Recently, some novel screens were proposed based on the
improved
understanding of screening processes from particle-scale studies,
one of which is the novel variable amplitude equal thickness vibration
screen (VAETVS). This paper presents an investigation of using different
aperture sizes to further optimize the VAETVS by the discrete element
method (DEM). The screen was divided into three panels, and the aperture
size of each panel was varied in the simulation. The particles’
dynamics and spatial distribution were investigated to better understand
the effects of varied amplitudes and aperture sizes on the screening
efficiency. The results showed that the VAETVS can be effectively
optimized by varied amplitude as well as varied aperture size for
different screen panels. The amplitude variance is more effective
for hard sieve particles and hindrance particles. It is also found
that from the feed end to the discharge end, the difference in the
distribution of particle mass between the coarse particles and the
fine particles increases. Generally, such a difference can be increased
with increasing aperture sizes. However, the effects of the apertures
of the different panels were not the same. The simulated data were
further analyzed by the Box-Behnken response surface method, which
gave a mathematical model to predict the screening efficiency η
with the varied apertures. From the model, the optimal aperture sizes
are 7.5, 7.58, and 6.81 mm, yielding the maximum screening efficiency
of 86.35%, and the optimal opening areas for the three panels are
35, 40, and 40%, respectively, yielding the maximum screening efficiency
of 87.82%.