Streamline Material Classification and Separation Processes With Hydrocyclones
Multotec’s wet classification technology delivers higher throughput for greater profitability. From preventing ropeing to optimizing performance, our team can assist in improving classification and separation processes.
A cyclone utilizes centrifugal force to separate feed slurry. As material spirals around, fine particles are captured within its vortex and carried off via overflow, leaving coarser product behind for underflow.
MHC(tm) Series
The MHC(tm) Series offers an expansive selection of hydrocyclone sizes to optimize classifying performance in various applications. Ideal for desliming ahead of flotation or degritting mineral slurry slurries, MHC hydrocyclones provide cost-effective and practical solutions that enhance process efficiency and increase process efficiencies.
According to its manufacturer, the MHC Series combines high-performance hydrocyclones with an innovative manifold design for maximum throughput. Its internal geometry promotes smooth material flow into the hydrocyclone while simultaneously reducing liner wear allowing this system to reach higher throughput rates.
Figure 11a shows that GSE curves for MHC, CHC and commercial hydrocyclones of similar size Dc exhibit an upward trend leading up to their maximum values. This increase is likely attributable to bypass effects which are more evident for MHC than CHC; improvements depend mainly on Dc and inlet pressure whereas critical parameters include the tangential inlet diameter, overflow/underflow spools/spool sizes as well as apex spigot diameter and vortex finder length of these machines.
CycloneSense(tm) Technology
Hydrocyclones are key players in mineral processing industries and digital solutions like CycloneSense can assist mines to enhance separation efficiency. It provides continuous and robust online measurements of air core shape, size and location through process tomography technology.
Utilising this data, the cut point of a cyclone can be adjusted for optimal fines recovery. Apex diameter and vortex finder sizes can be modified accordingly – larger apex diameters producing coarser cut points while smaller apex diameters provide finer ones. Furthermore, pressure, flowrate or feed solid concentration conditions may be utilized to alter its cut point accordingly.
Multotec’s Krebs gMAX and MHC hydrocyclones feature improved internal geometry to deliver better classification efficiency, longer lifespan and reduced energy requirements compared to traditional wet technologies. Available in various sizes and configurations to meet your operations’ individual requirements.
Optimal Hydrocyclone Design
Optimizing separation performance involves matching the proportions between axial and tangential velocities of different materials. A higher tangential velocity will improve classification efficiency for smaller particles while reduced centrifugal force leads to coarser overflow particle sizes; changing this ratio allows the cyclone to maximize performance and expand its application range.
Turbulence intensity, another crucial element affecting separation efficiency, can significantly alter both tangential and axial velocities. A higher intensity will cause strong fluctuations in particle velocity which may cause misplacement within a cyclone.
Slurry flow rate also has an effect on cyclone separation efficiency. A higher slurry flow rate can lead to a larger dynamic pressure drop and therefore decrease separation performance, although using an optimal slotted structure design – perhaps by increasing slots or orifice angle – may help strike an appropriate balance between separation efficiency and pressure drop.
Maintenance
The centrifugal forces created by a cyclone separate particles according to size and density, with heavy particles falling towards its underflow while lighter finer ones are lifted upward by an internal vortex and exit through its overflow.
Walsh advised when selecting an ideal hydrocyclone for their application to consider factors like feed density and concentration, material abrasion characteristics, particle size distribution and desired separation performance as key considerations in selecting one. Incline angle also has an impactful role to play in terms of separation efficiency.
Maintaining a hydrocyclone requires regular checks on its inlet and outlet connections, apex and vortex finder to ensure there are no structural issues that compromise its functionality. Any leaks should be promptly addressed in order to minimize material losses, operational inefficiency and safety risks. Furthermore, regular assessment and monitoring of separation efficiency by plotting actual separation curve against expected performance curve can ensure you remain compliant.