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MODELAGEM E SIMULAÇÃO DE
CIRCUITOS DE COMINUIÇÃO E CLASSIFICAÇÃO
MÓDULO I - CLASSIFICAÇÃO
2021
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
SUMÁRIO
1 CLASSIFICAÇÃO .................................................................................................... 5
1.1 CURVAS DE PARTIÇÃO ...............................................................................................6
1.1.1 PARAMETRIZAÇÕES DA CURVA DE PARTIÇÃO.................................................................. 9
1.1.2 PARAMETRIZAÇÕES CONCEITOS DE ARRASTE, CORTE, EFICIÊNCIA E IDEZ DE
CLASSIFCAÇÃO .......................................................................................................................... 11
2 DIMENSIONAMENTO DE CICLONES ...................................................................... 15
2.1 RELAÇÕES DO CICLONE DE REFERÊNCIA.................................................................. 15
2.2 DIMENSIONAMENTO DE CICLONES ........................................................................... 16
2.2.1 CÁLCULO DO D95B EM FUNÇÃO DAS CONDIÇÕS DE OPERAÇÃO DO CICLONE .................... 16
2.2.2 RELAÇÃO ENTRE O D95B E O DIÂMETRO DO CICLONE ...................................................... 19
2.2.3 CÁLCULO DE VAZÃO UNITÁRIA, ESPECIFICAÇÃO DE VORTEX E ÁREA DE ENTRADA ........ 21
2.2.4 CÁLCULO DO NÚMERO DE CICLONES ............................................................................ 22
3 MODELAGEM DA OPERAÇÃO DE CICLONES ........................................................ 25
3.1 EFEITO DE VARIÁVEIS DE OPERAÇÃO NO MODELO ................................................... 28
3.2 OPERAÇÃO EM CORDÃO........................................................................................... 29
3.3 LIMITAÇÕES DO MODELO DE NAGESWARARAO........................................................ 31
3.4 CONSIDERAÇÕS SOBRE PROJETO E OPERAÇÃO DE CICLONES .................................... 32
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
LISTA DE FIGURAS
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
LISTA DE TABELAS
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
1 CLASSIFICAÇÃO
Por sua vez, o fenômeno de arraste deriva essencialmente de dois aspectos, que
podem estar presentes de forma individual ou combinada em uma operação de
classificação.
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
O primeiro aspecto ocorre quando a resultante das forças que atuam sobre a
partícula é inferior à resistência à movimentação no meio denso dinâmico que se
forma (fluido mais partículas), resultando essencialmente no encaminhamento de
finos ao underflow. O segundo aspecto deriva do aprisionamento de partículas
menores em meio a outras relativamente maiores ou vice versa, que ocorre
essencialmente da combinação entre geometria do equipamento e condições
operacionais.
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
1,0
y1
Partição (%)
0,5
y2
0 d50r tamanho
Observar-se que na maioria das vezes, as curvas reais não passam pela origem,
fato este derivado do arraste ou by-pass de finos, na Figura 1 representado pela
parcela y2. Na parte superior, a curva de partição pode apresentar um perfil assintótico
em relação à ordenada 100%, fenômeno este também derivado do arraste, porém
neste caso denominado by-pass de grossos, na Figura 1 representado pela parcela y1.
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
ou
(𝑃𝑃𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟−𝑃𝑃𝑎𝑎 )
𝑃𝑃𝑐𝑐𝑖𝑖 = (2)
(1−𝑃𝑃𝑎𝑎 )
Onde:
Pri = Partição real de partículas contidas na malha i
Pci = Partição corrigida de partículas contidas na malha i
Pa = Partição do fluido (água)
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
1,0
Partição (%)
0,5
0
d50r d50c 1,0
tamanho di/d50c
(a) Curvas de Partição Real e Corrigida (b) Curva Padrão de Partição
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
𝑥𝑥𝑖𝑖 𝑚𝑚 )
𝑃𝑃𝑐𝑐𝑖𝑖 = 1 − 𝑒𝑒 (−0,693 . PLITT (3)
𝑒𝑒 𝛼𝛼𝑥𝑥𝑖𝑖 −1
𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑖 = WHITEN (4)
𝑒𝑒 𝛼𝛼𝑥𝑥𝑖𝑖 + 𝑒𝑒 𝛼𝛼 − 2
onde
𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑖
𝑥𝑥𝑖𝑖 = (5)
𝑑𝑑50𝑐𝑐
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DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
Os parâmetros da equação de Plitt para cada uma das curvas de partição estão
descritos na Tabela 3.
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
2 DIMENSIONAMENTO DE CICLONES
O método de dimensionamento aqui descrito tem por base uma associação entre
o diâmetro de corte (d95 do overflow) e o diâmetro do ciclone, este último o parâmetro
mais importante do equipamento. Para tanto, se estipula o diâmetro de corte requerido
pelo processo (d95R) e, em função das condições de operação, calcula-se o diâmetro
de corte padronizado ou básico (d95B).
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
Onde:
Dc → diâmetro do ciclone;
Ai → área do bocal de entrada do ciclone (inlet);
Do → diâmetro do vortex;
• Com base no top size e um segundo parâmetro determinar, por meio da equação
de Rosin-Rammler, o valor do d95 da distribuição;
• Supor que o top size da distribuição seja o dobro do valor do P80 da mesma,
aplicando-se a equação de Rosin-Rammler, o valor do d95 da distribuição.
Para o "Ciclone Básico", a relação entre o d95B e o d95R é função (a) da porcentagem
de sólidos, (b) da pressão da polpa de alimentação do ciclone, assim como (c) do peso
específico dos sólidos.
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
1. Polpa formada por água e sólidos com forma esférica com peso específico de
2,65;
2. Percentagem de sólidos em peso de 1% ou menos;
3. Pressão de alimentação de 10 psi.
Para condições diferentes das três estipuladas acima aplica-se a seguinte fórmula:
𝑑𝑑95𝑅𝑅
𝑑𝑑95𝐵𝐵 = (8)
𝐹𝐹1 × 𝐹𝐹2 × 𝐹𝐹3
Onde:
Os fatores acima são obtidos mediante os gráficos que seguem nas Figuras 4, 5 e
6, respectivamente, conforme adaptados de Tarr (Tarr, 1985)
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DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
O processo acima é então repetido para a nova pressão, de forma a que o ciclone
secionado esteja de acordo com o corte estipulado, bem como opere dentro da faixa
de pressões recomendadas.
