Hydrocyclone Numerical Simulation and Separation Efficiency Optimization

Abstract:

For the hydrocyclone’ separation efficiency affects by many factors, this paper combined Reynolds stress model and SIMPLEC algorithm of Fluent software with orthogonal test to simulate hydrocyclone’s operating process and analysis the flow field. Different overflow pipe wall thickness values (4mm, 8mm, 12mm), volume fraction values (1%, 5%, 10%) and inlet velocities (3m/s, 4m/s, 5m/s) was considered as the separation efficiency affective factors. Results show that the overflow pipe wall thickness has greatest influence on separation efficiency. The inlet velocity is the second and the volume fraction value is the last. The optimal combination is the overflow pipe wall thickness value 8mm, the volume fraction 5% and the inlet velocity 5m/s. The overflow pipe wall thickness value increasing can decrease the turbulent kinetic energy and increase the stability of hydrocyclone flow field.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 670-671)
• Pages: 655-658
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.670-671.655
• Online since: October 2014
• Authors: Xian Ming Sun*, Lei Wei
• Keywords: Hydrocyclone, Numerical Simulation, Orthogonal Test, Separation Efficiency

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DOI: 10.3901/jme.2006.06.034

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