Particle image velocimetry for investigating the effect of liquid rheology on flow field of liquid–solid hydrocyclone

Liquid rheology affects the separation performance of hydrocyclones. Sewage entering a de-foulant hydrocyclone with a reflux ejector (DFHRE) exhibits different rheological properties based on the source. In this study, particle image velocimetry is used to investigate the effect of liquid rheology on the overflow–suck–underflow effect of the DFHRE. Results show that the effects of the rheological properties, liquid concentration, and inlet velocity on the flow field are primarily reflected inside the locus of the zero vertical velocity at the cone section of the DFHRE. In addition, the overflow–suck–underflow effect becomes less prominent as the apparent viscosity increases. An increase in glycerin (Newtonian) concentration increases the total pressure drop, unlike an increase in polyacrylamide aqueous solution (PAM, non-Newtonian). Increasing the inlet velocity can enhance the overflow–suck–underflow effect in PAM owing to the lower drag force. This implies that the DFHRE can achieve an overflow–suck–underflow effect on fluids with a lower drag force and enhance the separation performance.