Onde:
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
𝑄𝑄𝑡𝑡
𝑁𝑁 = (10)
𝑄𝑄𝑢𝑢
Onde:
Bibliografia Básica
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
O modelo de Nageswararao tem por base quatro equações relativas, para estimar:
(a) o d50c, (b) partição de água, (c) partição de polpa e (d) vazão volumétrica de
alimentação do ciclone. Os três primeiros parâmetros são necessários para o
estabelecimento dos valores de partição real, que serão atribuídos a cada intervalo
granulométrico. As últimas três variáveis definem as vazões da alimentação e dos
produtos gerados.
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
𝑠𝑠𝑔𝑔 −1
𝑑𝑑50𝑐𝑐 (𝑚𝑚) = �𝑠𝑠𝑔𝑔 𝑓𝑓 −1� 𝑑𝑑50𝑐𝑐 (12)
𝑚𝑚
As partições de água (Rf) e polpa (Rv) para o underflow são calculadas pelas
equações abaixo:
0,5
𝐷𝐷𝑖𝑖 0,45 𝐿𝐿 0,2 𝑃𝑃 𝐷𝐷 0,68
𝑄𝑄 = 𝐾𝐾𝑄𝑄0 �𝐷𝐷 � (𝜃𝜃)−0,1 � 𝑐𝑐 � 𝐷𝐷𝑐𝑐2 � � � 𝐷𝐷𝑜𝑜 � (15)
𝑐𝑐 𝐷𝐷 𝑐𝑐 𝜌𝜌𝑝𝑝 𝑐𝑐
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
10 1.82 𝐶𝐶𝑣𝑣
𝜆𝜆 = (16)
8.05 (1− 𝐶𝐶𝑣𝑣 )2
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
− P50 UF
60
C v UF = 62,3 1 − e PLITT (17)
Onde:
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
(
C v UF = 56 + 0,2 C v A lim − 20 ) SPOC (18)
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
Apesar do modelo prever a situação de operação em cordão, seus efeitos não são
levados em consideração, muito embora se saiba que nessa situação, o d50c aumente
entre 5 e 10 vezes e a curva padrão de partição seja profundamente afetada (α ≈ 0,1).
Existe uma forte correlação entre o d50 e o diâmetro do ciclone, porém, é possível
calibrar o modelo de modo a subverter completamente esta relação. Um ciclone de
26" não apresentará um d50c de 20 µm em regimes realistas de concentrações de
sólidos e, sobretudo, pressão para este equipamento.
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ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
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DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E DE PETRÓLEO
Nomenclatura
34
METALLURGY I CLASSIFICATION MODEL
The Analysis of
Solid-Solid Separations in Classifiers
L. R. PLITT, Assistant Professor, liquid. In most classifiers, some liquid is discharged
Department of Mining and Metallurgy, with the coarse product, filling the interstices be-
University of Alberta, tween the particles. This liquid carries its proportion-
Edmonton, Alta. ate share of particles of all sizes, including those with
low settling velocities. Thus, a portion of every size
fraction is essentially by-passed to the coarse product
ABSTRACT without undergoing any classifying action. Conse-
quently, one must allow for the effects of the coarse-
A new simple correlation has been developed to evaluate product liquid in order to describe the true separat-
the performance of classifiers. The new correlation has
been tested on existing data from 150 different hydro- ing action of the classifier.
cyclone classification tests. It is shown that this model From the size analyses and the mass balance
provides a meaningful improved method of mathematically
describing the classification process. of the process, the classification or efficiency
curves may be be prepared as shown in F ig -
ure 2. The efficiency (actually a misnomer for
INTRODUCTION solid-solid separations ) is defined as the mass
fraction of particles of a given . size which
THE ADVENT OF COMPUTERS in mineral processing pass to the coarse product or underflow. The corrected
plants has necessitated the formulation of mathema- efficiency is the fraction of particles which are routed
tical models to describe each unit process in a more to the underflow specifically as a result of the classi-
precise manner. The classification process, particular- fying action, that is corrected for the underflow liq-
ly the hydrocyclone, has received a great deal of atten- uid. The relationship between corrected efficiency,
tion in recent years. The object of this model building Ee, and the observed or gross efficiency, E e, is:
has been to find mathematical relationships which will
allow one to predict and control the quality of the Ee = E; ~ :~ . . .. .. .. . . .. . .. .. . . . (1)
solid-solid separation carried out by a classifier.
Classification by definition is the separation of par- where XL is the fraction of liquid passing to the un-
ticles based on their differing settling velocities. All derflow.
classifiers basically function in the same manner, as
shown in Figure 1. After the feed is introduced into MATHEMATICAL
the classifier, the suspended solids are subjected to REPRESENTATION OF CLASSIFICATION
a force field. Depending on the type of classifiers,
the force field may be either gravitational or centri- The most complete method of describing a classifier
fugal in nature. The solid particles with relatively is to determine its characteristic classification curve.
high settling velocities settle out of the major portion Use of the curve, however, has several disadvantages,
of the suspending liquid and are removed from the one of which is that the curve may shift or change
device. Most of the solids with relatively low settling due to changing operating conditions. Thus, attempts
velocities are removed with the bulk of the liquid via have been made to describe the curve mathematically
the overflow. In essence, the coarse solids are stripped in terms of a characteristic cut size. It is standard
from the overflow and the fine solids travel with the practice to define the classifier cut size as that size
jjjjjj
graduation, he served with the RCAF
as a navigator. In 1960, he left the FORCE
RCAF to join the Aluminum Compa-
ny of Canada at Arvida, Quebec, FIELD
where he worked for several years as REMOVING
a process engineer. COARSE
He then returned to the University
of Alberta to take postgraduate work SOLIDS
in metallurgy. Upon completion of his FROM
graduate program, he was appointed OVERFLOW
to the staff as Assistant Professor of Mining and Metal-
lurgy, specializing in mineral processing.
He is a member of the CIM, AIME, ASM and APEA.
u...
°'0w 75 CORRECTED >-
u
z z
::::> w 0.5
0 u
~ 50 u...
u...
