Trommelling is one of the techniques commonly used for size
separation. The trommel is a screening device that incorporates a rotating
perforated drum as its main component. Perforations or holes in the cylinder
allow smaller materials to drop out during the rotation process. Larger-sized
materials pass through the trommel to be moved by a conveyer belt or other
means.
The choice of the trommel screening device in
the present investigation of the separation of particulates was based on its
advantages over other separation techniques for the current application. One of
the advantages of the trommel screen is its simplicity and that it allows
variations in driving speed and inclination angle of the drum. The screening
action is also excellent for providing lifting and cascading action for the
material, which is particularly useful when handling hard to untangle
materials, as well as materials having a very wide size range. Furthermore, the
trommel is relatively inexpensive, requiring little in the way of operating and
maintenance costs compared to other separation systems.
