Study of gate loads related to stress states in mass-flow bins during bulk solids filling and settlement

Abstract This paper concerns the determination of the loads on discharge isolating gates of mass-flow bins such as those used in the coal and iron ore industries for train loading. The gate loads are closely associated with the stress states of the bulk solids that are difficult to determine since they are highly dependent on the degree of the compressibility of the bulk solids and the rigidity of the gate. The so-called j factor as outlined in the Australian Standard 3774-1996 is incorporated in the gate load analysis to account for these properties. In this study, an analytical review of gate loads is combined with an experimental study employing a pilot mass-flow bin handling iron ore and plastic pellets. Of particular interest are the transient load changes due to the time-dependent settling of the bulk solid. The research findings are presented along with guidelines to assist the bin gate design.