A DEM simulation and experimental strategy for solving fine powder flow problems

This paper describes a research programme undertaken for the solution of a serious industrial powder handling problem; the achievement of steady, controllable, reproducible discharge of a fine pharmaceutical powder from an intermediate storage vessel to the main process reactor. The use of computer simulations, specifically the discrete element method (DEM) was central to the programme. DEM offers explanations of material phenomenology and suggests possible practical solutions using information which may be difficult or impossible to obtain in practice using traditional observation and experimental techniques. It is suggested that the programme is an example of a general strategy which may be useful when traditional heuristic, experience-based methods of powder how problem solving prove inadequate.