Design of Hydrocyclone for Efficient Classification of Clay Minerals

A hydrocyclonefor the classification of clay minerals have been designed towards the satisfaction of Nigeria content. The work involves conceptual designing, followed by the determination of design specification variables, interpretation of design by engineering drawing using Autocard and the selection of suitable materials for fabrication. The concept developed established that the device separate value from nonvalue via the conversion of angular velocities of particles in suspension to centrifugal acceleration. The design specification variables determined include; cyclone diameter, feed inlet diameter, flow rate, cut point, length and diameter of vortex finder and spigot, expected circulating load, pressure and pulp density. For a cyclone diameter of 43.0 mm determined, the vortex finder diameter is 1.44 cm a feed, inlet diameter of 0.90 cm, a cut point of 50 μm, with pulp density of 50% of solid. The circulating load is 300% with a flow rate of 1.8 m 3 /h, pressure of 13.9 psi and a feeding rate of 5 kg/h. Suitable materials for the fabrication of the cyclone have been selected to ensure, corrosion and abrasion resistant, pressure and temperature ratings, cost and availability, fabrication ease and complexity. In this work composite such as fibre-reinforced polymer, ceramic-polymer composite, cast alluminium or pyrex-glass have been recommended. Keywords: classification, design, vortex finder, pulp density, cyclone diameter, circulating load, clay minerals, spigot, cut point.