I have been asked to model a Calcium Sulfate dihydrate stockpile (A cone shape with an angle of repose), that is washed with water to remove impurities of MgCl2 and KCl. My job is to determine how much water should be used when given a stockpile's size, to maximize the removal of impurities but minimize the amount of water used. The water added to the stockpile will be slightly off-center (See https://i.stack.imgur.com/5iu3K.jpg), so not all of the stockpile will be washed!
- My first idea is that the important variables are: using the location of where the water is mixing with the stockpile (variable a), how far water penetrates into the rubble to determine the shape of the function (variable '?'). I'm guessing variable '?' will depend on how much water is used. (More water, more penetration.)
From 1. I'm hoping to be able to work out how much of the stockpile is and isn't interacting with the water (aka being washed for impurities) using 'a' and '?'.
I'm not too sure how to do "1." mathematically, Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks.