Effect of Particle Size on Heap Profile

Digital imaging techniques have been implemented in order to control size distribution of particulate solids in bulk, starting form the analysis of the heap profile shaped by the particles fed on a linear carrier (i.e. conveyor belt). The procedure is based on the evaluation of the difference existing between the profile formed by the heap and the Gaussian curve having the same area, height and variance of the interpolating function of the heap profile itself. The fluctuation function, obtained as a difference between the two above mentioned curves, has been analysed by a fractal based approach. A correlation has also been established between fractal properties of single particles and the heap shaped by a lot of the same particle. The results have been demonstrated as it is possible to define a relationship between morphological properties of the particles, size distribution and shape of the heap.