FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See Section 10 and Rule 13)
Title of invention:
TITLE HYDROCYCLONE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEGREGATION OF PARTICLES IN SLURRY
Applicant
Tata Consultancy Services Limited A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
Nirmal Building, 9th floor,
Nariman point, Mumbai 400021,
Maharashtra, India
Preamble to the description
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The disclosure herein generally relates to hydrocyclone separator, and, more particularly, to hydrocyclone apparatus and method for segregation of particles in slurry.
BACKGROUND
[002] Hydrocyclone apparatuses are widely used in many chemical and mineral based process industries for separation of fine particles of different size based on the centrifugal force and fluid resistance. Such hydrocyclone apparatuses provides operational reliability which is economically viable. The particle separation is governed by various factors including the dimensions of the hydrocyclone, the density of the suspension to be separated and its fluid velocity. The sharpness of separation in hydrocyclone separators has been relatively low in efficiency, because of the intermixing of coarse particles with fine particles in the liquid fluid or slurry during the separation process. To enhance the performance of such hydrocyclone apparatus separator configuration with varying design is essential requirement to separate debris particles in slurry with optimum pressure drop.
[003] In conventional methods, a vortex finder is seated in a predetermined position within the hydrocyclone device guiding the inlet flow circumferentially. The vortex finder depth on pressure drop in a ribbed hydrocyclone is used for separation of dredge deposit soil. However, the design of spiral rib rings positioned geometrically on the cylindrical wall of the hydrocyclone. In another method, for separating aggregate of dredge deposit soil having the design of vortex finder with spiral rings. The length of vortex finder is controlled in the hydrocyclone apparatus for dredge separation. However, these conventional methods, separates fine dredged soil having a challenge that the vortex finder is fixed so that dredged soil does not achieve the desired segregation of particles effect upon inflow of slurry. These methods also limit in the separation efficiency while segregating categories of particles to be separated from slurry with optimum pressure drop.

SUMMARY [004] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventors in conventional systems. For example, in one embodiment, a hydrocyclone apparatus and method for segregation of particles in slurry for segregation of particles in slurry is provided. The hydrocyclone apparatus 10 comprises a cylindrical section 30 with an overflow end 24. The cylindrical section 30 comprises a vortex finder 64 having an outer body with an adjustable concentric rings arrangement 80, 84 and 88, a first adjustable tuner 42A and a second adjustable tuner 42B and an inlet valve 38.The inlet valve 38 protrudes the slurry stream 50 from an upper side of the cylindrical section 30. The conical section 32 of the hydrocyclone apparatus 10 have an underflow end 26 at the bottom, wherein the conical section 32 is coupled to the cylindrical section 30. The vortex finder 64 is adapted to (i) generate a centrifugal force is created inside the cylindrical section 30 for the slurry stream 50, (ii) guide the slurry stream 50 to circulate and flow around the outer body of the vortex finder 64 towards the conical section 32, and (iii) segregate fine particles and coarse particles from the slurry stream 50 based on the one or more configuration of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement, wherein the arrangement is positioned around the outer body of the vortex finder 64 in the cylindrical section 30 and the conical section 32. The one or more configurations of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement are selected by tuning the first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B. The vortex finder 64 comprises a central bore that includes an overflow end 24 and an outlet end 28, wherein the overflow end 24 is adapted to expel the fine particles and the outlet end 28 is vertically positioned to discharge the coarse particles through the conical section 32. The adjustable concentric rings arrangement is adapted to radially move outwards or inwards based on the one or more configurations of the first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B, wherein the total number of concentric rings can be detachable or added in the one or more configurations based on the type of slurry stream 50.

