Hydrocyclone Plitt Cut Size & Capacity Calculator
Calculate mineral processing hydrocyclone corrected cut size (d50c), operating slurry throughput, apex/vortex split ratio, and Tromp partition curve per Plitt.
Hydrocyclone Geometric Dimensions
Slurry Properties & Operating Head
Classification Cut Size & Flow Split
| Cyclone Slurry Capacity (Q): | -- m³/h (-- L/s) |
| Underflow / Overflow Ratio (S): | -- |
| Slurry Volume to Underflow: | -- % |
| Apex to Vortex Diameter Ratio (Du/Do): | -- |
| Tromp Sharpness Parameter (m / α): | -- |
| Inlet Fluid Velocity: | -- m/s |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hydrocyclone cut size (d50c) and how does it classify mineral slurries?
The corrected cut size (d50c) is the particle size that has an equal 50% probability of reporting to the coarse underflow apex or the fine overflow vortex finder after correcting for liquid bypass. Slurry enters tangentially under pressure, generating high centrifugal G-forces (often 500G to 2000G). Coarse dense solids migrate to the outer wall and exit downward through the spigot, while fine slow-settling particles are swept inward into the central ascending vortex.
What is "roping" in a hydrocyclone and why must it be prevented?
When solids loading in the underflow exceeds the packing limit of the apex orifice, the central air core collapses and discharge transitions from a hollow conical umbrella spray into a thick, cylindrical solid rope. In roping mode, classification completely fails: coarse grinding media chips and oversized rocks bypass directly into the overflow, damaging downstream flotation circuits.
Why is feed percent solids (Cv) such a strong driver of cut size in Plitt's model?
In the Plitt equation, d50c increases exponentially with volumetric solids concentration: exp(0.063 * Cv). At high pulp density, hindered settling and high slurry apparent viscosity prevent particles from moving freely relative to fluid streamlines, causing the classification cut size to coarsen dramatically.