6
VALIDATION
The present theoretical approach is applied for the Cavex ®
hydrocyclone to compare the design parameters, as shown
in the Table 2. It is observed that the predicted dimensions
obtained from the theoretical calculations show a good
agreement with the actual dimensions of the vortex finder
spigot, inlet diameter and hydroyclone diameter.
Additionally, we used the present theoretical approach
to determine the split ratio at different feed pressure and
solids concentration. The comparative plot between experi-
mental data and the predicted values is shown in Figure 7.
From the plot it can be observed that the prediction pro-
vides a close agreement (error 10%) against the observed
trend of experimental measurements.
CONCLUSION
Based on the above results, the hydrodynamic approach to
arrive at hydrocyclone dimensional parameters appears to
be a promising methodology. The key factor that drives the
hydrocyclone
performance
is the pres-
sure at the
center. From
the study it
is observed
that the flow
entry velocity
is a determin-
ing factor to
achieve the
required pres-
sure that
develops the
air flow field
along the
length of the
hydrocyclone.
The higher
the inlet feed
pressure, the
higher the tangential velocity that develops a robust air flow
field at the center of the hydrocyclone. Having said that, the
change in the hydrocyclone spigot and vortex finder diam-
eter greatly affects the performance of the hydrocyclone.
The approach outlined in this paper provides key insights
on the required dimensions of the vortex finder, spigot and
hydrocyclone height to be maintained for specific require-
ments with regard to throughput, solids concentration and
cut size.
Further development of the methodology is required
to derive the radial density distribution, as well as across
the hydrocyclone height, and perform design analysis for
various operating parameters. The methodology is scalable
to be confirmed with testing of various hydrocyclone sizes
to ensure the theoretical output aligns with the test results.
Future work involves developing a tool that provides rea-
sonable partition curve information for process conditions
along with key hydrocyclone dimensions.
Table 2. Comparison between the actual dimensions and predicted values
Design Parameters
Actual
Dimension Calculated Error %
Cyclone diameter, mm 100 100
Feed inlet diameter, mm 38.5 34 11.7 %
Vortex finder Diameter, mm 35 37.5 7.1 %
Spigot Diameter, mm 17.5 16 8.6 %
Figure 7. Comparison between experimental and predicted water split at different pressure
and feed solids concentration
VALIDATION
The present theoretical approach is applied for the Cavex ®
hydrocyclone to compare the design parameters, as shown
in the Table 2. It is observed that the predicted dimensions
obtained from the theoretical calculations show a good
agreement with the actual dimensions of the vortex finder
spigot, inlet diameter and hydroyclone diameter.
Additionally, we used the present theoretical approach
to determine the split ratio at different feed pressure and
solids concentration. The comparative plot between experi-
mental data and the predicted values is shown in Figure 7.
From the plot it can be observed that the prediction pro-
vides a close agreement (error 10%) against the observed
trend of experimental measurements.
CONCLUSION
Based on the above results, the hydrodynamic approach to
arrive at hydrocyclone dimensional parameters appears to
be a promising methodology. The key factor that drives the
hydrocyclone
performance
is the pres-
sure at the
center. From
the study it
is observed
that the flow
entry velocity
is a determin-
ing factor to
achieve the
required pres-
sure that
develops the
air flow field
along the
length of the
hydrocyclone.
The higher
the inlet feed
pressure, the
higher the tangential velocity that develops a robust air flow
field at the center of the hydrocyclone. Having said that, the
change in the hydrocyclone spigot and vortex finder diam-
eter greatly affects the performance of the hydrocyclone.
The approach outlined in this paper provides key insights
on the required dimensions of the vortex finder, spigot and
hydrocyclone height to be maintained for specific require-
ments with regard to throughput, solids concentration and
cut size.
Further development of the methodology is required
to derive the radial density distribution, as well as across
the hydrocyclone height, and perform design analysis for
various operating parameters. The methodology is scalable
to be confirmed with testing of various hydrocyclone sizes
to ensure the theoretical output aligns with the test results.
Future work involves developing a tool that provides rea-
sonable partition curve information for process conditions
along with key hydrocyclone dimensions.
Table 2. Comparison between the actual dimensions and predicted values
Design Parameters
Actual
Dimension Calculated Error %
Cyclone diameter, mm 100 100
Feed inlet diameter, mm 38.5 34 11.7 %
Vortex finder Diameter, mm 35 37.5 7.1 %
Spigot Diameter, mm 17.5 16 8.6 %
Figure 7. Comparison between experimental and predicted water split at different pressure
and feed solids concentration