~ w
I
I o EXPERIMENTAL
>- I
u I
zw 25
XL
I 0. 0ooa51=!Cmi...L.-~~L-~__JL-~__J~~--l
PARTICLE SIZE
FIG URE 2 -Typical Classification Curves, Showing Con- linear regression computer program, he developed a
cepts of d 50 Size and Probable Error. series of empirical equations to describe the operation
of a hydrocyclone classifier. The equation used to de-
at which particles of a given density have a corrected scribe the classification curve was as follows c•> :
efficiency of 0.5. This size is designated the dso size and E ~ exp [cc d / dso] - 1 .... . (4)
is illustrated in Figure 2. Most separation size corre- c - exp [cc d / d so] + exp [cc] - 2
lations express the dso size in terms of the operating
In the above equation, a is a parameter which repre-
and design variables of the process. One such rela-
sents the sharpness of classification and generally
tionship which can be used to predict the dso size of a
has a value between 2.5 and 4.5. The equation is cum-
hydrocyclone classifier is Lilge's "Cone Force Equa-
tion"0i : bersome to use in that a lengthy iterative solution is
required to solve for a from an observed set of expe-
39.0 D 2c / µ X (2) rimental results. The expression does, however, re-
d 50 = C0·87 (1 - 1/ C' )O·S "\j (p. - p) Qh . . . ... . .. . ... . present the classification curve with good results.
where the units are: dso - microns
µ - centipoise
h & D. - inches THE CLASSIFIER-MIXER MODEL
p, & p - gms/ cm 3
Q - cfm
The reason for imperfect classification (apart from
As the dso size is only one point on the classifica- the liquid correction) can be considered to be inter-
tion curve, more points or coefficients are required for mixing resulting from turbulence within the classi-
a complete description. The early workers described fier. Thus, it seems logical to represent a classifier
the classification curve in terms of the dso size and as a perfect mixer with some classification effects
the statistical parameter 'probable error' ( d75 - d,s) . superimposed upon it. Although the very concepts of
This parameter served as a measure of the sharpness classification and mixing are diametrically opposed, it
of separation, because the smaller the 'error' the is possible to represent the two processes in a physical
sharper the separation. This method failed to yield a model as shown in Figure 4. If the classifier overflow
mathematical expression which had general applic- stream is considered to be a perfect mixer being
ability over a wide size range. purged of solids, one can write:
In 1955, Yoshiota and Hottac•i made a useful con- y = 1 - exp [ -t/ R]. ... . ...... . ...... (5)
tribution to the subject with their reduced efficiency where y is the fractional reduction of particles re-
curve, shown in Figure 3. In their work with 3-, 31/z- moved after time t in a mixer with a retention time
and 6-inch hydrocyclones, they found that a plot of cor- R. If the effects of classification are introduced by
rected efficiency versus d/dso tends to plot on a similar assuming t hat the retention time of each size of parti-
curve for varying operating conditions. Bradleycai la- cle d is proportional to its settling velocity V, one
ter proposed the following equation to represent the may write:
Yoshiota and Hotta curve.
E 0 = 1 - exp [ - (d / dso - 0.115) 3 ] . . . . . . . .
L ARGE~- SMALL
PARTICLES PARTICLES
>-
u
SOLIDS-
zw
FREE u
PURGE PERFECT MIXER LL.
LL.
OF RETENTION w
TIME R 0
w
t-
At time= t contents of
uw
a::
mixer represents overflow a::
0
u
FIGURE 4- P hysical Representation of the Classifier- FIGURE 5 - Showing "m" as a Measure of Sharpness
Mixer Model. of Classification.
>
u
- u I
I
I
zw
u
u:
0.5 -- w
1.0 I
I
u.
w
-~
Q)
0....J
100 1000
PARTICLE SIZE (microns}
FIGURE 6 - Classification Curves of a Rake Classifier
(after Roberts). 0.5 1.0 2.0
d/dso
CONCLUSIONS FIGURE 7 - Classifier-Mixer Model Plot of Yo-
shiota Curve and Lynch Model.
1. The mixing classification model represents the
classification process as well as, or better than,
other models.
2. The mixing model can be linearized, thus provid- (3) Bradley, D.: The Hydroclone, Pergamon Press, 1965.
ing a simple method of determining the dso size and (4) Lynch, A . J. : "The Characteristics of Hydrocyclones
classification index from a classification experi- and their Application as Control Units in Comminu-
ment. tion Circuits", Progress Report No. 6, Dept. of Mining
& Metallurgy, U. of Queensland, April, 1965.
3. The mixing model can be rationalized on the basis (5) Draper, N., Dredge, K. H., and Lynch, A. J.: "Oper-
of the physical realities of the classification pro- ating Behaviour of an Automatic Control System for
cess. a Mineral Grinding Circuit", Paper 22, 9th Common-
wealth IMM Congress, 1969.
4. Indications are that the mixing model can be used (6) Stairmand, J. C.: "The Design and Performance of
to evaluate gravity-type classifiers as well as cy- Cyclone Separators", Trans. lnstn. Chem. Engrs., 29,
clone classifiers. p. 356, 1951.
(7) Roberts, E. J., and Fitch, E. B.: "Predicting Size
5. Further experimental work is required before it Distribution in Classifier Products", SME /AIME
is possible to predict the value of the classification Trans., 205, p. 113, 1956.
index in terms of the classifier design and operat-
ing variables.
NOMENCLATURE
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
c cyclone inlet size ratio, Dc/ D, or Del v 4A;/n:, for non-
circular inlets where A; is the inlet area
Funds for this study were provided by the Mines C' C for circular inlets or the ratio of cyclone diameter to
Branch, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. width of inlet opening for non-circular inlets
The author is also indebted to Dr. A. J. Lynch of the diameter of a particle
particle size for which E 0 = O.XX
University of Queensland for making available the diameter of a cyclone measured at the level of the bottom
data from the test work of Dr. T. C. Rao. of the vortex finder
diameter of hydrocyclone inlet
mass fraction of particles of a given size and density
which will be directed to the coarse product as a result
of the classifying action (i. e. corrected for underflow
REFERENCES liquid)
predicted corrected efficiency
(1) Lilge, E. 0., and Plitt, L. R.: "The Cone Force Equa- mass fraction of particles of a given size and density
tion and Hydrocyclone Design", Materials Technology which will actually pass to the coarse product (under-
- An Inter-American Approach, Proceedings of the flow )
h free vortex height of a cyclone defined as the distance
Interamerican Conference on Materials Technology, from the bottom of the vortex finder to the top of the
May 1968, San Antonio, ASME. apex orifice
(2) Yoshiota, N., and Hotta, Y.: "Liquid Cyclone as a m mixing model classification index, which is a measure of
Hydraulic Classifier", Chemical Eng., Japan, 19 (12), the sharpness of classification
632-640, 1955. m' exponent in the relationship V = kdm'
Points over
d so m Cl 50 3
Test Classifier Material Microns m Variance Cl Variance Points under
Lynch 1.1.2 6" Linate~ .Cyclone Felsite 154 1.34 54.82 1.42 47.86 3/ 3
Lynch 1.2.2 " 230 2.09 1.79 2.94 0.85 2/ 4
4 127 2.09 5.10 2.83 2.84 3/ 3
Lynch 2.1 Copp~; Ore 167 1.45 1.34 1.63 2.35 3/ 3
.2 145 1.49 2.43 1.71 2.69 3/ 3
Lynch 3.1.1-2
3
Krebs D2~~ Cyclone .
