Simulation analysis on the separation characteristics and motion behavior of particles in a hydrocyclone

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of particle size and associated dynamics on a hydrocyclone separation process in order to understand the movement of the particle trajectories inside the hydrocyclone via numerical analysis, with particles of acid hydrolysis residues discharged in TiO2 production via the sulfate method as a case study. The values obtained from the numerical simulation were successfully compared with those from experimental tests in the literature, allowing a description of the dynamics of the particles, their acting forces, and their relevant properties together with separation efficiency. The results showed that particle motion is jointly controlled by the drag force, the pressure gradient force and the centrifugal force. With increasing particle size, the influence of the drag force is weakened, whereas that of the centrifugal force and pressure gradient is strengthened. Factors including particle density, slurry viscosity, and inlet slurry flow rate also contribute to a clear and useful understanding of particle motion behavior in the hydrocyclone as a method for improving the separation efficiency.