Prediction and validation of the profiles of the top and mixed loading surfaces during discharge from multiple-outlet silos

One of the problems for the efficient operation of large industrial silos is that it is difficult to check the volume of the materials that remain inside the silo at any given time. This problem is more pronounced when materials from two or more sources are stored in a multiple-outlet silo, so that the profile of the mixed loading surface, i.e., the interface between materials from different sources, is not visible. To date, no research addressing this problem has been conducted. Therefore, this study proposes a model to predict the profiles of the top and mixed loading surfaces using the simple kinematic theory and considering the effect of the angle of repose on the shape of the top surface. The accuracy of the proposed prediction model was verified by comparing actual profiles of the top and mixed loading surfaces with those predicted by the model when materials were discharged from a multiple-outlet hopper with discharge sequences varying from the left, central, and right outlets. The results showed that the proposed model adequately predicted the profiles with relatively negligible errors.(c) 2023 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.