Improving particle dispersion characteristics with a novel cleaning screen: parameter design and numerical simulation

To reduce particle accumulation on a traditional planar-linear screen, a novel screen with sliding fingers and ladders was designed by numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. The dispersion behaviors of particles under the action of sliding finger and ladder were analyzed using the CFD-DEM (Computational Fluid Dynamics and Discrete Element Method). The effects of traditional and novel screens on the airflow distribution, particle motion and particle dispersion were investigated. The results indicated that the novel screen enhanced the airflow velocity and discharge in the traditional cleaning unit. This screen made the grains penetrate the sliding fingers, and the impurities were thrown behind the screen. It improved the particle accumulation on the traditional screen. The comprehensive dispersion degree of particles perpendicular to the entire novel screen surface was 8.14% higher than that with the traditional screen. The comprehensive dispersion degree of particles along the entire novel screen surface was higher by 6.87%.