Numerical Study of the “End of the Vortex” Phenomenon in a Hydrocyclone Separator

Abstract

The single‐phase flow field in a hydrocyclone was studied numerically using the LES turbulence model. The hydrocyclone geometry and flow conditions are in accordance with previous experimental work. An important phenomenon in cyclone operation, the “end of the vortex,” observed in experiments was reproduced in the simulations, where the vortex end deviated from the vortex axis and bent to the wall of the hydrocyclone body. As the vortex end attached to the wall, its rotation (precession) was visualized by monitoring the motion of the low‐pressure spot caused by the vortex core on the wall.