Numerical simulation of multiphase flow inside hydrocyclone based on CFD

Yuekan Zhang, Peikun Liu, Linjing Xiao, Xinghua Yang, Junru Yang

College of Mechanical & Electronic Engineering Shandong University of Science and Technology, 266590, Qingdao China

This paper applied computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to investigate the internal multiphase flow filed in a 75 mm hydrocyclone. The Reynolds stress model (RSM) and VOF model were employed in the numerical simulation. This study discussed the velocity and pressure distribution in the hydrocyclone, and analysed the formation and development mechanism of air core. The numerical simulation results showed that the flow field was very unstable in the region of the air core. The axial velocity gradient reached its maxima, and the turbulent fluctuation was strongest in the simulation region. This study provided theoretical basis on further research of the air core effect on separation efficiency and pressure drop.