Silica 157
102
2.60
3.70
5.98
12.76
3.74
5.26
7.18
9.36
3/ 3
4/ 2
Lynch 3.1.2-1 161 2.07 6.61 2.82 9.97 3/ 3
2 89 1.02 84.75 0.75 84.3 4/ 2
Lynch 3.2.1-2 182 3.11 3.72 4.61 4.88 2/ 4
-3 110 3.12 9.93 4.60 6.54 4/ 2
Lynch 3.2 .2-3 229 3.48 7.08 5.05 11.37 2/ 4
-4 195 3.12 4.88 4.56 6.11 2/ 4
-5 162 3.26 0.70 4.81 1.15 3/ 3
-6 124 3.47 33.39 5.04 31.18 4/ 2
-7 90 3.14 0.05 4.58 0.37 4/ 2
Lynch 3.2.3-2 223 3.61 2.83 5.29 4.85 2/ 4
-3 121 3.02 7.96 4.31 8.79 4/ 2
-4 88 3.16 10.08 4.48 10.85 4/ 2
Lynch 3.2.4-2 188 2.78 7.28 4.03 5.95 2/ 4
-3 115 3.20 6.23 4.77 3.52 4/ 2
Lynch 3.2.5 -2 207 3.38 9.54 4.93 10.47 2/ 4
-3 121 3.31 16.77 4.73 15.35 4/ 2
Lynch 3.2.6-2 200 3.28 2.94 4.82 3.47 2/ 4
-3 105 3.37 4.68 4.90 3.35 4/ 2
Lynch 3.2.7-2 210 3.54 5.54 5.17 5.25 2/ 4
-3 116 3.26 16.25 4.64 16.01 4/ 2
Lynch 3.2.8-1 211 2.61 17.04 3.68 17.88 2/ 4
-2 . 167 2.74 5.01 4.01 5.17 3/ 3
Lynch 3.2.9-2 98 2.38 14.75 3.23 15.04 4/ 2
Lynch 3.3.1-2 201 3.33 0.547 4.90 2.51 2/ 4
-3 131 3.36 4.41 4.93 3.69 3/ 3
Lynch 3.3.2-4 215 3.41 4.68 4.99 5.86 2/ 4
-5 173 3.56 10.38 5.20 9.45 3/ 3
-6 124 3.18 39.57 4.59 35.12 4/ 2
-7 88 3.41 3.93 5.02 4.40 4/ 2
Lynch 3.3.3-2 114 3.15 29.70 4.51 26.26 4/ 2
-3 90 3.65 3.57 5.43 3.87 4/ 2
Lynch 3.4.1-3 226 3.48 6.13 5.09 10.26 2/ 4
-4 144 3.59 4.59 5.21 3.69 3/ 3
-5 101 3.43 0.78 4.99 1.57 4/ 2
Lynch 3.4.2-2 233 3.76 5.09 5.51 10.53 2/ 4
-3 145 3.70 46.59 5.15 40.43 3/ 3
Lynch 3.7.4-1 Krebs D6~ Cyclone Silica 143 2.29 3.55 3.27 2.25 3/ 3
" 104 2.31 2.39 3.27 2.80 4/ 2
Lynch 3.7.5-1 201 2.38 56.32 3.49 70.56 2/ 4
-2 224 2.40 14.63 3.41 6.79 2/ 4
-3 141 2.21 30.86 2.98 27.30 3/ 3
-4 102 1.89 . 6.26 2.42 4.47 4/ 2
Lynch 3.7.6-1 137 1.82 8.16 2.34 4.55 3/ 3
-2 101 1.78 5.15 2.22 3.93 4/ 2
Lynch 4. 1-2 Krebs D2~f3 Cyclone Co~per Ore 188 1.83 31.84 2.42 26.87 2/ 4
-3 127 1.64 22.51 1.97 17.91 3/ 3
Lynch 4.2-2 234 2.48 7.08 3.61 3.94 2/ 4
-3 182 2.28 27.82 3.17 19.93 2/ 4
-4 109 2.03 6.42 2.70 4.18 4/ 2
Plitt OKS-1 6" Cyclon~. Sand 153 1.56 11.51 1.92 14.82 3/ 3
OKS-2 " 125 1.71 3.77 2.14 5.90 3/ 3
Roberts (7) Rake Classifier Silica 213 2.09 15.25 2.84 9.30 3/ 3
Stairmand (6) 36" gas Cyclone Sand 1.37 0.61 * 0.88 0.09* 2.46 10/ 0
Ave. 2.74 12.88 3.88 12.11
200/ 325
-325
18.0
36.6
9.2
13.7
14.42 0.....J
27.29
100.0 100.0 100.00
Calculated parameters: Mass Fraction to Underflow 0.1 d50 size=
Solids
Liquid
0.4063
0.2025
157fL
Slurry 0.3017
Calculation of Efficiencies
50 100 200 400
Geomean Ea
Mixing
Model , Lynch
PARTICLE SIZE (microns)
Size, Microns 3 to U.F. E. E:. (m=2.6 J E0 (a:=3.74 ) FIGURE 8 - Mixing Model Plot of Hydrocyclone Class ifi-
cation Test (refer to Appendix A) .
