Numerical Simulation of Flow Field Characteristics and Separation Performance Test of Multi-Product Hydrocyclone

Abstract

A traditional hydrocyclone can only generate two products with different size fractions after one classification, which does not meet the fine classification requirements for narrow size fractions. In order to achieve the fine classification, a multi-product hydrocyclone with double-overflow-pipe structure was designed in this study. In this work, numerical simulation and experimental test methods were used to study the internal flow field characteristics and distribution characteristics of the product size fraction. The simulation results showed that in contrast with the traditional single overflow pipe, there were two turns in the internal axial velocity direction of the hydrocyclone with the double-overflow-pipe structure. Meanwhile, the influence rule of the diameter of the underflow outlet on the flow field characteristics was obtained through numerical simulation. From the test, five products with different size fractions were obtained after one classification and the influence rule of the diameter of the underflow outlet on the size fraction distribution of multi-products was also obtained. This work provides a feasible research idea for obtaining the fine classification of multiple products.

Editorial for the Special Issue: “Physical Separation and Enrichment”

“…Traditional hydrocyclones can only generate two products with different size fractions after one classification which may not meet the requirements for the narrow size fractions in fine particle classification. Therefore, Zhang et al [9,10] discuss multi-product hydrocyclones via numerical simulation of flow field characteristics and separation performance tests of multi-products, as well as numerical separation and experiments of four product hydrocyclones. Their simulation results showed that, in contrast with the traditional single overflow pipe, there are two turns in the internal axial velocity direction of the hydrocyclone with the double overflow pipe structure.…”

“…Their simulation results showed that, in contrast with the traditional single overflow pipe, there are two turns in the internal axial velocity direction of the hydrocyclone with the double overflow pipe structure. Zhang et al [9,10] provide evidence for understanding the flow field distribution in hydrocyclones and the development of multi-product grading instruments in terms of both theory and industrial applications. Jiang et al [11] also discuss the effect of inlet velocity on the separation performance of a two-stage hydrocyclone.…”

Effect of Internal Vortex-Finder on Classification Performance for Double Vortex-Finder Hydrocyclone

“…To obtain two kinds of products from the internal and external overflows in one classification, Obeng et al [21,22] designed a double vortex-finder hydrocyclone, a coaxial insertion of a smaller internal vortex-finder inside the conventional single vortex-finder, which received wide attention. However, the influence of structural parameters of dual overflow pipe on flow field and separation efficiency is not clear.…”