Experimental Research And Computerized Simulation Of Full-hydrocyclone-networks For Separating Potato Starch Milk

Based on the deep practice and wide collection of literature in this field, the theoretical analysis of the individual hydrocyclone separation was studied, the separation models for hydrocyclone were established, the full-hydrocyclone-network was studied by experiments and the whole system is simulated through computer. The main contents as follows:Firstly, experimental studies were made on relationships among adjustable parameters hi the working system (input pressure, underflow diameter and input concentration) and separation performance measured by feed flow rate, underflow percentage and separation efficiency. The optimal parameters were formed.Secondly, in potato separation experiments, the parameters and targets were decided by the rich experiences and conditions provided by the reality. There are so many parameters affecting the separation of potato starch. The similar conditions were made to perform orthogonal experiments. The results of the experiments were displayed by figures and the data were fitted to be curves with Matlab. The change characteristics of the parameters and the optimal parameters under certain conditions were found. And the underflow diameter of hydrocyclone can give contrary effect on starch separation efficiency and protein & dregs separation efficiency. To achieve better separation performance, hydrocyclones with different underflow diameter had to be chosen according to the duty of separation and the concentration of feed materials. Dealing with the data gained from experiments with similarity theory and applying mathematical stepwise regression method a series of equations could be established. These equations reveal the effect of separating potato starch precisely. These equations were also used to predict the performance of separation and provide a foundation for the amplification and optimization of the designing of separation operation.Thirdly, it is the first time in China the working states of each stage and the outputs of the whole system were calculated by mass balance calculations. The system will besimplified before simulation. With calculations and the analysis of the whole system we provided a method to design optimization system. And through comparison we found out which network is the best.Fourthly, the computerized simulation method is that based on the analysis of the best network of separating potato starch and the experience of production and the separation characteristics gained from experiments, the process of separation can be simulated with the strong toolbox SIMULATE of mathematical software MATLAB. With the computerized simulation, the separation situation of each hydrocyclone and full-hydrocyclone-networks can be obtained only if the quantity of input per hour, the content of starch, the quantity of input water per hour and the structure parameters of each hydrocyclone are provided. The predicted results fit well with experimental data. With the computerized simulation the separation performance can be predicted and the expenses of erecting and trying a new production line can be decreased. It also provides the reliable tool to check the design of new hydrocyclones and networks. It is particularly valuable for the optimization of alternative designs or arrangements for a given duty. Strategies to design multistage hydrocyclones are also proposed. The research work shows that it is possible to achieve even better separation performance or less number of multi-hydrocyclone stages by properly improving the scheme of hydrocyclone so as to the higher separation efficiency of single stage.