Vedeliktsükloneid

Vedeliktsükloneid is the Estonian term for liquid cyclones, which are centrifugal devices used to separate solids from liquids. In essence, they are types of hydrocyclones designed specifically for processing liquid-solid mixtures. The principle of operation relies on the density difference between the liquid and the solid particles.

A liquid cyclone typically consists of a conical or cylindrical body with an inlet and an outlet. The liquid-solid mixture is introduced tangentially into the cyclone at high velocity. This tangential entry creates a vortex, or spinning motion, within the device. The centrifugal force generated by this spinning motion pushes the denser solid particles towards the outer wall of the cyclone. As the solids move outward, they gradually spiral down towards the apex of the cone.

Conversely, the lighter liquid, carrying fewer or no solid particles, forms an inner vortex and moves upwards. This clarified liquid exits through an overflow port located at the top of the cyclone. The concentrated slurry of solids is discharged from the underflow or apex of the cyclone.

Liquid cyclones find widespread application in various industries. They are commonly used in mining for dewatering and classification of mineral slurries, in wastewater treatment for removing suspended solids, and in the food processing industry for separating solids from liquids. Their simplicity, lack of moving parts, and relatively low cost make them an attractive option for many separation tasks. The efficiency of a liquid cyclone depends on factors such as the inlet pressure, the concentration of solids, and the physical properties of the fluid and particles.