Discrete Element Method (DEM) Modeling
Analyze material flow to help optimize bulk handling.
Discrete element method (DEM) modeling can help de-bottleneck and improve transfer points in existing and new bulk material handling installations.
VAA engineering expertise
In any given material handling facility, many millions of individual granular materials interact with multiple transfer points and equipment. To understand the behavior of this constant flow, DEM computer modeling can accurately simulate individual positions, velocities, and forces of bulk materials, like grains or byproducts. It can unlock data to avoid guesswork and assist in identifying areas of improvement through flow analysis of bulk materials.
DEM uses in bulk material handling
- Design of process and material handling equipment
- Design of transfer points between equipment
- Help optimize wear liners by identifying type and necessary locations
- Assist with directional changes for optimization and help eliminate choke points
- Identify areas for possible reduction in size of spouting/chutes versus traditional design
Facility and operational benefits
- Strengthen capacity and reliability of existing system
- Promote cost-saving measures on new projects or maintenance
- Reduce need for costly field fixes during startup and commissioning
- Identify and help solve belt tracking issues on belt conveyors and bucket elevators
- Assist in lowering the breakage of whole grains and processed grains
- Help reduce dust generation through gentler handling adjustments
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It’s extremely rewarding to help clients develop their projects from a concept to an operating facility. Working on a variety of projects and engineering opportunities keeps things fresh and interesting.
Eric Peterson | Principal | Sr Project Manager
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