Flow field during eccentric discharge from quasi‐two‐dimensional silos–extension of the kinematic model with validation

Abstract

A comprehensive investigation of granular discharge through the eccentric opening of rectangular silos has been presented. Slip flow of the grains over the vertical wall closer to the orifice was observed experimentally. This has not been emphasized by the earlier researchers. Considering slip flow at the wall, the kinematic model of granular discharge has been extended to simulate the hydrodynamics during drainage through any eccentric opening. The simulation is applicable over the entire range of eccentricity possible and for both the uniform and the triangular velocity profile through the orifice. Results from the experiments using sand grains (300–500 μm) and glass beads (400–600 μm) have been used for validating the model. The excellent agreement not only justifies the application of the kinematic model for eccentric discharge, it also extends the model for irregular and much smaller grain size. Finally, some limitations of the kinematic model have been examined critically. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1439–1453, 2016