Verification of the mathematical model of the mass flow rate of moist bulk materials for concrete mixing plant feeding systems

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2026.360402

Keywords:

concrete mixing plant, loosener, moist sand, dosing stabilization, mathematical model, verification

Abstract

The object of this research is a mathematical model of mass flow rate of moist bulk materials (construction sand) in feeding systems of concrete mixing plants (CMPs). The subject of the research is the experimental verification of this mathematical model under real production conditions.

The problem addressed concerns the critical instability of mass flow rate when using natural washed sand. Increased moisture content (6–10%) changes the mass flow regime to a funnel flow and causes the formation of arches above the discharge opening. The coefficient of variation in dosing under such conditions reaches 12–25%, which is 4–8 times higher than the state standard for accuracy.

The mathematical model was verified using results obtained on a real CMP with a capacity of 60 m³/h, designed and commissioned by the authors and still in operation today. They confirm that installing an active loosener with a rotational speed of ωpr ≥ 2.5 · ωcr completely solves the problem of stabilizing the dosage across the entire range of production moisture contents. Threshold rotational speeds have been established depending on moisture content (specifically, 87 rpm for 6%). A constructed three–dimensional response surface demonstrates that, for a guaranteed dosing error of ≤3%, the working speed of the loosener must be 2.5 times higher than the threshold. Adherence to this operating mode reduces the actual variation to 1.8%. A mathematical model of mass flow rate (R² = 0.963) was also statistically described, and empirical coefficients were determined: pin resistance in the material (1.12) and mechanism efficiency (2.8).

This effect is explained by the artificial, abrupt transition of the material from a vortex flow regime back to a bulk flow regime. Upon reaching the critical rotation speed of the pins, the capillary bonds between the grains are intensively broken, thereby reducing the effective angle of internal friction and completely eliminating stagnant zones in the hopper. All of this instantly restores stable, continuous gravitational flow.

The results are practically applicable to the engineering calculation of feeding systems for concrete mixing plants and can be adapted for related industrial sectors.

Author Biographies

Oleksandr Levchenko, National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”

PhD Student

Department of Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics

Bogdan Korobko, National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor

Department of Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics

Oleksandr Ivakhno, National University "Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic"

PhD Student

Department of Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics

Victoriia Rubel, National University "Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic"

Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor

Department of Oil and Gas Engineering and Technology

References

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Verification of the mathematical model of the mass flow rate of moist bulk materials for concrete mixing plant feeding systems

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Published

2026-06-16

How to Cite

Levchenko, O., Korobko, B., Ivakhno, O., & Rubel, V. (2026). Verification of the mathematical model of the mass flow rate of moist bulk materials for concrete mixing plant feeding systems. Technology Audit and Production Reserves, 3(1(89), 6–11. https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2026.360402

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1(89) (2026): Industrial and technology systems

Section

Mechanical Engineering Technology

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Copyright (c) 2026 Oleksandr Levchenko, Bogdan Korobko, Oleksandr Ivakhno, Victoriia Rubel

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