As a result of the dissertation work, an actual scientific and technical problem was solved: a tube-comb feeder was developed, which provides a regulated flow of loose material with the necessary technological parameters and properties, as well as an engineering calculation method. Scientific research was carried out within the framework of the initiative topic "Improvement of the hopper-feeder system in mixing complexes for loose materials of light industry" (State registration number: 0120U104531). The object of research: the process of continuous transportation of loose materials in mixing complexes with a continuous mode of operation. The purpose of the dissertation is to substantiate the design and technological parameters of tube-comb feeders in mixing complexes to improve the process of transporting bulk materials by reducing pulsations, controlling the speed of the bulk material at the outlet of the feeder and reducing friction in the working area of the feeder. The scientific novelty of the obtained results is as follows: mathematical models of the process of transporting bulk materials in a tube-comb feeder were created, which made it possible to predict the behavior of bulk materials in the system, taking into account various parameters, such as the size of particles, their concentration, properties of the environment and the geometry of the feeder; the possibility of reducing pulsations at the outlet of the feeder due to the placement of ridges on the pipe walls is analytically substantiated. This choice was made on the basis of the analysis of mechanical forces acting on particles of loose material and the creation of effective conditions for their movement; proposed systems for automatic control of the technological parameters of the movement of bulk materials in tubular feeders, which involve microcontroller control of the speed of rotation of the transport element with feedback and performance measurement. The practical significance of the dissertation work is that on the basis of the conducted research: a new continuous feeder with increased smoothing ability and the ability to control productivity was developed; an algorithm for designing new continuous feeders was developed; developed algorithms and programs for designing and manufacturing bunkers and feeders for loose materials using 3D printing technology. The goal, object and subject of the research are formulated, the scientific novelty and practical application of the work results are described. The first chapter analyzes the current state of utilization of feeders for transporting loose materials in various industries. In the second chapter, the key characteristics of the comb feeder are considered, including a detailed analysis of its main parameters in the zones of flow of loose material. The formulas for determining the volumetric productivity of the feeder are given. In the third section, research is carried out with the help of mathematical models and an experimental setup, and a comparative analysis with an analogue of such a feeder is also carried out. The fourth chapter analyzes the practical use of the results of scientific research for the development and implementation of a tube-comb feeder of continuous action. The general principles of designing this type of feeder are considered, which are based on the results of experimental and theoretical research. Acts on the implementation of the work results are given in the appendices. Keywords: bulk material, hopper, feeder, discrete element method, movement, speed, pulsations, performance, algorithm, energy efficiency, trajectory, 3D printing technology.
