Method and apparatus for monitoring density fluctuations in material flowing spirally within a hydrocyclone

摘要

A method and apparatus for monitoring density fluctuations in a spiralling flow within a hydrocyclone. The invention involves the use of a nuclear density gauge which directs a beam of radiation asymmetrically across the hydrocyclone away from the centrally located air column. This air column within the hydrocyclone is created by the spiralling or cyclonic action of the flow and exists when the hydrocyclone is in operation. In a preferred embodiment, the flow is particulate solids in a carrier liquid such as water which has a substantially constant specific gravity so that the fluctuations in the intensity of the radiation received at the detector are inversely proportional to the amount of particulate solids in the flow. In one embodiment, the radiation is directed along a path substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the hydrocyclone and in another embodiment, the radiation is directed along a path at an inclined angle to the axis. Unlike past arrangements in which the nuclear density gauge is used only as an on-off type switch or warning device reacting to the absence or presence of the air column at a particular location within the hydrocyclone, the arrangement of the present invention can be used to monitor density fluctuations in the flow over a wide range. Further, the readings from the nuclear density gauge can be used to adjust the parameters in the operation of the hydrocyclone in order to maintain its operation at peak efficiency.