Characterization and quantitively analysis on the high solid biowaste de-sanding utilizing hydrocyclone

Efficient separation of inorganic particulate matter from organic waste during pretreatment is crucial for enhancing anaerobic fermentation performance. This study presents a numerical investigation of the de-sanding process in high-solid biowaste using a dual-inlet hydrocyclone. The flow behavior and particle dynamics under various operating conditions were analyzed. Results show that organic particles tend to follow the liquid flow pattern, whereas the motion of sand particles is significantly influenced by total solids (TS) concentration and feed velocity. Separation efficiency decreases with increasing feed rate and TS concentration, with feed velocity having a more pronounced effect. Notably, 100 % separation efficiency was achieved at a feed velocity of 2.5 m/s with 2 % TS concentration. Quantitative analysis further revealed that optimal sand separation occurred when particle velocities approached 3 m/s. These findings offer valuable insights into the biowaste de-sanding mechanism and provide guidance for improving anaerobic digestion efficiency. • Developed a CFD-DEM model to study biowaste separation in a dual-inlet hydrocyclone. • Analyzed the effects of feed rate and total solids concentration on separation performance. • Total solids concentration significantly influences particle dynamics and separation efficiency. • Lower solids concentration consistently yields better separation performance of sand from biowaste.