[005] In one embodiment, the first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B are tuned to a first configuration 80 of the one or more configurations, wherein the first configuration 80 comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with uniform length and uniform width, and wherein the adjustable concentric rings in the adjustable concentric rings arrangement are positioned equidistant from one another for segregation of the fine particles and the coarse particles in the slurry stream 50.
[006] In another embodiment, the first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B are tuned to a second configuration 84 of the one or more configurations, wherein the second configuration 84 comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with increasing width dimension of concentric rings comprised therein for segregation of the fine particles and the coarse particles in the slurry stream 50, and wherein the second configuration 84 of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement enables (i) expelling of the fine particles through the overflow end 24 (ii) bypassing the coarse particles entering through the overflow end 24 and (iii) pushing the coarse particles through the underflow end 26.
[007] In another embodiment, wherein the first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable 42B are tuned to a third configuration 88 of the one or more configurations, wherein the third configuration 88 comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with decreasing width dimension of concentric rings comprised therein, for segregation of the coarse particles and the fine particles in the slurry stream 50, wherein the third configuration 88 of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement enables expelling large amount of the coarse particles along with some fine particles through the underflow end 26.
[008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles:
[010] FIG. 1 is a view showing a first configuration of a hydrocyclone apparatus with uniformly aligned adjustable concentric rings arrangement in a vortex finder segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[011] FIG. 2 is a view showing a second configuration of the hydrocyclone apparatus with increased width dimension adjustable concentric rings arrangement of the vortex finder for segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 3 is a view showing a third configuration of the hydrocyclone apparatus with decreased width dimension adjustable concentric rings arrangement of the vortex finder for segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 4 is a view showing modeling results of the hydrocyclone apparatus with static pressure drop for one or more configurations of the vortex finder arrangement with static pressure drop for segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[014] FIG. 5 is a view showing the modeling results of the hydrocyclone apparatus with adjustable concentric rings arrangement for one or more configurations of the vortex finder with separation efficiency for segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [015] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are

possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.
[016] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 through FIG.5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments and these embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system and/or method.
[017] FIG. 1 is a view showing a first configuration of a hydrocyclone apparatus with uniformly aligned adjustable concentric rings arrangement in a vortex finder segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[018] The hydrocyclone apparatus 10 comprises a cylindrical section 30 and a conical section 32.The cylindrical section 30 comprises an overflow end 24, a vortex finder 64 having an outer body with an adjustable concentric rings arrangement, a first adjustable tuner 42A and a second adjustable tuner 42B, and an inlet valve 38. The conical section 32 comprises an underflow end 26.
[019] The inlet valve 38 has an inlet opening to receive incoming slurry stream 50. The inlet valve 38 protrudes the slurry stream 50 from an upper side of the cylindrical section 30. The slurry stream 50 is fed tangentially through the inlet valve 38 towards the cylindrical section 30. A rotating motion of the slurry stream 50 in the cylindrical section 30 inside the hydrocyclone apparatus 10 generates a centrifugal force guiding the incoming slurry stream 50 to circulate and flow around the outer body of the vortex finder (64) from the inlet valve 38 passing through the walls of the cylindrical section 30 towards the conical section 32 through spigot.
[020] The first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B are a tunable screw tab placed on both the ends of the vortex finder 64 mounted on the upper end of the hydrocyclone apparatus 10. The first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B enables selecting the adjustable concentric rings arrangement positioned on the outer body of the vortex finder 64 in accordance with the slurry stream 50. The first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner

42B can be tuned either with pneumatic pressure or electrical signals. The first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B are simultaneously tuned to adjust and select the desirable concentric rings configuration from the one or more configurations based on the type, size and density of particles present in the slurry stream 50. The hydrocyclone apparatus 10 is capable of adjusting the adjustable concentric rings arrangement from the one or more configuration using the first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B corresponding to the type of slurry stream 50 and desired separation particles. Here, the total number of adjustable concentric rings is detachable and can be added or removed based on the one or more configurations based on the type of slurry stream 50. The total number of concentric rings can be varied based on the length of the vortex finder 64.
[021] The vortex finder 64 is removable and vertically mounted inside the hydrocyclone apparatus 10. The vortex finder 64 is positioned in the apparatus 10 such that it extends downwards within the cylindrical section 30. The vortex finder 64 has two opening ends with a central bore having an upper opening end and a lower opening end. The upper opening end is an overflow end 24 and the lower opening end is an outlet end 28. The overflow end 24 is adapted to expel fine particles present in the slurry stream 50 and the outlet end 28 expels the other heavier size or coarse particles (that are larger in size compared to the fine particles) present in the slurry stream 50 through the walls of the cylindrical section 30 towards the conical section 32. The underflow end 26 of the conical section 32 discharges the other heavier size or coarse particles present in the slurry stream 50.
[022] The vortex finder 64 inside the cylindrical section 30 is vertically positioned towards the conical section 32. The outer body of the vortex finder 64 have adjustable concentric rings arrangement is adapted to radially moving outwards or inwards based on the one or more configurations of the first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B. The incoming slurry stream 50 from the inlet valve 38 flows towards the outer body of the vortex finder 64 generating the centrifugal force with pressure drop thereby guiding the slurry stream 50 for segregation of particles. The segregation of particles is based on the type of particle

