Centrifugal Classification of Particles and Analysis of the Fluid Dynamics

This study provides fundamental knowledge on the centrifugal classification of liquid-borne particles. It is found that the cut size of a centrifugal separator decreases as the rotational speed increases and the liquid flow rate decreases. Comparing our experimental data with the theory, they agree with each other in the case of a high liquid flow rate. However, the difference between them is significant in the case of a low liquid flow rate. This is because dead spaces are generated in the centrifugal separator at the low liquid flow rate. The computer simulation of fluid flow in the centrifugal separator shows a decrease in velocity near the wall at a low liquid flow rate, suggesting the possibility of formation of dead spaces.