100.0 100.0
350.7 100.0 100.0 99.6 99.0
247.7 92.9 91.1 89.6 89.8 Sum of residuals ,
174.9 66.4 57.9 59.9 60.5 squared ~ (E. - E 0 )2 29.9 35.9
123.6 47.5 34.2 31.0 30.4 (E - E) 2
87.7 29.2 11.2 14.l 14.6 Variance '>' •6-1 • 5.98 7.18
57.1 25.9 7.1 4.8 6.6 ,;...J
20.4 0.2
From plot shown in Figure 8, the d5o size is determined to be 157
microns, and the slope. m , is 2.6.
MINERAL PROCESSI NG
A Mathematical Model of
The H ydrocyclone Classifier
L. R. P~itt, Professor, framework for much of the major fundamental re-
Department of Mineral Engineering, search work which followed. In 1964, Bradley pub-
University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alta. lished a book on the hydrocyclonec•> which reviewed
the theory and established practice as it was known
at the time. In his book, Bradley lists 8 different equa-
Abstract tions to calculate the cut ( dso) size of a hydrocyclone
and 9 different equations to calculate the pressure
A series of experiments were carried out in an effort drop. Most of the research work had been carried out
to develop a universally applicable mathematical model
of the hydrocyclone classifier. The design and operating with dilute slurries using small-diameter cyclones, so
variables studied were: cyclone diameter and height, the that much of this work was not directly applicable
inlet, vortex finder and apex diameters, the feed pressure to industrial-scale cyclones.
and the solids content of the feed slurry. The model con-
sists of four basic equations which express the cut size In the past 10 years, the most notable research on
( dso), volumetric split between overflow and underflow, hydrocyclones has been carried out by Lynch and
volumetric throughput, and sharpness of separation in Rao(3) in Australia. In their work, they developed a
terms of the operating and design variables. Although em- series of empirical equations which will describe the
pirical, the model is nevertheless in general agreement
with fundamentally derived models. The model clearly operation of large-diameter cyclones under conditions
1·eveals the effect of the major variables on the operation of high solids contents to simulate industrial condi-
of a hydrocyclone. Because of its broad data base and the tions. These equations have lteen successfully applied
inclusion of all the major variables, the model may be to the development of an automatic control system in
used without experimental data to predict the operation
of cyclones over a wide range of different operating con- the comminution circuit at Mount Isa Mines«>. The
ditions. With operating data, the equat+ons may be modi- correlations which Lynch has developed require the
fied to serve as an operational model. determination of constants which must be experi-
mentally evaluated for every application and then
usually only apply over a relatively narrow range of
Introduction operating conditions.
OVER THE PAST 20 years, the use of the hydrocyclone The work in this project was undertaken to develop
has become the accepted standard method of classify- a more universally applicable model which would give
ing slurries in the mineral industry. In spite of its reasonable predictions over a wide range of operating
widespread use and apparent simplicity, the principles conditions. To obtain greater universality in their
governing its behaviour are nevertheless very complex application, it was decided that the format of the
and not well understood. equations in the model should be similar to the theo-
During the era of 1950 to 1964, a great deal of retical equations developed earlier and would include
both fundamental and applied research was carried the variables which theory predicts should be im-
out on the hydrocyclone. During this period, a general portant.
understanding of the operation was obtained and the
concepts used to define its operation were developed. Fundamental Concepts and Previous Work
One of the most significant research works remains To completely model the operation of a hydrocyclone,
that of Kelsallc'>, who studied the fluid flow patterns four fundamental parameters must be determined in
within the cyclone. The work of Kelsall established the terms of the operating and design variables. These
parameters are :
(a) the separation or cut size;
L. R. Plitt graduated from the Univer- (b) the flow split between overflow and underflow;
sity of Alberta with a B.Sc. in mining (c) sharpness of classification;
engineering. Following graduation, he
served as a nagivator with the RCAF. (d) capacity - pressure drop.
He later worked for several years as With the ability to calculate the above four para-
a process engineer with the Alumi-
num Company of Canada at Arvida, meters for a given set of conditions, it is possible to
Quebec. He returned to the University determine the complete mass balance together with the
of Alberta to take post-graduate work size distributions of the products of the cyclone.
in metallurgical engineering. On com-
pletion of his graduate program, he CUT SIZE
was appointed to the teaching staff
of the Department of Mineral Engi- It has become common practice to express the cut
neerin g, Dr. Plitt recently returned to the University of size in terms of the dso size. The dso size is that
Alberta after a year's study leave in the Department of size which has equal (50 per cent) probability of re-
Mining and Metallurgical Engineering at McGill Univer-
sity. porting to either product from the classifier. As the
Keywords: Mineral processing, Hydrocyclones, Classifiers, underflow water entrains feed solids of all sizes which
Models, Mathematical models, Slurry treatment, Data pro- bypass thlil classification process, the observed classi-
cessing. fication curve must be corrected to reveal the true
effects of the classification process. The relationship
114
INLET
VORTEX
FINDER
I~
I+
OVERFLOW
I1
I
w I
-- I
--F. I
--~ \
Do, Du. D; - em
<P. - % where Q is in US gallons per minute.
Q - litres/ min.
Lynch used a different approach and chose to cal-
In 1955, Yoshioka and Hotta<sJ carried out a series culate the water recovery to the underflow, Rr, directly.
of tests using 3-, 3¥2- and 6-inch cyclones with dilute This has the advantage of eliminating the use of
slurries to develop the relationship: equation (10). He recently<3 ' determined the following
6.3 . 103 D.O. l D;O. GD 0.s .,_o.s
0
relationship:
dso = Q•·• ( P. - p)0.5 .. .. .. . .. .. .. . (7)
193 Du 271.6
units: dso- microns Rr = (1 _ <P)Q (1 - <P)Q - 1.61 . . .. .. .. .. . (13)
D., D, Do - metres
.,_ - centipoise units: <P - fraction
Q - litre/ sec. Q - litres/rrin.
P., P - g/ cm 3 Du - em
116
The above equation curiously does not include the
overflow diameter as a variable. The relationship does,
however, include the operational variables of flow
rate and feed solids content.
SHARPNESS OF SEPARATION
In an earlier paper<to>, it was shown that the cor- FEED-.
rected classification curve could be effectively rep-
resented by a Rosin-Rammler type of equation:
y' = 1 - exp [- 0.693 (d / doo)m] .... (14)
In the above equation, m serves as a direct measure
of the sharpness of classification (i.e. for a hydro-
cyclone an m of over 3 would represent sharp classi-
fication, whereas an m of less than 2 would be rela-
tively poor classification) .
