Kinematic analysis of particle movement in friction barrel-type tribocharger

Tribocharging is a prerequisite for high-voltage electrostatic separation of polymer particles. In this study, the movement of polymer particles was investigated on the basis of a friction barrel-type tribocharger. The fin of tribocharger drives polymer particles to rotate. The particles will move in axial direction because a tribocharger has an inclined angle. The particles reach the bottom of tribocharger and are charged after several cycles. A motion equation was established through force analysis, and the known parameters were substituted to calculate the motion time and displacement of the particle in one cycle. The motion of polymer particles was simulated by using EDEM simulation software. Simulation results are consistent with the theoretical results. Results show that the established motion model can be used to describe the motion law of polymer particles. The findings provide a reference for the follow-up study of the triboelectric mechanism of polymer particles for vehicles.