Discete element modelling in mineral processing.

The potential merit of the discrete element method (DEM) as a numerical tool for analysing process engineering problems involving particulate material is discussed. In this method, the dynamic equilibrium equations for each distinct and deformable body are solved. Therefore, it readily lends itself to modelling large numbers of discrete, interacting bodies as in mineral processing operations where a charge of particulate material is processed. Here some applications of DEM are reported: motion of particles in the ball mill, mixer and jig. Although DEM has made very little headway in mineral processing research, it is shown that many other areas of industrial interest in the context of flow of particulate materials could be analysed by this method.
The potential merit of the discrete element method (DEM) as a numerical tool for analysing process engineering problems involving particulate material is discussed. In this method, the dynamic equilibrium equations for each distinct and deformable body are solved. Therefore, it readily lends itself to modelling large numbers of discrete, interacting bodies as in mineral processing operations where a charge of particulate material is processed. Here some applications of DEM are reported: motion of particles in the ball mill, mixer and jig. Although DEM has made very little headway in mineral processing research, it is shown that many other areas of industrial interest in the context of flow of particulate materials could be analysed by this method.