Comparison of image analysis methods to determine the optimum loading of flighted rotary drums

• Many experiments are carried out on a batch rotary drum.
• The drum is designed with rectangular flights of different dimensions.
• The experiments are performed to assess the optimum loading of the rotary drum.
• Two image analyses were processed, manual and automated.
• The importance of developing a new experimental technique for rotary drum studies in the future is discussed.

The loading state of a flighted rotary drum strongly affects its overall performance. Hence, assessing the optimum (design) loading needed is a critical issue. In the present work experiments were carried out to assess the optimum loading of a batch rotary drum (0.5 m diameter and 0.15 m length) furnished with rectangular flights. Different solid materials (free flowing), rotational speeds (from 1 to 5 rpm) and flight tangential/radial length ratios (0.375 and 0.75) were researched. The experimental work mainly relied on recording videos in front of the drum at different operating conditions. Then by means of image analysis tools the results were drawn. Two methods of image analysis were used and compared: manual and automated with many advantages over the methods previously found in literature. However some problems were found when applying the automated method on the current experimental work images. Indicating that a new experimental technique should be developed in the future to facilitate both manual and automated methods.

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