The Numerical Modelling of the Flow in Hydrocyclones

KONA Powder and Particle Journal

Andrzej F. Nowakowski¹  Michael J. Doby² 

[1] Department of Mechanical Engineering, University ofSheffield;Experimental Station E304/A213, DuPont;

关键词: hydrocyclone;    computational fluid dynamics;    numerical methods;    swirling flow;    multicomponent flow;   

DOI  :  10.14356/kona.2008008

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Over the last decade, the progress in numerical modelling of hydrocyclones hasadvanced at a rapid pace. A summary of the recent advancements is undertaken inthe paper to summarize the major directions and developments in hydrocyclonemodelling. The important aspects that contribute to the accurate simulation ofgeneral internal swirling flows and other characteristic features occurring inhydrocyclones modelling are covered. The relevant issues are: the formulation ofthe governing equations (classical versus stress divergence form), theimposition of boundary conditions especially regarding the open part of theoutlet boundary conditions and the problem of proper representation of thecomputational domain. The complex flow pattern that occurs in hydrocyclonesinvalidates several assumptions in the standard turbulence models. Challengesstill remain in predicting accurately the effects of turbulence anisotropy. Aperformance review of selected equations closures is presented with insight ontheir potential and limitations. The flow predictions obtained using theReynolds Stress Model (RSM) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) turbulence modelsare examined. The predictions of the free surface flow and air core dimensionshave yet to be fully resolved. The same concerns the problem of simulating largenumber of particles. The recent important developments related to the solid/gasand sold/liquid interaction problems are presented together with intriguingchallenges one need to overcome in order to numerically handle multi-componentflows. The Lagrangian and multi-continuum Eulerian techniques are considered.The attempt to systemize various approaches for multi-component flows accordingto their accurateness and relevance to the various flow regimes in hydrocyclonesis undertaken. The issue of experimental validation is crucial to provideconfidence in hydrocyclone flow-field models and the current state ofexperimental data is examined. Finally, suggestions for the future direction ofhydrocyclone modelling are highlighted.

【 授权许可】

Unknown