Modelagem, simulação e otimização do processo de hidrociclonagem para tratamento de argilas bentoníticas.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the hydrocyclone process variables bentonite clays for treatment in Paraíba State, using physical, chemical and mineralogical characterization techniques, experimental design and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). First, the clay characterization in natura and hydrocyclonation process were carried out, through X-Ray diffraction, chemical analysis and granulometric analysis techniques. Then, factorial planning was performed using central points for modeling, optimization and mean particle diameter simulation. The computational fluid dynamics procedures were performed to model the studied equipment, model validation and perform simulations with values of hydrocyclone process variables that could not be measured in the equipment used. The characterization results showed reduction in the mean equivalent particle size and increase of the clay fraction concentrate in the overflow, as well as a substantial reduction in the percentage of the accessory minerals compared with in natura clays. The factorial planning with central points results showed that process variables have a significant influence on the hydrocyclone process related with each type of accessory minerals present in the clay. After the application of the computational fluid dynamics technique, was verified that the variation of solid concentration of the feed suspension, geometry of the hydrocyclone, flow and pressure of the feed duct influence the concentrate of the clay fraction values and silte fraction accumulated in overflow.