Abstract
Large-eddy simulations have been conducted for two-phase flow (water and air) in a hydrocyclone using Two-Fluid (Euler–Euler) and Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) models. Subgrid stresses are modeled using a dynamic eddy–viscosity model, and results are compared to those using the Smagorinsky model. The effects of grid resolutions on the mean flow and turbulence statistics have been thoroughly investigated. Five block-structured grids of 0.72, 1.47, 2.4, 3.81, and 7.38 million elements have been used for the simulations of Hsieh’s 75 mm hydrocyclone Mean velocity profiles and normal Reynolds stresses have been compared with experimental data. Results of the two-fluid model are in good agreement with those of the VOF model. A fine mesh in the axial and radial directions is necessary for capturing the turbulent vortical structure. Turbulence structures in the hydrocyclone are dominated by helical vortices around the air core. Energy spectra are analyzed at different points in the hydrocyclone, and regions of low turbulent kinetic energy are identified and attributed to stabilizing effects of the swirling velocity component.
Highlights
Hydrocyclones are used in many industries for separation of different phases
This paper aims at validating the two-fluid model (Euler–Euler) for a hydrocyclone with an air core using Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) by comparison with experimental data and simulation results using VOF model
The inlet pressure and water volume flow rates to the overflow and underflow are predicted in the course of simulations and they fluctuate in time
Summary
Hydrocyclones are used in many industries for separation of different phases. In the mineral-processing industry, classifying hydrocyclones are used to classify ores after grinding based on their particle sizes ([1,2,3]). A typical geometry of classifying hydrocyclone consists of a cylindrical section followed by a conical section with two outlets that are open to the atmosphere. The top outlet is called the overflow opening and the bottom one is called the underflow opening. Slurry of water and solid particles is forced tangentially into the hydrocyclone top, and it swirls as it goes downward. The swirling flow field generates a column vortex with pressure decreasing radially towards the center. The strength of the vortex depends on the rate of input angular momentum about hydrocyclone centerline
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