Parameters governing refuse comminution

Abstract The key parameters controlling the size reduction of refuse have been identified as being flow rate, refuse moisture content, mass of material held within the shredder (the shredder holdup), residence time for material in the shredder, and the physical layout of the shredder. Product particle size distribution is a function of the feed particle size and the mean residence time, while the power requirements of the shredder are a function of the holdup and the moisture content of the refuse. Relations between the governing parameters are quantified and shown to be useful for predictive purposes. Factors influencing the design of shredders are also considered.