CFD modelling of hydrocyclone-prediction of cut size

The flow behavior in hydrocyclone is quite complex. This complexity of flow processes has led designers to rely on empirical equations for predicting the equipment performance. The publications on empirical models of the hydrocyclone far out-number few fluid-flow-modeling attempts. Empirical models correlate a classification parameter, such as the cut-size, with device dimensions and slurry properties. However, these can only be used within the extremes of the experimental data from which the model parameters were determined. On the other hand, models based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques have proven to be useful in simulating fluid flow in hydrocyclones, and in predicting the separation efficiency of solid particles in the separator for a wide range of operating and design conditions. The shape and size of a hydrocyclone separator has a direct influence on the internal flow structure of the continuous phase and, thereby, the separation of the particulate phase. Hydrocylcones usually have a single inlet that distributes the feed stream near the end wall between the vortex finder and the sidewall. Effect of spigot diameter, i.e., 10 and 20 mm and inlet water velocities (5.91-12.35 m/s) on the water splits and particle classification in the hydrocyclone have been studied. The cut size of the hydrocyclone, operated at very low pulp density, has been predicted using discrete phase modeling technique. The studies revealed that with an increase in feed flow rate and decrease in spigot diameter the cyclone sharpness of separation improves. These predictions were found similar in line with the experimental observations. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.