and size of particle. The particles present in the slurry stream 50 is further guided towards the upper opening end which is the overflow end 24 and the lower opening end which is the outlet end 28 of the cylindrical section 30. The slurry stream 50 flows on the walls of the cylindrical section 30 and the conical section 32 discharged towards the underflow end 26 of the conical section 32. The adjustable concentric rings arrangement can be adjusted to the one or more configurations by tuning the first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B in accordance with the particles present in the slurry stream 50.
[023] In one embodiment, the adjustable concentric rings arrangement comprises various adjustable concentric rings in one embodiment comprising a first configuration 80, a second configuration 84 and a third configuration 88. In the first configuration 80, the first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B are tuned simultaneously where the outer body of the vortex finder 64 has geometrical adjustable concentric rings arrangement with uniform width and uniform length. The adjustable concentric rings in the adjustable concentric rings arrangement are positioned equidistant from one another for segregation of the fine particles and the coarse particles in the slurry stream 50.
[024] The adjustable concentric rings arrangement for the first configuration 80 is modular in fashion that can be introduced on any vortex finder 64 for any different type of hydrocyclone apparatus 10. Such type of the first configuration 80 from the one or more configurations arrangement is efficient for segregation of the particles in slurry stream 50. It should be appreciated that any type of vortex finder 64 may be employed in such adjustable concentric rings arrangement depending upon the type of slurry stream 50. The type of slurry stream 50 depends on particle density, particle loading for segregation of particles and as illustrated from FIG.1 to FIG.3 utilized in the hydrocyclone apparatus 10. Additionally, in one embodiment the vortex finder can also be extended to adapt individually having fixed concentric rings with one configuration from the one or more configurations for segregation of particles from the slurry based on the fixed concentric rings configuration.

[025] Referring now to FIG.1 with working of hydrocyclone apparatus 10 for segregation of particles in the slurry 50. The incoming slurry stream 50 from the inlet valve 38 flows towards the outer body arrangement of the vortex finder 64. The first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B having a screw are tuned initially to the first configuration 80 comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with uniform length and uniform width. Here, the geometrical adjustable concentric rings arrangement has uniform width and uniform length concentric rings 80 placed on the exterior walls of the vortex finder 64. The incoming slurry stream 50 creates centrifugal force reducing the pressure drop and guides the flow of the slurry stream 50 to circulate around the outer body arrangement of the vortex finder 64 towards the conical section 32. Further, the particles present in the slurry stream 50 are segregated flow into the fine or light particles and the coarse particles or heavier particles, wherein the adjustable concentric rings in the adjustable concentric rings arrangement are selected based on the type of slurry stream 50. The uniform width adjustable concentric rings segregates uniform level of fine particles through the overflow end 24 and pushes heavier or coarse particles present in the slurry stream 50 through the lower opening end which is the outlet end 28 of the cylindrical section 30 pushing towards the walls of the cylindrical section 30 and the conical section 32. The conical section 32 discharges the heavier or coarse particles through the underflow end 26 of the conical section 32. Here, the said slurry stream 50 segregates the particles in accordance with the adjustable concentric rings arrangement having uniform width. Such uniform width type of the first configuration 80 the one or more configurations reduces resistance expelling coarse particles and fine particles in accordance with the type of slurry stream 50.
[026] FIG. 2 is a view showing a second configuration of the hydrocyclone apparatus with increased width dimension adjustable concentric rings arrangement of the vortex finder for segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The vortex finder 64 comprised in the cylindrical section 30 is vertically positioned towards the conical section 32. The outer body of the vortex finder 64 has adjustable concentric rings arrangement

