Evaluation of Hydrocyclone Performance with Measurement of Underflow Discharge Angle Using Image Processing Technique

Hydrocyclone is the most effective classification unit in mineral processing practices. This device is very sensitive to the operational parameters. Due to the short residence time of material in the hydrocyclone، its monitoring has a great effect on the circuit performance. Two criteria are normally used to evaluate the cyclone performance، namely، cut size and water recovery to underflow. In this research، first، underflow discharge angle was measured using image processing technique. Then، statistical method was used to evaluate the effect of operational parameters on the underflow discharge angle. Empirical models were fitted to the data، relating the underflow angle to the variables. It was shown that this method can be used to control، the hydrocyclone performance.