Fine Particle Software - Experts in Particle Technology - Particle Sizing of Feed Slurry from Hydrocyclone Performance

Particle Sizing of Feed Slurry from Hydrocyclone Performance

This program uses the same model as the Hydrocyclone Design Program but this time the other way round: from the known design and from the continuously monitored performance of the hydrocyclone, i.e. pressure drop, liquid viscosity (through the measurement of slurry temperature) and two slurry densities, the median size or any other point on the size distribution of the feed slurry can be derived. Both the size distribution of the feed solids and the reduced grade efficiency of the hydrocyclone are assumed to follow the log-normal law. The data input needed for running the program (besides those monitored continuously as listed above) includes the geometric standard deviation of the feed solids, geometric standard deviation of the reduced grade efficiency curve, the liquid and solid densities, and the hydrocyclone diameter.

The four measurements to be monitored continuously

The program first shows the proposed setup graphically and then asks for the input of the data. An example is set in the program but the user may change any of the values given at this stage. It then calculates, from the given operating conditions and the diameter of the cyclone the mass median size of the feed slurry, the percentages undersize at 5 and 20 microns and, as additional options, the plots of either the differential of cumulative particle size distributions by mass.

Particle size distribution

The aim of the program is to demonstrate to the user the idea behind on-line or in-situ monitoring of particle size in a process slurry using a hydrocyclone. Its main strength is in educating the user but it can be used in practice providing the cyclone has Rietema's geometry and all the other conditions apply under which the model used by the program was defined.