Using electrical impedance tomography for controlling hydrocyclone underflow discharge

The results of a series of experiments where Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) was used to investigate the distribution of solids inside a hydrocyclone is described. A case study is presented for a 44-mm diameter hydrocyclone. Among the characteristics examined are: (i) identification of particle distribution inside the separator, (ii) air core formation as a function of the feed rate and solids concentration, and (iii) the manner in which the air core behaviour can be related to the type of underflow discharge (spray, rape). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.