Geometrical configuration of hydrocyclone for improving the separation performance

Abstract

The inherent defect of particle misplacement in traditional hydrocyclones is the main reason for the deterioration of separation accuracy and has obtained wide attentions. This paper presents three novel hydrocyclones based on the traditional cylindrical-conical type and cylindrical type. The effect of the hydrocyclone structure on the flow field characteristics and separation performance is investigated by a validated two fluid model. The numerical results show that a higher turbulence intensity deteriorates the separation performance of CCB type (cylindrical-conical-flat bottom type) and C type (cylindrical type), while a greater tangential velocity and velocity gradient improve the separation accuracy of MS type (multi-stage cylindrical type). Hydrocyclones with a flat-bottom structure reduces the misplaced fine particles due to the effect of the internal swirling flow and the axial circulation flow in the spigot. The MS type has the lowest imperfection value and the cut size of 76.5 μm implying a sharpness separation sharpness and an appropriate separation result. CC type has the minimum cut size of 62.21 μm, while the maximum cut size of 120.68 μm for C type.