Cavex® 2 hydrocyclone increases volumetric capacity up to 30 per cent Almost 25 years after the original Cavex® hydrocyclone revolutionized classification, Cavex® 2 will introduce a step-change in performance and sustainability, with water and energy savings Cavex® 2 hydrocyclones allow operators to increase capacity up to 30 per cent without altering its footprint.
The launch of Cavex® 2 marks a new generation of hydrocyclones. Like the
The new design has taken into con-
original Cavex® hydrocyclones did
sideration the shape and angle of
more than two decades ago, Cavex® 2
the hydrocyclone to ensure particles
introduces new geometric features
report to the correct stream. This
which offer performance unmatched
reduces recirculation and misclassi-
by any cyclone in operation today.
fication, taking separation efficiency
“Our Cavex 1 design set an industry
to the next level.
clone’s feed conditions could move it into the roping condition, but with Synertrex this balancing act can be closely managed,” adds Switzer. Cavex® 2 hydrocyclones can be cus-
benchmark over two decades ago
“Cavex 2 allows our customers to
with its unique 360° laminar spiral
do more. A more sustainable cir-
inlet geometry, which significantly re-
cuit, with lower energy and water
duced turbulence. This design was so
requirements, and expand the ca-
successful and desired by the market
pacity of their existing circuits, with-
that it was widely replicated by com-
out increasing the footprint of the
petitors,” states Debra Switzer, global
cyclones or clusters. It’s the kind of
product manager for hydrocyclones
generational engineering leap that
at Weir Minerals. “Following years
will change the way circuits are de-
of research, development and trials,
signed for decades to come,” says
we have improved upon this design
Switzer.
with the creation of LIG+ inlet and
Engineered for future mine, Cavex® 2
while smaller models (400CVD and
takes advantage of Weir Minerals’
below) are available with moulded fi-
Synertrex® IIoT technology, which
breglass housings.
chamber design. This unique design produces a more stabilized flow pattern, further reduces turbulences and friction throughout the hydrocyclone,
enhances the overall performance of the hydrocyclone. Armed with this
and provides up to 30 per cent addi-
technology, operators are automati-
tional capacity.”
cally alerted to roping or blockage
The advanced LIG+™ design (patent pending) enables the Cavex® 2 hydrocyclones to classify up to 30 per
conditions ahead of time, ensuring the hydrocyclone runs under the most optimal operating conditions.
tomized to suit almost any application, with a variety of spigots, vortex finders, and liners. Liners are available in a range of material options, including Weir Minerals’ proprietary R55® rubber compound or Linatex® premium rubber, both of which have proven to outlast competitors elastomers in similar applications. Liners can be replaced via a “snap-in” system which requires zero adhesive,
“Every stage of the Cavex 2’s design has been guided by the needs of our customers. As a consequence, it has been tested in multiple mining applications throughout the globe. These tests revealed outstanding results of up to 30 per cent additional
cent more feed slurry, while occupy-
“To minimize the amount of bypass
capacity,” says Switzer. “Decreas-
ing the same footprint as competitor
that is produced in any hydrocy-
ing ore grades and increasing need
hydrocyclones. Ultimately, operators
clone, it is favourable for it to oper-
to reduce both water and energy
can now achieve more throughput
ate in the semi-roping condition. This
usage have created the need for a
with fewer operating hydrocyclones,
is often difficult to do continuously
low-maintenance,
reducing the upfront CAPEX.
because any upset in the hydrocy-
hydrocyclone which can be readily
92 PotashWorks 2021
highly
efficient