Intensification of low-grade phosphate ore purification using a hydrocyclone with venturi-style inlet

The accumulation of large quantities of low-grade phosphate ore throughout the year occupies land and pollutesthe environment. Addressing the challenge of purifying this ore to produce high-grade phosphate is essential foralleviating the shortage of phosphorus resources, making it a pressing research topic. Herein, we propose ahydrocyclone with a venturi-style inlet that combines multiple morphologies to purify low-grade phosphate ore. This innovative design addresses issues with conventional hydrocyclones by reducing short-circuit flow andeliminating circulation flow. Additionally, the new hydrocyclone tackles the overflow entrainment problem oflarge-density P particles and reduces the possibility of lower-density Si-Mg particles escaping through theunderflow pipe, leading to intensified separation performance. The hydrodynamic multiphase flow field characteristicsof different hydrocyclone were investigated via CFD simulation to elaborate the reason for the performanceintensification. The venturi-style inlet architecture improved the tangential velocity and enhanced thespiral flow field, expanding the length and range of the locus of zero vertical velocity (LZVV) in the primaryseparation area. This designed hydrocyclone could purify low-grade phosphate ore at lower expenditure andhigher performance, with separation efficiency increased from 76% to 92% and precision promoted from 70% to87% compared to conventional one. This work presented a cheap and efficient technology for purifying lowgradephosphate ore and demonstrated comprehensive potential for the recycling of mineral resources. KCI Citation Count: 0