Doc. dr. Andrej Bombač, univ. dipl. inž., Uroš Orehek, mag., both from Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za strojništvo

Abstract:
This work focuses on the process parameters of a model disk granulator for using waste silt in calcite production. This entails optimizing the disk’s inclination and rotation frequency, the quantity of supplied silt, the dynamic angle of the bulk material, the amount of added water, and the positions of the scraper, material feed, and wetting nozzle. Laboratory experiments were conducted using different combinations of three selected materials (silt, lime, and gypsum) to produce aggregates. Through these experiments, we aimed to assess the suitability of the chosen combination of process parameters and materials for achieving aggregates of the appropriate size and durability. Measurement results demonstrated that the initial moisture content and the material’s geometry (slurry) significantly influence the shape (round, elongated, oval) of the granules. It was also observed that adjusting the disc’s inclination significantly impacts the device’s performance, while the disc’s rotation frequency substantially affects the size of the aggregates.

Keywords:
agglomeration, waste silt, disk granulator, process parameters, lime, gypsum