Modeling Dense Medium Cyclone Using CFD.

Abstract

The aim of the investigation was to create mathematical model of heavy media cyclone. The foundation of the model was industrial scale sampling data obtained from Mechanical Coal Processing Plant in Hard Coal Mine “Zofiówka” in Poland. Over 10 thousand tons of coking coal per day is mined in this plant. In this work mathematical model of cyclone working in real industrial plant is developed and presented. Model is based on a data obtained from sampling of working industrial scale cyclone. The obtained results allow utilization of the model based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations as the base for optimization of classification and beneficiation processes in dense medium cyclone. Moreover obtained results show models based on CFD simulations can be used at basic stage in industrial cyclones design practice, i.e. to choose and optimize geometry and working parameters of industrial scale cyclones. Results of sampling and established model of optimizing beneficiation in dense medium cyclones allowed proposing way to further optimize of technological setup of cyclone. This work presents a method of simulation of solid particles selection in a cyclone. Computational Fluid Dynamics is the concept used. The FLUENT software has been used for the simulation. For water flow simulation, within the cyclone, the k–ε turbulent flow model has been used. This allows calculating the velocity, pressure and turbulence field in the cyclone. The FLUENT software enables simulation of the solid particles flow within the flowing liquid. Solid particles (coal and ash) of different sizes, flowing in this cyclone have been simulated. The simulation gives the entire profiles of flow values like: velocity, pressure, turbulence, etc. Several dozen graphical illustrations of obtained results are presented. Finally the particle size distribution curves, as a basic characteristic of the cyclone, were calculated.