Using electrical impedance tomography for controlling hydrocyclone underflow discharge

The results of a series of experiments where Electrical Impedance Tomograph y (EIT) was used to investigate the distribution of solids inside a hydrocy clone is described. A case study is presented for a 44-mm diameter hydrocyc lone. Among the characteristics examined are: (i) identification of particl e distribution inside the separator, (ii) air core formation as a function of the feed rate and solids concentration, and (iii) the manner in which th e air core behaviour can be related to the type of underflow discharge (spr ay, rape). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.