Mechanism for generation of peak load on under-bin feeders at processing plants

The authors use physical and DEM modeling to analyze stresses and strains in broken ore discharged from accumulating bins using an apron feeder. It is substantiated that the determinant of the peak load on the feeder and the discharge unit is dilatancy. It is shown that the absolute value of the peak load is conditioned by physico-mechanical characteristics of discharged ore, structural design of a discharge unit and deformation constraint. The article demonstrates possibility of upgrading one of conventional schemes of discharge unit and shows prospects for new designs.