Numerical prediction of the liquid flow within a hydrocyclone

The three-dimensional flow fields with a central air core in a hydrocyclone are numerically simulated using a k-epsilon turbulence model. The model co nstants C-1, C-2 and C-mu are modified because of the anisotropic character of the turbulent viscosity in the hydrocyclone. Experiments show that the predicted velocity profiles agree well with data measured by laser Doppler anemometry (LDA). Based on this prediction, the flow field and the pressure field as well as the distribution of the rate of dissipation of the turbul ent energy are discussed. The study shows that an important approach toward s reducing energy dissipation in a hydrocyclone is to improve the flow patt ern in the cylindrical part. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights rese rved.