Wall to particle bed contact conduction heat transfer in a rotary drum using DEM

Abstract

Contact conduction heat transfer behavior in a rotary drum using the discrete element method (DEM)-based simulation codes MFIX-DEM (open-source) and EDEM (commercial) is investigated. Simulations are performed to compare the performance of open-source and commercial code models with experimental data. This study also aims to investigate the effects of particle size distribution (PSD), rotation speed, and rolling friction on overall wall–bed heat transfer using the validated codes. It is found that the variability in the PSD with same mean, μ, and standard deviation, σ, resulted in different heat transfer coefficients. Monodispersed particle beds exhibit better heat transfer when compared to polydispersed beds, because heat transfer is inhibited as the distribution broadens due to segregation. Rotation speed has minimal impact on conduction heat transfer. At lower values of rolling friction, particle circulation in the bed is enhanced and therefore better heat transfer is achieved.