radially moving outwards or inwards in accordance with the said first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B. Referring now to FIG.1 component description and FIG.2, the incoming slurry stream 50 from the inlet valve 38 flows towards the outer body of the vortex finder 64 and further generates the centrifugal force with pressure drop thereby guiding the slurry stream 50 for segregation of particles. The segregation of particles is based on the type of particle and size of particle. The particles present in the slurry stream 50 is further pushed towards the overflow end 24 and the lower opening end which is the outlet end 28 of the cylindrical section 30 thereby allowing to flow on the walls of the cylindrical section 30 and the conical section 32 discharged towards the underflow end 26 of the conical section 32. The adjustable concentric rings arrangement can be adjusted to one or more configurations in accordance with the particles present in the slurry stream 50. The said first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B are tuned to the second configuration 84 of the one or more configurations where concentric rings arrangement of the vortex finder 64 is tapered towards increasing width dimension of concentric rings comprised therein for segregation of the fine particles and the coarse particles in the slurry stream 50.
[027] In another embodiment, the second configuration 84 comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with increasing width dimension of concentric rings comprised therein for segregation of the fine particles and the coarse particles in the slurry stream 50. The gradually increasing width concentric rings enables pushing heavier size or coarse particles towards the wall of the cylindrical section 30 and the conical section 32 thus reducing the bypass of coarse particles entering through the overflow end 24 and pushing the coarse particles through the underflow end 26.
[028] Referring now to FIG.2 with working of hydrocyclone apparatus 10 for segregation of particles in the slurry stream 50. The incoming slurry stream 50 from the inlet valve 38 flows towards the outer body arrangement of the vortex finder 64. The first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B having a screw are tuned to the second configuration 84 of the one or more configurations for adjustable concentric rings arrangement. The second configuration 84

comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with increasing width dimension of concentric rings comprised therein for segregation of the fine particles and the coarse particles in the slurry stream 50. Here, geometrical positioned adjustable concentric rings arrangement has increasing width concentric rings 84 placed on the exterior walls of the vortex finder 64. Further, the particles in slurry stream 50 segregates the fine particles and the coarse particles or heavier particles based on the selected configuration 84 of concentric rings arrangement based on the type of slurry stream 50. The incoming slurry stream 50 creates centrifugal force thereby reduces the pressure drop guiding the slurry stream 50 flow to circulate around the outer body arrangement of the vortex finder 64 having the adjustable concentric rings arrangement tuned to the second configuration 84 of the one or more configurations towards the conical section 32. Further, the particles in slurry stream 50 are segregated based on the fluid flow into the fine particles and the coarse particles or heavier particles. The second configuration 84 of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement enables expelling of the fine particles through the overflow end 24 thereby bypassing the coarse particles entering through the overflow end 24 and pushing the coarse particles through the underflow end 26. The increased width of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement reduces the bypass of coarse particles entering through the overflow end 24 along the vortex finder 64. The increasing rings pushes the coarse particles towards the wall which in turn only allow fine particles through the overflow end 24 of the cylindrical section 30. The conical section 32 discharges the heavier or coarse particles through the underflow end 26 of the conical section 32. Here, the said slurry stream 50 segregates the particles in accordance with the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with the selected configuration of the one or more configurations. Such uniform width type 80 of configuration reduces resistance expelling coarse particles and fine particles in accordance with the type of slurry stream 50. The conical section 32 is adapted to discharge the heavier size or coarse particles through the underflow end 26 of the conical section 32. This type of adjustable concentric rings arrangement reduces misplacement of heavier size or coarse

