Design and fabrication of hydrocyclones using Krebs mathematical model

Abstract

Hydrocyclone is one of the most important devices used in mineral processing industry. It is a continuously operating classifying device that utilizes centrifugal, gravitational and inertial forces to classify particles. The cut point (dso) of a Hydrocyclone is the particle size at which 50% of particles in the feed of that size report to the underflow. There are a number of empirical relationships which are used for designing Hydrocyclones and in this research a parallel circuit of four Hydrocyclones were designed and fabricated by using Mular and JulTs Krebs mathematical model. In practice, the cut point is mainly controlled by Hydrocyclone design variables such as cyclone diameter, inlet diameter, vortex finder diameter and apex diameter. Krebs model provides relationships among these design variables. Disordered Kaolinite (Ball day) suspensions of 7% and 5% solids concentration were prepared and subjected to classification in the fabricated battery of Hydrocyclones. The resulting Hydrocyclone overflows were evaluated by Andreasen Pipette Method against predetermined dso values, which were calculated by using the Krebs equation for dso. The average recovery of less than 14 and 13 micron fractions were 98.96% and 94.28% respectively for the ball clay suspensions of 7% and 5% solid concentrations.