The velocity distribution within a hydrocyclone operating without an air core

Abstract

Abstract The three dimensional flow patterns in a 3‐in. diameter hydrocyclone operating without an air cone were studied using tracer particles and cine photography. Analysis of films at 55 locations inside the hydrocyclone yielded data for 18 velocity profiles at six vertical positions. These data were checked for consistency and compared with the results of earlier work in hydrocyclones operating with air cores. The tangential velocity profiles were found to be similar to those produced with an air core although, n. in V A I n = const, is about 0.2 to 0.4 instead of 0.7 to 0.8 for air core operation. In this work the radial velocity component was relatively independent of radius.