An Evaluation of the Jenike Bunker Design Method

Flow blockage in steelworks bunkers is a major source of trouble. The correct design of bunkers to ensure flow would result in reduced capital and operating costs. The Jenike method of bunker design, which claims a solution to this problem, has been critically examined for a range of iron ores using a variable-geometry wedge-shaped bunker. The main conclusion from these experiments is that the Jenike method is valid for dynamic pressure conditions and even shows some over-design. Further experiments using just one iron ore have confirmed the validity for a conical-shaped bunker under similar pressure conditions. The main limitations of the Jenike design method are as follows: (a) It does not provide a design which can accommodate impact filling. In certain cases, especially with conical bunkers, flow blockage can easily occur and (b) It does not provide a design which can be certain of eliminating arching at the transition point of a bunker with surcharge.