Energy-Dependent Particle Size Distribution Models for Multi-Disc Mill

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Materials Science
• Biomass Processing

Background:

• Comminution is crucial for processing biological materials like grains and biomass.
• Disc mills offer significant potential for biomass grinding, yet their energy-efficiency and product-size relationships are understudied.
• Existing research lacks comprehensive models for multi-disc grinder performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop predictive models for particle size distribution in multi-disc mills.
• To investigate the relationship between grinding energy, disc rotational velocity, and product size reduction.
• To establish functions correlating mill performance parameters with particle size distribution coefficients.

Main Methods:

• Experimental grinding of biomass using a five-disc mill with variable angular velocity.
• Recording power consumption, particle size, and specific comminution energy.
• Applying Rosin-Rammler-Sperling-Bennet (RRSB) distribution analysis to characterize particle sizes.

Main Results:

• Specific comminution energy positively correlates with the size reduction ratio.
• Rosin-Rammler-Sperling-Bennet distribution coefficients were successfully modeled as functions of angular velocity, power consumption, and specific comminution energy.
• Established relationships enable prediction of product size distribution based on operational parameters.

Conclusions:

• The developed models provide valuable insights into multi-disc mill comminution processes.
• These models can inform numerical simulations for optimizing biomass grinding.
• Understanding these relationships is key for efficient and predictable biomass processing.