Bucket Elevator DEM Simulation

When it comes to lifting bulk solids, bucket elevators are one of the most efficient and simplest choices. Based on the mode of discharge, bucket elevators can be classified into two types of centrifugal; for handling free-flowing granules, and continuous; for large lumps of solids or very fine products. Different shape and geometries for the buckets are used depending on the nature of the handled materials. Buckets spacing, velocity and the discharge chute design are other important factors on the efficiency of a bucket elevator.

In this project, we used the discrete element method to simulate a continuous bucket elevator to increase the efficiency by minimising the material spillage.