particles present in the slurry stream 50 through the overflow end 24 of the cylindrical section 30.
[029] FIG. 3 is a view showing a third configuration of the hydrocyclone apparatus with decreased width dimension adjustable concentric rings arrangement of the vortex finder for segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG.1 component description and FIG.3, the said first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B are adjusted where the adjustable concentric rings arrangement of the vortex finder 64 are tapered towards the decreasing width concentric rings 88 for the segregation of particles in slurry stream 50.
[030] In another embodiment, for the third configuration 88, the outer body of the vortex finder 64 has geometrical adjustable concentric rings arrangement 88 with gradually decreasing width concentric rings with equal spacing between each ring placed on the exterior part of the vortex finder 64 for the segregation of particles in slurry stream 50. The third configuration 88 comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with decreasing width dimension of concentric rings comprised therein, for segregation of the coarse particles and the fine particles in the slurry stream 50. The gradually decreasing width concentric rings enables pushing some fine particles through the underflow end 26 of the conical section 32 which increases bypass of fine particles through the underflow end 26. Here, the heavier or coarse particles are pushed towards the wall of the cylindrical section 30 towards the conical section 32 reducing the bypass of coarse particles through the overflow end 24 of the cylindrical section 30.
[031] Referring now to FIG.3 with working of hydrocyclone apparatus for segregation of particles in slurry stream 50 is described herein. The incoming slurry stream 50 from the inlet valve 38 flows towards the outer body arrangement of the vortex finder 64. The first adjustable tuner 42A and the second adjustable tuner 42B having the screw are tuned to the third configuration 88 of the one or more configurations having decreasing width dimension of the adjustable concentric rings. Here, the geometrical adjustable concentric rings arrangement has decreased width concentric rings placed on the exterior walls of the vortex finder 64. The

incoming slurry stream 50 creates the centrifugal force to reduce the pressure drop thus guiding the slurry stream 50 for flowing, such that the slurry stream 50 circulates around the outer body arrangement of the vortex finder 64 towards the conical section 32. Further, the particles of the slurry stream 50 are segregated based on the fluid flow into light or fine particles and coarse particles or heavier particles, wherein the adjustable configuration of the adjustable concentric rings are selected based on the type of slurry stream 50. The third configuration 88 comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with decreasing width dimension of concentric rings comprised therein, for segregation of the coarse particles and the fine particles in the slurry stream 50. The third configuration 88 of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement enables expelling of the coarse particles along with some fine particles through the underflow end 26. The decreasing width adjustable concentric rings 88 segregates and expels huge volume of the coarse particles through the underflow end 26 of the conical section 30 and less volume of fine particles through the overflow end 24 of the cylindrical section 30.
[032] The hydrocyclone apparatus 10 with decreasing width adjustable concentric rings arrangement expels some fine particles through the underflow end 26 which increases bypass of the fine particles through the underflow end 26. Such third configuration 88 of the one or more configurations increases movement of coarse particles efficiently through the underflow end 26 of the conical section 32. This third configuration 88 of the hydrocyclone apparatus10 is useful for the segregation of solid- liquid separations. The conical section 32 discharges the coarse particles through the underflow end 26.
[033] FIG. 4 is a view showing the modeling results of the hydrocyclone apparatus with static pressure drop for one or more configurations of the vortex finder arrangement with static pressure drop for segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The geometry of the hydrocyclone apparatus 10 are designed using a known tool. The computational domain is captured by hexahedral mesh, in one embodiment. Hexahedral mesh is computationally efficient and requires fewer numbers of cells when compared to the tetrahedral mesh to represent the same domain. The simulations for the present