An alternative equation which was proposed by
Lynch 00 to represent the classification curve is:
, exp [g d / d 5ol - 1
(15)
y = exp [a d / d sol + exp [a] - 2
TANKj)!J
a commercially available* flour silica (S.G. = 2.60).
FEED
The material had a nominal size of 200 mesh. The size
analysis of the material is shown in Figure 5.
PROCEDURE
Each sample was weighed, filtered and dried. As
·--rn
the size range of interest was usually in the sub-sieve
~---- ---~'
.r---r---·
'
:'
'
:
range, the sizing of overflow and underflow was car-
"---"---• SAMPLER ried out using the sedimentation hydrometer tech-
nique. Several analyses were repeated using the
Andreasen pipet method, and it was found that no
serious differences existed (see Fig. 5). The sizing
VARIABLE SPEED was also cross-checked by sieving and microscopic
FEED PUMP
measurement to ensure that no large errors existed.
FIGURE 4 - Schematic diagram of the testing system . *Ottawa Silica Company, Ottawa, Illinois.
p Total
Series D; o. o.;o. h psi Runs Description
A Low 0.375 0.295 0.5 6 7.5 2 1 factorial design with 5 repeat runs at
6-
D. = 2.5 in. Mid -Point 0.500 0.417 0.7 9.5 15.0 33 center point plus a 12-run central composite
5% Silica High 0.625 0.589 1.0 13.0 30.0 design
B Low 0.89 0.75 0.5 5.7 7.5 26 - 1 factorial design with 4 repeat center-
D, = 6 in. Mid -Point 1.09 1.0 0.7 17.0 15.0 28 point runs plus an 8-run central composite
5% Silica High 1.49 1.25 1.0 26.7 30.0 design
c Low 0.25 0.25 0.5 7.5 4-variable central composite design - no
D. = 1.25 in . Mid-Point 0.313 0.375 0.7 6.9 10.6 8 repeat runs
5% Silica High 0.375 0.50 1.0 15.0
D Low 0.375 0.295 0.5 6.0 7.5 Other half of series
D.= 2.5 in . Mid-Point 0.500 0.417 0.7 9.5 15.0 20 A, 2s- 1 factorial design
Water only High 0.625 0.589 1.0 13.0 30.0 plus 4 repeat runs
F
D, = 6.0 Mid-Point 1.09 1.0 0.7 17.0 15.0 9 Feed solids content varied from 0.8 to 13%
Silica solids by volume
G Low 0.75 Repeated 4.0 Repeated 22 factorial design plus 2 variable center
D.= 6.0 Mid -Point 1.09 1.0 at 0.375, 19.0 at 2.5, 80 composite design each at 4 pressure and 4
Water only High 1.25 0.5, 0.7 25.0 5.0 10 D. / D. levels.
I & 1.0 & 20 psi
I
118
100 0
o ANDREASEN PIPET 0
oO
0 90 0
60 o HYDROMETER 0
0
o 0 ° -:::- 80
40 0 0
0 3: 0
0 " gL1. 70
a::
a::
w 0 "' w
§E 60
z 20 0 0
::::>
u: D
0
~ 50
f- 0 ''
z f-
w
(.)
0
~ 40 o ..!.- y' = 1- exp [- 0.69(d/13.5{64 ]
a:: 10 0 u
w a::
Cl.
7
0 ~ 30
t-=
3: a
5 ~ 20
::E u
::::> w
(.)
~ 10 d5o" 13.5 ~
0~~~~~~~~~~~
3 0
u
5 7 10 20 30 50 70
5 7 10 30 50 70 PARTICLE SIZE IN MICRONS (d)
3
STOKESIAN DIAMETER IN MICRONS
FIGURE 6 - Experimentally determined classification· curve
(Test B10) .
FIGURE 5- Size analysis of flour silica.
for the entire data set used is shown in Figure 7. The Feed Solids Content
results with dso sizes greater than 50 microns are main-
ly from the Lynch data. The solids content of the feed was found to be the
variable which influenced the magnitude of dso size
On the whole, equation (23 ) is in accord, at least in the most. It is felt that the principal reason for this is
the direction of predicted change, with the previously an increase in the effective pulp viscosity with increas-
developed equations (i.e. equations 5 to 8) . The effect ing solids content. Hindered settling and underflow
of each of the variables is discussed in more detail crowding may also be factors which lead to this effect.
below.
The exponential form of the relationship was found
to best represent this variable. Other forms tried were:
300
200
The solids fraction by volume was used, as the rheolo-
gical properties of different slurries are more compa-
100
rable than if expressed on a weight basis.
0
Figure 8 compares the effect of feed solids content
"'
"0
on the dso size as predicted by equation (23 ) , compared
0
lJJ 50 with equation (6) and the data presented by Jull 05 >.
!;:[ Lynch's equation shows a stronger influence due to a
_J
;::) change in solids content, whereas Jull's is somewhat
~ 30 less. The different relationships do show the same
<l:
u trend, with large increases in the dso size as the feed
20
solids content exceeds 30 per cent by volume. The dif-
ference between the curves is due to the fact that it is
impossible to represent all slurries accurately with a
single simple relationship. At best, the solids content
term in equation (23 ) only represents an average trend.
It has been established 06 > that the size distribution,
5 7 10 20 30 50 70 100 200 300 or surface area, of the solids also affects the apparent
OBSERVED d~ 0 viscosity of slurries. Lynchca> investigated how the
feed size analysis affects cyclone performance. Re-
FIGURE 7-Comparison of calculated and measured d50 sizes. working equation (23 ) to include the effect observed
120
by Lynch due to a change in the particle size of the
feed, equation (23 ) becomes: Lynch---
7 Jull ····-
35 Dro.•6 D; 0· 6 Da 1· 21 exp [0.08 <1> / F sao.o52 ] 5
d 5o =--'~~D:=u::=o.'="71:=h!=:O:=.3~8=:Q~O:=.4;:;5=:(:=P::::
, :::_==:p;)'::;0'=:.5~~=!:::=---:--..· · (24) /
w 4 /
/
/
N /
Vi 3 /
where F 5o is the weight median size of the feed solids /
0 ..-" ....... .... .
in microns (50 per cent passing size). In this equation, "
'0 2 ,/ /
the effect of the feed size analysis is not very signifi- w /// .... ·· . ......
cant and for normal situations can be neglected. Equa- > /
~
/
""..........
tion (24 ) does, however, show the trend that as the ..J
w
1.0
particle size becomes finer the dso size increases. a::
0 .7
0 .5
Vortex Finder Diameter
The vortex finder diameter was found to be the sec-
04
0 .3
...
ond most important variable over the range tested
which affected the cut size. The relationship found 0 10 20 . 30 40
was: PERCENT SOLIDS BY VOLUME IN FEED
Underflow Diameter The relationship established for the inlet size seems to
The underflow diameter is related to the dso size by agree very well with the previously established equa-
the function : tions.
