GAMA, A.J.A.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3939351451676356; GAMA, Alexandre José de Almeida.
Résumé:
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.