Simulation study on the classification efficiency of hydrocyclone with double vortex finders

Classification efficiency of hydrocyclone is one of the kernel problems requiring solutions to promote the development of a solid-liquid separation system. A new hydrocyclone model was proposed to improve traditional structure and precise classification efficiency. Consequently, a coaxial overflow pipe with a small diameter was inserted into the original pipe, thereby possibly obtaining three different products with different size grades in one cycle. Then, using computational fluid dynamics, the Reynolds stress model was introduced into the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes; the mathematical model of solid-liquid mixture multiphase flow was established. Finally, a study on the numerical simulation of the effects of structural parameters (e.g., underflow orifice diameter, internal overflow pipe diameter, and inserted depth of internal overflow pipe) on the classification efficiency of underflow, internal overflow, and external overflow of double overflow pipe hydrocyclones was conducted. Results show that one classification can obtain three different narrow-grade-classification products, namely, underflow, inner overflow, and outer overflow. The structural parameters are proven to play an important role in the classification efficiency of the hydrocyclone with double vortex finders. This study provides a good reference for the optimization of structural parameters of double overflow pipe hydrocyclones.