The hydrodynamics of a hydrocyclone based on a three-dimensional multi-continuum model

The concept and principles of applying a multi-continuum model for calculating a hydrocyclone performance is presented. In this model the carrying liquid is described as one continuum, and each particle fraction, with its characteristic size is described as a separate continuum. Particle–particle and particle–fluid interactions derived from a lubrication theory and a collision theory are discussed. A set of governing partial differential equations consisting of mass and momentum conservation equations together with constitutive expressions is discussed. These equations were discretized by applying an unstructured grid consisting of tetrahedral elements. A numerical solver based on a finite element method combined with a segregated approach is described. The numerical approach is subject to ongoing research.