Swirling flow hydrodynamics in hydrocyclone

Abstract

Performance of a hydrocyclone as a size separation unit is popularly judged using empirical or phenomenological models, with a predefined design under consideration. In contrast, here we develop a fundamental basis for analyzing the classification behavior of any hydrocyclone using experiment, simulation, and concurrent theory. Considering the G force (defined as the ratio of the centrifugal force to the weight of the suspended particle under consideration) distribution that has implications in creating separation of the suspended particles, here we bring out its consistent dependence on the essential governing parameters. The present estimation seems to agree well with the existing notions and available literature data, irrespective of the hydrocyclone size. Thus, our analysis is expected to provide a consistent basis for design of any tailormade hydrocyclone.