Cyclone Diameter
The only comparable relationship in the literature is Although found to be least significant among the
that of Lynch, as shown in equation (6) : variables, the cyclone diameter was nevertheless found
d5o ex exp [0.13 Du] to be significant at the 99 % confidence level. Several
investigators have concluded that the cyclone diameter
The underflow diameter is a difficult variable to quan- has no effect on the cut size, as it only serves as the
tify because of the crowding effect, which was out- housing for the apertures (i.e. inlet, overflow, under-
lined by Fahlstrom <sl. Thus, one must give cogni- flow ) , which are the important variables. From theo-
zance to the apex capacity limit in any manipulation of retical considerations, it is the cyclone diameter which
this variable. controls the radius of orbit, and thus the centrifugal
force acting on the particles. As there is a strong in-
Free Vortex Height terdependency between the aperture sizes and cyclone
The regression equation predicted the relationship: diameter, it is difficult to distinguish the true effect.
Bradley<2 l concluded that for geometrically similar cy-
dso ex h - 0. 38
clones at constant flow rate, the relationship is:
This relationship is reasonably close to the theoretical
type relationships, such as equation (5) .
where x varies from 1.36 to 1.52.
Throughput
From equation (23) the value of x in the above rela-
From equation (23 ) it is predicted that: tionship is 1.22, which just falls below the previously
C5o ex Q- 0.4 5 established range of values. .B ased on this analy,s is,
which included cyclones ranging in size from 1.25 t o
The effect of flow rate is reasonably well established. 20 inches, it must be concluded that cyclone diameter
In both the theoretical and empirical relationships, the has an independent effect on separation size.
power-law exponent is usually around -0.5. Thus, the
relationship observed in this work agrees reasonably Solid Density
well with both the previously developed theoretical and
empirical equations. One factor which was not specifically investigated
in this work was the solid-liquid density difference.
Inlet Size The relationship assumed in equation (23 ) was that
for laminar settling:
From equation (23) , it is observed that the dso size
varies with the inlet size as follows: dso ex (P, - P)- 0 • 5
dso ex D,o. 6o This relationship had been nearly universally accepted
until Lynch<3 l recently determined that the exponent
Other relationships which have been established are: in the relationship may be closer to the turbulent set-
d 5 o ex D ;0-87 (1 - D;/ D.) 0·8 Lilge (equation 5) tling value of -1. With dso sizes ranging up to several
d5o ex D; 0·6 Yoshioka & Hotta (equation 7) hundred microns, it is conceivable that the flow rela-
dso ex D ;0-68 Dahlstrom (equation 8) tive to the particle may be turbulent rather than
dso ex exp [0.0843 D; (cm)] Lynch (equation 6)
laminar. With high-density pulps, it is also possible
As with all of the dimensional variables in the Lynch that it would be more reasonable to use the slurry
equation, which are in an exponential form, it is dif- density rather than the liquid density in this relation-
ficult to compare with the power-law relationships. ship. This is an area which perhaps deserves further
. . • . (28)
Q - cfm
As shown in Table 3, the equation fits the data from As discussed earlier, m is a calculated parameter which
297 tests with a correlation coefficient of 0.9. As ex- can be sensitive to even minor errors in the size anal-
pected, the most significant variable was the Du/D. ysis. The test data for use in this regression were re-
ratio. The exponent in the Du/ D. relationship (equa- stricted to the tests which had enough data points to
tion 11) falls within the range of 3.0 to 4.4 determined form a complete classification curve (i.e. points both
by previous investigators. The effect of feed pressure, above and below the dso size). In spite of the scattered
or head, is also shown in a similar manner as flow results, two effects emerged as having an influence on
rate was represented in the Dahlstrom equation (No. the sharpness of separation. The Rv term, which is
12) . That is, as feed pressure (and flow rate, because mainly controlled by the Du/ D. ratio, shows that as the
they are interdependent) increases the flow split de- Du/D. ratio is increased the sharpness of separation
creases. The effect of cone height is also shown in deteriorates. During the test work it was noted that as
equation (25) and is due to the additional head forcing the Du/D. ratio approached 1.0 the classification be-
slurry through the underflow orifice when the cyclone came so poor that it was sometimes difficult to accu-
is mounted with the apex pointed down. This effect is rately establish a dso size.
also due to the loss of rotational energy in the apex
region with increasing cone length, which results in a The second variable grouping which gave a strong
decrease in the air core diameter. correlation was (D.'h / Q), which is representative of
the retention time in a cyclone. It can be reasoned that
Equation (25) was derived from cyclones operating with a longer retention time, the particles have a
with a free discharge from both underflow and over- greater probability of being routed to the correct
flow. Thus, this equation can e~sily be rendered in- outlet, thus reducing the amount of misplaced material.
valid by backpressure and syphoning effects caused
by the piping configuration of the overflow and under- The effect of decreasing sharpness of separation
flow streams. with increasing pulp density as noted by Fahlstrom(7>
was not observed, although it seems logical that this
might happen.
PRESSURE DROP
Equation (28) has the poorest correlation coeffi-
As shown in Table 3, a regression equation was cient among all the equations (0.75). This result indi-
established for the 297 tests with a correlation coeffi- cates that more work is required in this area to firmly
cient of 0.9. The resulting equations are: establish the relationship between sharpness of sepa-
ration and the operating and design variables of a
4.7 Q 1 .1s exp [0.0055 <!>] cyclone.
p = D.o.a7 D;o.94 ho .zs (Duz + Doz)o.s7 · .. (26)
or
0.21 po.s5 D"o.2t D;o.sa ho.t s ID .. z ± D 2)0.49
Summary
Q exp [0.0031 <!>] 27
·· ( )
0
122
2. The equations clearly reveal the independent effects grams, University of California Press, 1971 (Pro-
and relative importance of all the major variables gram No. BMD02R).
which influence the operation of a hydrocyclone. (15) Jull, N. A.: Parameters for Cyclone Selection, Proc.
