Axial symmetric flow model for a flat bottom hydrocyclone

Experiments with laser Doppler velocimetry show that, for flat bottom hydro cyclones, the axial velocity field is a function of the radius and a linear function of the axial co-ordinate, while the tangential velocity is a func tion of the radial co-ordinate only. Based on these results, a physical mod el is presented, where the flow field is divided in two zones. Zone I corre sponds to the feed inlet, which occurs through a ring in the upper portion of the cylinder, the length of which depends on the length of the vortex fi nder tube. Zone II includes the rest of the cylinder The axial symmetric so lution of Reynolds equations for the isotropic turbulent flow leads to two sets of field equations, one for each zone in the hydrocyclone. In zone II, where experimental data were determined, simulation compares favourably wi th the flow pattern determined experimentally for water in a 100-mm flat bo ttom hydrocyclone. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.