Optimization of Feeding Shoe Design in Powder Conveying Systems: A CFD–DEM Study on Gas-solid Two–phase Flow Dynamics and Structural Parameter Effects

The feeding shoe, which is a critical component that connects the rotary valve to the conveying pipeline, significantly influences the performance of powder conveying systems. The Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) was employed to investigate particle dynamics within various feeding shoe designs under gas–solid two-phase flow conditions. Through comparative analyses of two-phase flow characteristics and particle trajectories, three feeding shoe configurations, namely, through, horn, and funnel types, were evaluated, along with the effects of varying gas velocities. Key structural parameters, including opening diameter and inclination angle, were systematically examined to assess their effect on particle transport efficiency. Results demonstrated that feeding shoes with a low inclination angle or a small opening diameter exhibited poor particle flow, while those with a large opening diameter tended to induce backflow on the left side. By contrast, through-type feeding shoes with a large inclination angle and equal opening diameter achieved optimal conveying performance, minimizing backflow and enhancing flow efficiency. These findings provide theoretical insights for optimizing feeding shoe designs, improving conveying efficiency, and reducing production costs, offering valuable guidance for advancements in powder conveying technology and fluid mechanics.

Keywords:

Computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD-DEM) , Gas-solid two-phase flow , Particle dynamics , Pneumatic conveying system , Rotary valve feeding shoe