Due to mechanical stress during transport and storage, bulk material
partly degrades and fines are produced. This can be problematic in
various applications and is often responsible for high costs, energy
consumption and emissions. In this work a model for the discrete element
method is presented to simulate particle breakage during conveying
processes. The breakage model is based on the particle replacement
method. In contrast to other particle replacement models, mass and
volume remain constant. The model has been verified and validated by a
trial of shatter tests with blast furnace sinter. High mass flows and further
breakage of fragments for processes with several damaging events, as
found in industrial applications, can also be simulated. An application of
this model is presented, where two different transfer chutes are compared
with regard to material degradation. Simulation and test results are
consistent.