia, was identified as the primary determinant of sorting performance. Under the optimized conditions, a primary airflow velocity of 8.4 m/s, a secondary airflow velocity of 7.85 m/s, and a feed mass flow rate of 80 g/s, the system achieved a shell purity of 95.3% and a recovery rate of 58.2% when processing feedstock with an initial shell content of 5%. The results further revealed an inherent trade-off between purity and recovery. These findings provide a theoretical and numerical basis for the design and optimization of aerodynamic sorting equipment.

Abstract in Chinese

本研究提出了一种基于颗粒尺度的CFD-DEM耦合数值模拟方法，旨在阐明气动分选机制并优化工艺参数。建立了非球体模型，以表征果壳与种子团聚体之间的几何和物理差异。研究发现，表征气动阻力与惯性平衡的斯托克斯数是分选性能的核心决定因素。在最优条件下（主气流速度8.4 m/s，副气流速度7.85 m/s，进料速率80 g/s），以初始纯度为5%的原料为进料，可获得95.3%的壳体纯度和58.2%的回收率。研究揭示了纯度与回收率之间固有的权衡关系，为分选设备的设计与优化提供了理论和数据支持。