Abstract

The aim of this study is to model screw feeder unit to handle granulated wet cassava to the flash dryer column. The knowledge of the flow behavior, physical and mechanical properties, rheology of the product and the geometrical characteristics of feeders unit were essential to evaluate the best conditions of handling granulated cassava based on the theory of virtual works. The effect of granular media strain on the rotational speed which is limited to 2 rps corresponding to the elastic limit of 30% was studied. With the same strain limit, maximum screw length of 1300 mm and the maximum residence time of 100 s in the bin were identified as the best area used to design the screw feeder unit and conduct the process operation. The modeling of the strain was based on the theory of virtual works or energies.

Key words: Modeling, virtual works, strain, screw feeder, cassava.