Shape separation of particulates by a rotating horizontal sieve drum

Shape separation of elongated particles is conducted by a rotating horizontal sieve drum with equal circularholes of diameter 0.4 mm, through which all particles placed in the interior can flow out. The drum is 100 mm in diameter and 500 mm in length. The residence time of particles in the drum relates to the particle shape. Hence particles can be separated according to the aspect ratio. The residence time of particles is measured and related to the particle shape, the initial hold-up and the rotational frequency of drum. The particle flow through the drum is modeled to discuss the influence of the operating conditions on the residence time. It is found that the residence time increases with the aspect ratio and hold-up. The residence time distribution of the mixture of multi-shaped particles is made obtainable by a modified perfect mixing model. The particles are successfully separated according to the aspect ratio and the separation efficiency is discussed.