4th Annual Meeting, Can. Min. Processors, 1972.
3. Although not necessarily more accurate than other (16) Yen, W. T., and Salman, T.: The Relationship of
models, the broad data base and the inclusion of all Rheological Properties and Specific Surface Area
the significant variables make the equation applicable of Minerals, Can. Min. J., 89, p. 49, 1968.
over a wide range of operating conditions.
4. With experimental data, the constants in the equa-
tions may be appropriately adjusted to serve as an Nomenclature
operational model.
It is hoped that this work will lead to an improved cross-sectional area of a hydrocyclone inlet.
diameter of a particle.
understanding and more effective utilization of the particle size for which y' = O.XX
hydrocyclone classifier. inside diameter of a hydrocyclone measured at the bot-
tom of the vortex finder.
inside diameter of a hydrocyclone inlet or V4 A;/11 for
non-circular inlets.
inside diameter of the overflow or vortex finder of a
Acknowledgments hydrocyclone.
inside diameter of the underflow, or apex, orifice of a
A research grant from the Department of Energy, hydrocyclone.
centrifugal force.
Mines and Resources, Ottawa, which helped finance fluid drag force.
this project is much appreciated. The author also free vortex height of a cyclone, which is defined as the
wishes to acknowledge the assistance and advice of distance from the bottom of the vortex finder to the top
Professor E. 0. Lilge, who collaborated with the author of the underflow orifice.
H pressure drop across a hydrocyclone expressed in head of
in the early stages of this project. The efforts of the feed slurry,
following research assistants who were employed on m parameter in the Rosin-Rammler type expression for a
various phases of this project is also gratefully ack- classification curve which serves as a measure of the
nowledged: B. Snider, D. Andreasen, K. Willson, G. sharpness of separation.
p pressure drop across a hydrocyclone.
Robbins, B. C. Flintoff and R. Slobodian. The author Q volumetric flow rate of hydrocyclone feed slurry.
is also indebted to Dr. A. J. Lynch of the University r radius within a hydrocyclone.
of Queensland, Australia, for making available the Rc recovery of feed liquid to the underflow product.
original data from his early testwork. R. recovery of feed solids to the underflow product.
R.. recovery of feed volume to the underflow product.
s ratio of volumetric underflow rate to volumetric overflow
rate.
v tangential component of fluid velocity in a hydrocyclone.
References
v. tangential component of fluid velocity at the radius _of
entry of a hydrocyclone.
V; bulk, or mean, velocity in a hydrocyclone inlet.
(1) Kelsall, D. F.: A Study of the Motion of Solid Par- w radial component of fluid velocity in a hydrocyclone.
ticles in a Hydraulic Cyclone, Trans. Inst. Chern. X exponent of indeterminate magnitude.
Eng., 90, p. 87, 1952. y mass fraction of particles of a given size and density
(2) Bradley, D.: The Hydrocyclone, Pergamon Press, which will actually report to the underflow product.
1965. y' mass fraction of a given size and density which will be
directed to the underflow as a result of the classifying
(3) Lynch, A. J., and Rao, T. C.: Modelling and Scale- action (i.e. corrected for underflow liquid).
Up of Hydrocyclone Classifiers, 11th Int. Min. Proc. ex parameter representing sharpness of separation in
Congress, Cagliari, 1975. Lynch's equation for the classification curve.
(4) Draper, N., Dredge, K. H., and Lynch, A. J.: Operat- voluetric fraction of solids in the feed slurry.
ing Behaviour of an Automatic Control System for mass fraction of solids in the feed slurry.
a Mineral Grinding Circuit, Paper 22, 9th Common- density of liquid.
wealth IMM Cong., 1969. pulp, or slurry, density.
Lilge, E. 0.: Hydrocyclone Fundamentals, Trans. solid density.
(5) viscosity of suspending fluid.
IMM, 71, p. 285, 1962.
(6) Rietema, K.: Cyclones in Industry, Chapt. 4, Else-
vier Press, 1962.
(7) Fahlstrom, P. H.: Studies of the Hydrocyclone as a APPENDIX A
Classifier, Mineral Processing, Proceedings 6th Int.
Congress, Cannes, 1963.
(8) Yoshioka, N., and Hotta, Y.: Liquid Cyclone as a Equations in Model Using Metric Units
Hydraulic Classifier, Chern. Eng., Japan, 19 (12), p.
632, 1955. 50.5 D. 0· 46 D; 0·6 D. 1· 21 exp [0.063 <bl
dao Du0.7I ho.as Q0.45 (Po _ p)o.s (23)
(9) Dahlstrom, D. A.: Fundamentals and Applications
of the Liquid Cyclone, Chern. Eng. Prog., Symp. Se-
ries No. 15, Mineral Engineering Techniques, 50, s
p. 41, 1954.
(10) Plitt, L. R.: The Analysis of Solid-Solid Separations
in Classifiers, CIM Bulletin, 64, p. 42, 1971. p 1.88 Q 1 • 78 exp [0.0055 <l>l
D.o.a7 D;o.v4 ho.2s (Du2 + Do2)o.s7 · · · · · · · · · · · · · (26)
(11) Lynch, A. J., and Rao, T. C.: The Operating Charac-
D h )o.ts
teristics of Hydrocyclone Classifiers, Ind. J. of Tech.,
(12)
6, p. 106, 1968.
Chaston, I. R. M.: A Simple Formula for Calculat-
m 1.94 exp [- 1.58 R ..) ( -d- 2
... .... ..... (28)
ing the Approximate Capacity of a Hydrocyclone,
Trans. IMM, 67, p. 203, 1958. Units: De, D~o Do, D 0 , h - centimetres
H -metres
(13) Mular, A. L., and Bull, W. R. (editors): Mineral Q - litres/minute
Processes: Their Analysis, Optimization and Con- P - kilo pascals
trol, Summer School Training Manual, Queen's Uni- cJ> -per cent
versity, 1969. dso - microns
(14) Dixon, W. J. (editor): Biomedical Computer Pro- P., P - g/ cma