Hydrocyclone

Hydrocyclones are centrifugal separators for liquid mixtures. They separate or size solid particles contained in slurries. Likewise, emulsions are separated, e.g. oil/water mixtures. The tangential inlet into the cylindrical segment forces the liquid into a circular path and it flows downward in a downward swirl. The tapering in the conical segment pushes the volume to the inside and dams it in the lower area of the cone. This results in the formation of an inner, upwardly directed swirl, which escapes through the upper overflow opening. This process causes the specifically heavier grading fraction (e.g. solids) to collect on the wall of the cyclone and discharge through the underflow, while the specific lighter fraction escapes through the overflow.