Development and parameter optimization of a novel screening and kneading device for Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim harvesting via discrete element method simulation
Description
Although Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim (FUM) is widely used in medicines and health foods, FUM harvesting is challenging owing to the low FUM screening efficiency. Thus, this study investigates the effect of kneading on the FUM screening efficiency using a discrete element method (DEM). The FUM and soli model was introduced into the DEM simulation to study the screening of particles under the action of the kneading device. To this end, a novel screening device, incorporating kneading, for FUM harvesting is proposed, and the effects of the kinematic characteristics of materials on the proposed screening device are compared and analyzed. The effects of vibration frequency, feed rate, and rotational speed of the kneading device, and the distance between the kneading device and the vibrating screen surface on the screening efficiency and mass of particles on the screen are studied. Results show that a kneading incorporated device can effectively improve the screening efficiency and reduce the mass of particles on the screen, as it increases the average velocity of particles on the screen surface and its velocity components in the x-, y- and z-directions, thereby improving the flow of particles. Notably, the DEM simulation results show that the screening efficiency increased by 3.29 % to 20.63 %, the average particle mass reduced by 0.006 kg to 0.149 kg, and the average particle mass variance decreased by 0.21 to 0.82. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of a screening device that incorporates kneading for FUM harvesting.
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Department of Education, Heilongjiang Province
LJGXCG2023-050