Particle separation using a Hydrocyclone

Goal: Investigate the effectives of a hydrocyclone to separate near-density particles

Abstract from BSc Thesis paper:

This study investigates the effectiveness of a proof-of-concept cylindrical hydrocyclone in separating near-density millimetre-scale polystyrene particles. Experiments were conducted to characterise the density range and distribution of laboratory-grade particles and to track the particle trajectory via high-speed image analysis. Trajectory plots suggest that the particles follow an outer flow pattern, hugging the wall of the cylinder, and an inner flow pattern, near the air core. The average tangential velocities were determined to calculate the ratio of centrifugal to gravitational force, showing that the proof-of-concept hydrocyclone induces forces higher than those of gravity-based sedimentation. Furthermore, the influence of density differences on recovery and purity was assessed. A purity of 96.81% was measured at the sink-port at the smallest density difference between particles of 86.5 kg/m³. This demonstrates that the proof-of-concept hydrocyclone is a promising method for hydrodynamic separation of near-density polystyrene particles.