Study on Arch Evolution Behavior of Discharging Biomass Particles from the Aerated Hopper

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Abstract
Biomass particles with low density and pronounced anisotropy tend to form periodic dynamic arches during hopper discharge, which severely affects flow stability and controllability and has become a critical bottleneck restricting their large-scale and efficient utilization. In this study, the complete evolution of dynamic arches of corn stover and corn cob was revealed with the help of high-speed image processing and signal analysis techniques. The results reveal a clear transition from long-period intermittent arching to short-period rapid arch collapse and finally to arch-free stable flow with increasing gas velocity. By conducting force analysis on arch formation and collapse processes, it clarifies the intrinsic driving mechanism of the periodic arch-collapse behavior of biomass particles, where the periodic alternating evolution of pressure difference directly dominates the arch structure. Based on this, a semi-empirical model integrating gas seepage and arch dynamics was established to calculate the arch period, and the model-calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental results. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the arch-breaking mechanism of corn stover and corn cob in a conical hopper under aeration conditions. The results can provide a reference for the aeration optimization of biomass feeding systems with similar material characteristics and hopper configurations.
Funding Information
  • National Key Research and Development Program of China (2024YFB4104703)

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