A new generation hydrocyclone is said to offer significant improvements in separation performance and reduced turbulence, compared to current versions.

Weir Minerals has launched its Cavex 2 hydrocyclone, which it says offers a number of design improvements on its existing Cavex hydrocyclone launched in the 1990s.

“The Cavex 2 hydrocyclone improves the design of the 360⁰ laminar spiral inlet, which delivered a step-change in separation performance and reduced turbulence,” says Weir Minerals Africa product manager hydrocyclones for Africa and the Middle East Lerato Ramanala. “The new design includes the LIG+ advanced laminar spiral inlet and a longer feed chamber, further reducing turbulence and classifying a higher volume of feed slurry.”

She highlights that the Cavex 2 has the same footprint as the original Cavex hydrocyclone and competitor cyclones, so the process of retrofitting is simplified. Customers are set to benefit from an increased throughput capacity and improved operational flexibility by being able to take hydrocyclones off line for maintenance without affecting process flow.

The company reports that results from its new generation hydrocyclones installed across the globe have shown that the products maximise plant recovery by reducing the quantity of misclassified particles – the alpha parameter improves by an average of 10% while the bypass improves by an average of over 15%. In addition, fewer fines are returned to the mill and mines are able to reduce their carbon footprint by consuming less energy for small particle reduction.

The Cavex 2 accommodates the company’s in-house Synertrex Industrial Internet of Things technology, which is designed to detect sub-optimal operating conditions, such as roping, in real time and to improve overall performance and aligns with mining industry efforts to leverage digital technology to create mines of the future.

The shape of the liner has also been improved leading to longer life, less downtime for maintenance and lower total cost of ownership. Liners are available in a range of materials including Linatex premium rubber and other Weir Minerals natural rubbers such as R55.