DEM-SPH Simulation of Fluid-Particle Interaction in Corn Disinfection in a Hopper and Screw System

Ccerhuayo J.M.; Caceres J.J.; Carrizales J.A.; Nieves A.K.; Sobrado E.A.; Becerra J.L. · 2026 10th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, ICMERR 2026 (2026) · DOI: 10.1109/icmerr70056.2026.11643148

Resumen

This research addresses the need to improve the efficiency and uniformity of corn kernel disinfection, a process essential for ensuring sanitary quality and agro-industrial yield. To this end, the combined behavior of particles and fluid within a hopper and screw conveyor is analyzed, considering the limitations of traditional methods. A coupled DEM-SPH simulation was employed in ANSYS Rocky, where the system geometry, the physical properties of the corn and fluid, and two main operating conditions (120 and 300 rpm) were modeled to evaluate residence time, fluid distribution, force intensity, and momentum transfer in helical transport. The results show that at 120 rpm, the flow is more stable and promotes partial but relatively uniform wetting, while at 300 rpm, the higher system energy increases fluid forces and turbulence, generating wider but less homogeneous dispersion. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that the SPH-DEM coupling realistically reproduces the fluid-particle interaction and allows the identification of operating conditions that improve the efficiency of the disinfection process.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas