Experiment of hydrocyclone under different inlet velocity and its wear analysis of wall and particle

Although hydrocyclone has been extensively used in various separation processes, there is a lack of systematic analysis on the wear mechanism. Herein, we did the flow experiment under four valve openings of 23, 30, 36 and 41, and the results showed that there were few depressions at the overflow port and the wear was not serious compared with the inlet. The increase of inlet velocity would increase probability and times of solid particles colliding with the wall, so the wear rate of hydrocyclone wall increased with the increase of inlet flow. In addition, the surface roughness of the particles sampled at the underflow port was relatively small and smooth. Correspondingly, the sampling particles at the overflow port had large roughness and there were many fine debris on the surface. These fine debris were also fine particles, which was the product of particle wear.

Automated summary

This study experimentally analyzed the wear mechanism of hydrocyclone and found that an increase in inlet flow rate leads to a higher wear rate. The particles sampled at the underflow port had smoother surfaces, while those at the overflow port had more debris.