By using the Altair^® EDEM™ software, which implements the discrete element method, modelling and further study of the processes occurring in the roller press’s deformation area were carried out. It was shown that the discrete element method makes it possible to accurately describe the phenomena occurring in the area of roller press deformation compared with the finite element method. Models of material compaction in a roller press are developed using calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) and copper ore concentrate. The developed model makes it possible to determine the process’s energy parameters and the material’s compaction characteristics, taking into account the characteristics of its constituent particles. It was shown that discrete element modelling could be used effectively to create roller presses that provide rational characteristics of the briquetting process, taking into account the properties of the material being briquetted and the operating modes of the equipment. The results of the studies provided the basis for the applicability of the development of the discrete element method for describing the phenomena occurring in roller presses and accelerating the design of press equipment and briquetting technological processes.

Comparative strength analysis of two popular options of the radial centrifugal fan impeller design used in horizontal conveyor dryer for fine-grained raw materials is presented. Three types of materials for impeller manufacturing—ASTM A36 steel, Hardox 450 steel and aluminium alloy 6061-T6 are considered. The finite element method (FEM) has been used to investigate stresses and deformations of the impeller within the operational speed range. Analysis shows that the better design is the impeller made of Hardox 450 steel with a central disk. Although the maximum stress is slightly higher in the blades slot for central disk fitting for this design option, it has greatly reduced stresses in contact edges with two other disks (by 22–38%) and blades bending deformation (by 51%). For this design, the maximum operational rotation speed is 1135 min${}^{-1}$ according to the yield strength with a 15% safety factor, while for basic design, it is 1225 min${}^{-1}$. The rational choice of material depends on maximum value of the yield stress to density ratio as well as taking into account the operating conditions and required fan performance. Recommendations for manufacturing the centrifugal fan impeller related to chosen material are given.

The screw feeder design for the pre-compaction of bulk materials to be briquetted in a roll press is considered to increase the overall reliability. The relationship between the parameters of the screw feeder and its technological characteristics is investigated by the example of two fine-grained materials. A new mathematical model and design algorithm have been developed, which takes into account the properties of materials, the roller press parameters, the shape of the briquettes, and their deformation after compaction. The relationship between the pre-compaction pressure and the material stack height at the inlet is determined. The relations between the torque, the screw pitch, and the material stack height above the inlet, as well as the drive power and the screw pitch on productivity, are investigated. In experiments, using the proposed design, the compaction ratio of the peat increases by 22-27%, and hydrolyzed lignin – by 14-17%. The proposed approach allows for preventing drive overloading and ensures the reliable operation of pre-compaction devices for the roller presses.