The hydrodynamics of a hydrocyclone based on a three-dimensional multi-continuum model

The concept and principles of applying a multi-continuum model for calculat ing a hydrocyclone performance is presented. In this model the carrying liq uid is described as one continuum, and each particle fraction, with its cha racteristic size is described as a separate continuum. Particle-particle an d particle-fluid interactions derived from a lubrication theory and a colli sion theory are discussed. A set of governing partial differential equation s consisting of mass and momentum conservation equations together with cons titutive expressions is discussed. These equations were discretized by appl ying an unstructured grid consisting of tetrahedral elements. A numerical s olver based on a finite element method combined with a segregated approach is described. The numerical approach is subject to ongoing research. (C) 20 00 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.