The Control of Particle Size Separation by the Use of a Hydrocyclone

Abstract

The customary standard hydrocyclone is defective in that the fine particles mixes with the blow down slurry as much as the blow down rate. The methods of overcoming this defect were investigated. By use of an apex cone at the inlet of the dust box and the blow up method, the amount of fine particles in the blow down slurry was decreased, and the separation efficiency was improved. Furthermore the flow field and particle trajectory in the hydrocyclone were numerically simulated by using the LES model. From the simulated results, it was confirmed that an increase in the cut size and a decrease in the fine particles's collection efficiency by the blow up method were achieved by increasing the upward flow velocity along the center axis and decreasing the slurry volume which enters the dust box.