Comparing ERT Measurements with CFD Predictions for an Industrial Scale Hydrocyclone Classifier

M. Brennan, P. Holtham, M. Khanal and R. Morrison

Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), The University of Queensland, Isles Road, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Brisbane, Australia, Email: R.Morrison@uq.edu.au

ABSTRACT

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is now sufficiently advanced to model the operation of the classifying and dense medium cyclones including the behaviour of fine solids in the slurry. While Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) can be used to test CFD predictions for the water only operation, it is not useful for slurry. Gamma ray tomography can be used with slurry, but cannot respond rapidly enough to compare with transitory behaviour predicted by the CFD model.

This paper reports on progress to date using high speed Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) to measure the air core and the solids distribution in the cone of a classifying hydrocyclone. A custom algorithm has been developed to improve the estimation of the air core size and position.

Keywords CFD, ERT, hyrocyclones, gamma ray tomography