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Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
On-line version ISSN 2411-9717
Print version ISSN 2225-6253
J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. vol.108 n.4 Johannesburg Apr. 2008
JOURNAL PAPER
Computational fluid dynamic modelling of two phase flow in a hydrocyclone
M.J. LeeuwnerI; J.J. EksteenII
IDepartment of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch
IICorresponding author
SYNOPSIS
Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling is used to research the complex flow structures that exist in a hydrocyclone. By simulation of a two phase (water and air) flow system, the internal flow and multiphase interactions are investigated. The suitability of CFD modelling as a design tool is further evaluated by examining the effect of varying device dimensions. Three hydrocyclone geometries, used in previous studies, are specified. A transient simulation approach, which employs the Reynolds Stress Model as turbulence model and the Volume of Fluid model as multiphase model, is followed. Results are validated qualitatively against experimental measurements from the previous studies.
Keywords: CFD modelling, hydrocyclone, Reynolds stress model, multiphase flow
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References
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Paper written on project work carried out in partial fulfillment of MSc Eng (Mineralprocessing. Eng.) degree