The simulation of the flow within a hydrocyclone operating with an air core and with an inserted metal rod

The simulations of the flow within the solid–liquid hydrocyclone operating with an air core and with an inserted metal rod were performed. Finite-volume method and Reynolds stresses model (RSM) were used to model the turbulence characteristic of the flow. The computational results demonstrate the double-vortex flow, which depict the two separation flows. The low-pressure zone or the air core in the centre core was simulated. The redesign hydrocyclone for reducing the energy loss due to this low-pressure core was done by inserting the metal rod in the middle of hydrocyclone. The effect of the inserted-rod on the velocity distributions and the separation performance was investigated. It was found that the separation performance can only be improved with the proper size of the inserted-rod.