disclosure was performed based on LES-WALE (Large eddy simulation Wall adopting local eddy viscosity) turbulent model using a known technique. A constant velocity inlet boundary condition of 2.25m/s was applied at the inlet valve 38 of the hydrocyclone apparatus 10. The overflow end 24 and underflow end 26 were set to outlet boundary conditions with zero-gauge pressure or one atmospheric pressure with an air back-flow volume fraction of unity. No slip boundary condition was applied at the walls of the cylindrical section 30 and the conical section 32. Transient simulations were performed until 4 seconds of physical time in hydrocyclone apparatus 10. The transient simulations with 10-4 time step size was conducted. The LES-WALE model coupled with VOF (volume of fluid) model and Lagrangian particle tracking were utilized to simulate the performance inside the hydrocyclone apparatus 10.
[034] Further, static pressure was calculated at plane 1, which is 60mm from the top of the conventional hydrocyclone apparatus and the hydrocyclone apparatus 10 of the present disclosure for comparing results therebetween. It can be observed from FIG. 4 that the present disclosure with one or more configurations design provides less static pressure than that of conventional design. The qualitative trend of the static pressure of present disclosure design is same as that of conventional hydrocyclone apparatus. Higher values of static pressure were reported towards wall and lower values of static pressure near to the center that is further reduced to negative static pressure at the core. The experimental analysis of the present disclosure states reduced pressure drop than that of conventional design thereby providing less pressure drop with reduced pumping costs. Referring now to Table 1, providing comparison of mass balance of conventional hydrocyclone apparatus with hydrocyclone apparatus 10 of the present disclosure at one or more concentric rings configurations.
Table 1 - Comparison of mass balance of conventional hydrocyclone with
proposed hydrocyclone apparatus with 1. Uniform width concentric rings 2.
Increasing width concentric rings and 3. Decreasing width concentric rings

Mass
Hydrocyclone split
ratio to
overflow Pressure drop, Pa Air core
diameter,
m D25,
µm D50, µm D75,
µm Sharpness Index, β
, % 12.5 15.8 19.2
Conventional 92.67 42,058 0.0095


0.65
Uniform



width concentric 91.53 40,520 0.0092 13.6 17.3 20.4 0.66
rings
Decreasing



width concentric 90.45 36,638 0.0092 12.8 16.9 20.1 0.63
rings
Increasing



width concentric 90.42 37,904 0.0092 11.1 13.4 15.5 0.72
rings
It is observed from the Table 1 that all configurations design of the hydrocyclone apparatus 10 of the present disclosure provide less pressure drop. The concentric rings configurations guide the slurry stream 50 in a swirling path inside the hydrocyclone apparatus 10. The of hydrocyclone apparatus 10 present disclosure, the design is beneficial to industry due to reduced pressure drop in comparison with conventional hydrocyclone apparatus for the same operating conditions. Reduced concentric rings configuration hydrocyclone with reduced pressure drop and due to the inherent design makes slurry flow with minimal resistance. The classification of particles was simulated using Lagrangian particle tracking method. This method is applicable for feeding the particle loading at the range less than 10 wt. percentage. Twelve different particle sizes were used to simulate the classification performance of the hydrocyclone apparatus 10 referred from FIG.1 to FIG.3 with different

configurations. The computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model is validated using the performance data of a conventional hydrocyclone as studied in the literature.
[035] FIG. 5 is a view showing the modeling results of the hydrocyclone apparatus with adjustable concentric rings arrangement for one or more configurations of the vortex finder with separation efficiency for segregation of particles in slurry according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Typically, in hydrocyclone apparatus, separation efficiency curve increases with increasing particle size except at very fine and coarse particle size ranges where it saturates. The experimental analysis can be observed that bypass of fine particles is low for hydrocyclone apparatus 10 with uniform rings configuration and hydrocyclone apparatus 10 with increasing rings configuration than that of conventional hydrocyclone apparatus. Referring now to Table 1, the cut size (D50) of hydrocyclone with increasing rings configuration design is less than that of cut size of conventional hydrocyclone for same operating conditions. The sharpness index of the hydrocyclone apparatus 10 with increasing rings configuration is much heavier than that of sharpness index of conventional hydrocyclone. The Sharpness index (β) is defined as the ratio of D25 to D75 and is given by below equation 1,

