Hydrocyclone Cut Point & Separation Calculator

Calculate d50 cut point particle diameter, volumetric slurry feed capacity, pressure drop, and classification efficiency using Bradley and Rietema cyclone models.

Hydrocyclone Geometry & Feed Pressure

Cyclone Diameter Dc (inches): Standard: 1" to 20"

Inlet Pressure Drop ΔP (psi): Typical: 10 - 40 psi

Vortex Finder Ratio (Do/Dc): Standard: ~0.20 - 0.30

Apex / Spigot Ratio (Du/Dc): Standard: ~0.10 - 0.15

Slurry & Particle Properties

Solid Particle SG (ρs): Quartz: 2.65, Galena: 7.5

Liquid Carrier SG (ρl): Water = 1.00

Carrier Liquid Viscosity (cP): Water @ 20°C = 1.0 cP

Feed Solids Vol Concentration (%): Hindered settling > 10%

Empirical Correlation Model:

Cut Size & Capacity Performance

d50 Separation Cut Point

-- µm

50% separation probability size

Feed Flow Capacity

-- GPM

-- m³/h slurry

G-Force (Centrifugal Acceleration)

-- G

At inlet wall radius

d98 / d95 Sharp Top Cut: -- µm

Underflow / Overflow Vol Split: --% Underflow / --% Overflow

Underflow / Apex Slurry Flow: -- GPM

Vortex Discharge State: --

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hydrocyclone d50 cut point?

The d50 cut point represents the particle diameter that has a 50% probability of reporting to the underflow (coarse fraction) and a 50% probability of reporting to the overflow (fine fraction). Particles larger than d50 predominantly exit via the underflow, while particles smaller exit via the overflow.

How does feed solids concentration affect separation size?

Higher solids concentrations increase slurry apparent viscosity and hinder settling velocities. This shifts the effective d50 cut point to coarser sizes compared to dilute feeds. Bradley and Lynch empirical models incorporate exponential hindering factors (exp(0.05-0.06 * C_vol)) to account for this shift.

What is the difference between flare spray and roping discharge?

In normal operation, the underflow exits in a hollow cone flare spray around a central air core. If solids loading exceeds the spigot capacity, the air core collapses and the discharge forms a thick, cylindrical rope. Roping causes sharp classification failure, sending unclassified coarse solids to the overflow.