Simulations of axial-flow hydrocyclone and tangential hydrocyclone

摘要

As a kind of high-efficient separation equipment, hydrocyclone has been widely used. In order to improve its performance, the structures of different parts have been optimized in recent years. Especially for the inlet structures, they play an important role in internal flow field and separation efficiency. So in this paper, two kinds of hydrocyclones with typical inlets — axial-flow hydrocyclone and tangential hydrocyclone were studied to consider the influences of inlets further. Flow fields of these hydrocyclones were calculated by numerical simulation — CFD. And differences of velocity field and pressure field caused by various inlets design were analyzed and the eccentric phenomenon of tangential hydrocyclone was revealed. The results indicate that: (1) The asymmetry of inlet structure leads to the eccentric phenomenon of flow, and destroys the fluid's symmetrical distribution in hydrocyclone. (2) Axial-flow hydrocyclone has better ability to create swirl and to run steadily.