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Hydrocyclones

Particle separation with KREBS® gMAX® hydrocyclones

With improved geometry of the inlet head, cylinder section, cones, and apex, KREBS gMAX hydrocyclones deliver sharper particle separation at higher capacities and less maintenance. Enjoy increased throughput at lower operating costs.

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Key benefits of our gMAX hydrocyclones

  • Finer, sharper separations at high densities

    Our gMAX hydrocyclones feature more sharply angled upper cones followed by longer, angled lower cones. This innovative design maximizes tangential velocity in the upper part of the cyclone and extends residence time in the lower section, resulting in a substantially finer and sharper separation at higher densities, with fewer fines in the underflow and less coarse material in the overflow.

  • Fine separation with fewer cyclones

    The gMAX inlet and cylindrical sections are designed to handle higher capacities. This reduces the number of cyclones needed to process the feed while delivering the high performance and reducing capital cost.

  • Fine separation at lower pressure

    The gMAX inlet and cylindrical sections are designed to make finer, sharper separations at a lower pressure, reducing the cost of mill circuit operations.

  • Extended wear life

    The advanced design of the gMAX cyclone minimises turbulence in the inlet head, effectively extending the lifespan of the liner. The integration of premium ceramics in the lower section of the cyclone significantly enhances overall wear life, leading to longer intervals between complete cyclone rebuilds.

Our gMAX hydrocyclones

Since 1952, we have been a leading manufacturer of industrial hydrocyclones, known for our technical expertise and quality products. Our versatile gMAX hydrocyclones are used in various industries, including mineral processing, oil sands, power, chemicals, and water treatment. Whatever the application, we work with you to understand the process challenges and ensure the correct equipment is selected. We offer both individual hydrocyclones and complete multi-unit hydrocyclone clusters with valves, piping, collectors, support structures, instrumentation, and other accessories. A wide range of liner materials and construction materials for unlined cyclones are available, including a full line of moulded urethane gMAX hydrocyclones. 

Maintenance & service of our gMAX hydrocyclones

Our experienced engineers will quickly and thoroughly evaluate potential applications and provide detailed recommendations and performance estimates. When validation testing is required, our hydrocyclone test laboratory provides prompt testing at low cost. We can also arrange to run test cyclones at your site. For operating hydrocyclones, we offer comprehensive aftermarket services, including spare and wear parts, and our cyclone rebuild exchange program.

Learn more about FLS service centres

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Frequently asked questions

FAQs for hydrocyclones

A hydrocyclone separates particles in a liquid suspension (slurry) based on their mass and density. It uses fluid pressure to create a centrifugal force, which causes the denser particles to move outward to the wall of the hydrocyclone and then downward to the underflow. Lighter particles move toward the centre and upward to the overflow. This separation process is complemented by the hydrocyclone's simple design, which features no moving parts, making it easy to maintain and cost-effective.

Hydrocyclones and centrifuges use centrifugal force to separate particles in a liquid suspension (slurry). However, hydrocyclones rely on fluid pressure to create the centrifugal force, with no moving parts, whereas centrifuges use a rotating drum or bowl. The force created in a centrifuge (and thus the precision of separation) is generally higher than in a hydrocyclone. However, the operating and maintenance costs of a hydrocyclone are significantly lower, making it a cost-effective choice.  

There are various ways to increase hydrocyclone efficiency. These include maintaining stable feed pressure, optimising feed concentration, adjusting the size of the underflow and overflow, regularly inspecting and maintaining the hydrocyclone, ensuring the feed is clear of large debris, and seeking expert support. Here at FLS, we offer various aftermarket support services that empower you to achieve and maintain the best possible hydrocyclone performance.

Selecting the right hydrocyclone involves several key considerations. These include the application, feed particle size distribution and characteristics, feed pressure and flow rate, hydrocyclone construction and liner material, space and installation constraints, maintenance and wear life, and capital and operating costs. Working with an expert in hydrocyclone design, manufacturing, and operation, such as FLS, can help ensure the chosen hydrocyclone will best fit the requirements of your application.