Peak loads on feeders in gravity reclaim stockpiles of broken rocks

Abstract

Actual physical models and discrete element method are used to analyze stress-strain state of broken rocks at the moment when an apron feeder starts discharge from floor storage. It is shown that conventional designs of discharge units of floor storages fail to eliminate broken rock dilatancy which is a determinant of the peak load on the feeder at the moment of its actuation. Based on the investigation results, the authors propose an approach to filling floor storages with broken rock and a structural layout for the storage discharge unit. The offered engineering solutions enable preventing from dilatancy-induced impact on stress state of broken rock being processed and, as a result, elimination of peak loads on feeders.