Stockpile Volume Calculation
I am in desperate need of some help with a materials handling problem which i am stumped on; more specifically on calculating the volume of a stockpile that is built from a series of cones (‘cone-ply’)
A cone-ply built stockpile is built with a series of cones (see diagram). The aim is to maximise the capacity of the stockpile, within a given space.
The stockpile has a limited width and length. The angle of repose (the angle that the ore settles to the horizontal) of the ore is also known, as is the maximum stockpile height.
An ‘ideal’ stockpile would have a flat top and sides.It is demonstrated in the attached diagrams that due to the nature of cone-ply stacking, this is not the case. There is lost volume on the top (from around the cones – see diagram) and around the sides of the stockpile; in areas around the cones.
I am currently attempting to calculate an approximate measurement for the volume lost around the sides of the stockpile. I assume that this would be perform
Tim:
You diagram did not attach, but I believe that I understand what you are asking.
The theoretical maximum volume of the stack would have the base area and the height as described. L x W x H.
Because of material does not naturally into a rectangular structure there will be lost volume. Start by looking at a single cone in a square base. How much lost volume exists between the cone that can be generated and the volume of the cubical volume?
Then extend the analysis to additional piles that start to over lap. In the ideal situation you will have a system where the base of the object would be shaped like an oval where the diameter of the ends would be the smaller of the length and the width and the straight sides would be the difference between the length width.
Does this help?
Niel Leon
Community Developer – Engineering.com
