Numerical simulation of a modified sculla hydrocyclone using the GEKO k-ω turbulence model

This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of a modified hydrocyclone featuring a redesigned volute (inlet) geometry aimed at enhancing separation efficiency. The numerical investigation was conducted using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with the <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mi>k</mml:mi> </mml:math> - <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mi>ω</mml:mi> </mml:math> GEKO turbulence model under steady-state conditions. The modification primarily improved the tangential velocity distribution and reduced pressure losses in the separation zone. Compared to the standard configuration, the modified design achieved approximately 5 % higher particle separation efficiency and more uniform pressure contours. The study also provides a detailed analysis of flow fields and vortex structures to explain the mechanism behind performance enhancement. The findings demonstrate that the proposed volute modification can substantially improve flow stability and solid-liquid separation, offering a cost-effective design improvement for industrial hydrocyclones.