Abstract

ROMERO, Juan; SAMPAIO, Rubens  and  SALDANHA DA GAMA, Rogerio. Numerical simulation of flow in a hydrocyclone. Lat. Am. appl. res. [online]. 2004, vol.34, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 0327-0793.

A new method is presented to predict the localization of an air core, which is usually found on the internal flow of hydrocyclones. The control and stability of the air core affect the flow split between the products of a hydrocyclone. The flow split is one of the least understood aspects of the hydrocyclone operation. This split is greatly influenced by the air core radius, so an understanding of the air core behavior would enhance the prediction of the flow split. The liquid-air interface is characterized by means of the Young-Laplace jump condition. A steady flow of Newtonian fluid is being considered. It was developed a model considering the air core as having a cylindrical shape. This model that we are presenting considers a radius as optimum, when the final expression for the jump condition of the interface liquid - air is minimum. With the velocity field obtained for an optimal air core radius, we can trace the trajectories of the solid particles, thus, it is possible to simulate the performance of the hydrocyclone. The velocity field, the flow split and the selectivity curve obtained are compared to experimental results. Good concordance is achieved.

Keywords : Hydrocyclone; Air Core; Turbulence; Free Surface.

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