Modelling of Powder Filling of HIP Canisters

Hot-isostatic pressing (HIPing) of powders is achieved by placing them inside a canister, which is then evacuated and sealed. Canister filling is a critical step. Consistency in powder packing in the canister and increases in packing density will improve process efficiency and the predictability of HIP canister collapse, leading to less wastage. Understanding the effect of powder morphology, properties and characteristics on the can filling process and subsequent compaction is vital to optimizing canister design and the filling system. Conventionally, this has involved conducting numerous costly and time-consuming trial-and-error experiments. Computational modelling offers an alternative optimization path. Discrete element method (DEM) simulation of a powder filling process has been developed by GRI Inc. and its application to the US Department of Energy’s radioactive Idaho calcine powders has been investigated. A comprehensive analysis of a non-radioactive simulant powder has been conducted. A DEM model was developed with validation of the model using experimental data obtained from the filling system development program.