Hydrocyclone Separators

Hydrocyclones are used to separate liquids of different densities by exploiting centrifugal forces. When sufficient process pressure is available, hydrocyclones are typically installed upstream of other water treatment equipments such as the IGF to provide preliminary separation. The hydrocyclone is a vessel consisting of “liners”. The liners are centrifugal devices with no moving parts used to separate the liquids of different densities, often free oil from water. The fluid to be treated is directed tangentially into the hydrocyclone which causes it to swirl. The spinning motion creates strong centrifugal forces which makes the two immiscible liquids, to separate. Due to the difference in densities of the two liquids the heavier liquid is forced outward toward the wall of the hydrocyclone tube (liner) and the lighter liquid is displaced towards the center where it forms a core. By controlling the pressure across the tube the lighter liquid is forced to flow through the overflow and the heavier liquid is directed to the underflow. SPEC’s designed and manufactured hydrocyclones provide the following advantages.