LDA and PIV characterization of the flow in a hydrocyclone without an air-core

Abstract

The three-dimensional flow in a hydrocyclone especially developed for application in the petroleum industry has been investigated through the LDA and PIV techniques for one experimental condition. In the present physical simulation, the hydrocyclone is set to operate without an air-core. The tangential (Vθ) and axial (Vz) mean velocity profiles are analyzed through both measuring techniques. Radial (Vr) mean velocity profiles are only accounted for through PIV. The exponent n in the tangential velocity equation, Vθrn = C, was determined to be about 0.61. For the radial profile, Vrrm = − D, m was found to be 1.59. The rms-values of two-velocity components — tangential and axial — were evaluated via LDA. Turbulence in the axial direction is observed to be slightly higher than turbulence in the tangential direction. Approaching the axis of symmetry of the cyclone, however, this trend is reversed. The fluctuations in the tangential direction are found to be at least twice higher than the axial fluctuations.