Residual mass prediction of powder discharged from hopper at non-gravity directions

Abstract

Residual powder often occurs when the hopper is inclined, which leads to material waste and reduces utilization efficiency. This paper carried out hopper discharge experiments of fine glass beads at non-gravity directions with hopper tilted from vertical to horizontal. The powder residual mass at different discharge directions was first analyzed. The criterion equation of powder residue was established in combination of experimental observation and force analysis, based on which the effect of the operation conditions on the utilization rate of powder was discussed. Second, based on the morphological characteristics of residual powder, the integral equation for calculating volume was established. Meanwhile, the error caused by the slip phenomenon was corrected. Finally, the residual mass prediction model was established. The model demonstrates precise prediction outcomes This study provides a reference for improving the utilization rate of powder in the aspects of hopper structure setting, powder flow properties, and discharge directions matching.