Heavier the sharpness index, better the separation efficiency. According to the results obtained the proposed design of hydrocyclone (increasing rings configuration) of the present disclosure enable in reducing the bypass with additional benefits of sharper separation curve and finer D50.
[036] The written description describes the subj ect matter herein to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. The scope of the subject matter embodiments is defined by the claims and may include other modifications that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have similar elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[037] The embodiments of present disclosure herein addresses unresolved problem of segregation of particles in the hydrocyclone apparatus. The embodiment

thus provides different concentric rings configuration arrangement for circulation of slurry around the outer body of the vortex finder for segregating fine particles and coarse particles based on the type of slurry stream 50. Moreover, the embodiments herein further provide increased separation efficiency with reduced optimum pressure drop based on the type of slurry stream 50. The hydrocyclone apparatus with increasing width concentric rings configuration reduces bypass of coarse particle through the overflow end of the cylindrical section. The present disclosure is flexible to operating conditions with feed flow rate, particle loading and solid properties. The present disclosure provides reduced pressure drop than that of conventional hydrocyclone apparatus for same feed conditions, which in turn reduces pumping costs. The adjustable concentric rings arrangement of the vortex finder helps in changing the configuration according to the needs of classification type and segregation of particles in the slurry stream 50. The present disclosure enables change in the number of concentric rings, configuration of concentric rings, angle of concentric rings based on the slurry condition and the desirable classification of slurry stream 50.
[038] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.

We Claim:
1. An apparatus (10) comprising:
a cylindrical section (30) with an overflow end (24), wherein the cylindrical section (30) comprises:
a vortex finder (64) having an outer body with an adjustable concentric rings arrangement (80), (84) and (88); a first adjustable tuner (42A) and a second adjustable tuner (42B); and
an inlet valve (38), wherein the inlet valve (38)
protrudes slurry stream (50) from an upper side of the
cylindrical section (30): and
a conical section (32) with an underflow end (26) at the bottom,
wherein the conical section (32) is coupled to the cylindrical section
(30),
wherein the vortex finder (64) is adapted to,
(i) generate a centrifugal force inside the cylindrical section (30) for the slurry stream (50),
(ii) guide the slurry stream (50) to circulate and flow around the outer body of the vortex finder (64) towards the conical section (32), and
(iii) Segregate fine particles and coarse particles from the slurry stream (50) based on the one or more configurations of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement,
wherein the arrangement is positioned
around the outer body of the vortex finder (64) in the cylindrical section (30) and the conical section (32), wherein the one or more configurations of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement are selected by tuning the first adjustable tuner (42A) and the second adjustable tuner (42B).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vortex finder (64) comprises a central bore that includes an overflow end (24) and an outlet end (28), wherein the overflow end (24) is adapted to expel the fine particles, and wherein the outlet end (28) vertically positioned to discharge the coarse particles through the conical section (32).
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable concentric rings arrangement is adapted to radially move outwards or inwards based on the one or more configurations of the first adjustable tuner (42A) and the second adjustable tuner (42B), wherein the total number of concentric rings can be detachable or added in the one or more configurations based on the type of slurry stream (50).
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first adjustable tuner (42A) and the second adjustable tuner (42B) are tuned to a first configuration (80) of the one or more configurations,
wherein the first configuration (80) comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with uniform length and uniform width, and
wherein the adjustable concentric rings in the adjustable concentric rings arrangement are positioned equidistant from one another for segregation of the fine particles and the coarse particles in the slurry stream (50).
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first adjustable tuner (42A)
and the second adjustable tuner (42B) are tuned to a second configuration
(84) of the one or more configurations,
wherein the second configuration (84) comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with increasing width dimension of concentric rings comprised therein for segregation of the fine particles and the coarse particles in the slurry stream (50), and

wherein the second configuration (84) of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement enables (i) expelling of the fine particles through the overflow end (24) (ii) bypassing the coarse particles entering through the overflow end (24), and (iii) pushing the coarse particles through the underflow end (26).
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first adjustable tuner (42A)
and the second adjustable (42B) are tuned to a third configuration (88) of
the one or more configurations,
wherein the third configuration (88) comprises the adjustable concentric rings arrangement with decreasing width dimension of concentric rings comprised therein, for segregation of the coarse particles and the fine particles in the slurry stream (50),
wherein the third configuration (88) of the adjustable concentric rings arrangement enables expelling of the coarse particles along with some fine particles through the underflow end (26).
7. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the said slurry stream (50)
segregates the particles in accordance with the first configuration (80)
concentric rings (80) having uniform width concentric rings, wherein the
said first configuration (80) enables reduction of resistance in expelling the
coarse particles and the fine particles based on the type of slurry stream (50).