Effects of Structure Parameters on the Hydraulic Performance of the ϕ20 Annular Centrifugal Contactor

Abstract

Annular centrifugal contactors (ACCs) have many advantages and are therefore favored for nuclear processes. Effects of various structure parameters including diameter of the heavy phase weir, length of the separating zone, width of annular gap, and the clearance height between the top of the vanes and the bottom of the rotor on the hydraulic performance of the ϕ20 ACC were investigated under 3500 r/min and 4500 r/min of rotor speed. The nominal total flow is increased with increase of length of the separating zone below 50mm and diameter of the heavy phase weir below 12mm. The effect of the annular gap width on the nominal total flow is complex. The effect of the different clearance height on the nominal total flow is unobvious. These results obtained will guide design and operation of the ϕ20 ACC and other types ACC.