Multotec HydroCyclone Manifold Distributor System

In mining, a cyclone, also known as a hydrocyclone, is a device used to classify, separate, or sort particles in a liquid suspension based on size, density, or other properties. It operates by using centrifugal force to accelerate the separation process. Cyclones are commonly used in the mineral processing industry for tasks such as dewatering, desliming, particle size classification, and solid-liquid separation.

Key Features of a Cyclone in Mining:

1. Structure: A cyclone typically consists of a cylindrical or conical container with an inlet, an overflow outlet (for lighter materials), and an underflow outlet (for heavier materials).
2. Operation: The slurry (a mix of water and mined material) is fed into the cyclone tangentially at high speed, creating a vortex. Centrifugal force pushes denser particles to the cyclone walls and then downward toward the underflow, while lighter particles are carried upward and exit through the overflow.
3. Applications:
   • Classification: Separating fine particles (e.g., clay) from coarser particles (e.g., sand or ore).
   • Dewatering: Removing excess water from mineral concentrates.
   • Thickening: Increasing the density of a slurry before further processing.
   • Desliming: Removing very fine particles that can negatively impact downstream processes.

Cyclones are favored in mining because they are efficient, compact, and cost-effective for a wide range of mineral processing applications.