Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Study of Dynamic Hydrocyclones

Abstract

Characteristics of dynamic hydrocyclonic separator are simply introduced. The advantages of dynamic hydrocyclones used as separators, such as wider applicable flowrate range and smaller cut size, etc., are analyzed compared with normal-used static hydrocyclones. By analyzing tangential and axial velocity field distributions inside hydrocyclones, the reason why dynamic hydrocyclone has higher efficiency than static one is further described. The laboratory experiments and field tests of dynamic hydrocyclones were carried out. Relationships of flowrate, outer shell rotation speed, and split ratio with pressure were studied. Pressure and pressure drop inside hydrocyclones were measured and analyzed. The effect of main operating parameters, such as split ratio and rotation speed, on hydrocyclonic separation performance was also studied. It is shown that the rise of split ratio is beneficial to enhancing separation efficiency, but the split ratio must be controlled in an appropriate range, so as to obtain satisfied separation result. The increase of rotation speed is helpful for the forming of oil core inside the hydrocyclone, but the resonating phenomenon should be avoided when using dynamic hydrocyclones. Field tests indicated satisfied results as anticipated.