A Mathematical Model of The Hydrocyclone Classifier

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 69, No. 776, 1976

L. R. Plitt, Professor, Department of Mineral Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.

A series of experiments were carried out in an effort to develop a universally applicable mathematical model of the hydrocyclone classifier. The design and operating variables studied were: cyclone diameter and height, the inlet, vortex^ finder and apex diameters, the feed pressure and the solids content of the feed slurry. The model consists of four basic equations which express the cut size (d*,o), volumetric split between overflow and underflow, volumetric throughput, and sharpness of separation in terms of the operating and design variables. Although empirical, the model is nevertheless in general agreement with fundamentally derived models. The model clearly reveals the effect of the major variables on the operation of a hydrocyclone. Because of its broad data base and the inclusion of all the major variables, the model may be used without experimental data to predict the operation of cyclones over a wide range of different operating conditions. With operating data, the equations may be modified to serve as an operational model.

Keywords: Mineral processing, Hydrocyclones, Classifiers, Models, Mathematical models, Slurry treatment, Data processing.