Analytical expressions for classifier product size distributions

Industrial classifier performance is evaluated in terms of size efficiency curve. Normally, the shape parameters of the efficiency curve, namely, sharpness index, cut size and by-pass fraction are obtained from the established empirical relationships involving design and process variables. A transformation of the feed size distribution through thus obtained efficiency curve simulates the coarse and fine product size distributions. This paper derives analytical expressions for product size distributions in terms of incomplete gamma function by considering the feed size distribution and efficiency curve defined in terms of Gates–Gaudin–Schumann (GGS) and Plitt functions respectively. The approach allows the simulation of product size distributions from parameters of GGS and Plitt functions.