Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Mass Flow

Vertical silos are structures intended for the storage of powdery or granular, bulk products. During unloading some problems may occur, such as cohesive arch formation and rathole. Inserts are instruments used to minimize flow problems in vertical silos. The main objective of this research was the numerical and experimental analysis of the mass flow rate and the unloading velocity of the stored product. The software ANSYS 15.0, based on the Finite Volume Method (FVM), was used. It was observed the influence of the inserts in the solution of flow problems, being that the insert 2 in the second height analyzed, promoted the best results for the improvement of the flow pattern of the stored product. Regarding the numerical model, all simulations performed presented average error values lower than 15%, thus concluding that the proposed model was consistent with the experimental model.