Cavex® DE Hydrocyclone

The Cavex® DE cyclone is an innovative classification unit, with two stages of separation incorporated into the one piece of equipment. It works without the need for intermediary pumping, piping or sumps.

Overview

The Cavex® DE cyclone features the innovative laminar spiral inlet geometry design of the Cavex® hydrocyclone range, but with the addition of:

  • A primary and secondary hydrocyclone to create a two-stage classification and separation system
  • An Air Core Booster (ACB) incorporated to the top of each hydrocyclone
  • The underflow stream from the primary cyclone is directly fed into the secondary cylindrical-conical cyclone without the need of intermediate pumping.

The bottom of the primary cyclone consists of an inverted cone within a cylindrical housing. The gap between the cone and the housing acts like a traditional cyclone spigot and controls the underflow stream to the secondary cyclone.

This gap can be adjusted to optimise the flow split into the secondary cyclone by moving the cone vertically. As the slurry enters the second stage, additional water can be injected to maximise efficiency, particularly of the fines removal.

This makes Cavex® DE the preferred cyclone for tailings and desliming applications.   

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of performance can we expect from a Cavex® DE hydrocyclone versus a typical hydrocyclone?

How does the Cavex® DE two-stage hydrocyclone work?

Features and Benefits

Improved Capacity

This hydrocyclone has also been fitted with an Air Core Booster (ACB) to improve capacity and cyclone efficiency by reducing the total pressure across the hydrocyclone. It also increases the volume flow split to the overflow.

Superior Performance in Desliming Applications

The Cavex® DE cyclone contains a two-in-one system which improves two aspects of classification:
1) The bypass of fines to the underflow and
2) The misplacement of coarse particles in the overflow

This means that fewer fine particles report to the underflow and back to the mill resulting in greater mill circuit efficiency. It also minimises over-grinding, which is particularly critical in flotation circuits.

Superior Tailings Dam Performance

The Cavex® DE cyclone minimises the amount of -200 mesh material in the underflow resulting in safer and reliable construction of dam walls. It also produces an underflow with high solids content. This makes it a suitable cyclone for tailings applications.

Lower Capital and Operational Costs

The two-in-one hydrocyclone reduces capital and operating costs as no intermediate pumping, piping or sumps are required. Its innovative design reduces wear in the transfer zone minimising repair and maintenance costs.

Customisable for a Variety of Applications

The Cavex® DE cyclone is available in a range of sizes (250 to 650mm) to suit varying applications. We can also design hydrocyclone clusters to retrofit into existing installations to maximise production and address operational or maintenance issues.

Local After Sales Support

All Cavex® hydrocyclones are backed by our unrivalled global support network that spans across more than 60 countries world-wide.

Our team are always there for you, no matter how remote your operation is. We can also service machinery onsite for added convenience.

Why Weir?

At Weir, we've been manufacturing hydrocyclones for over 45 years, with the original Cavex® hydrocyclone setting new industry benchmarks when introduced over 20 years ago.

Although, several attempts have been made by competitors to combine two-stage classification into one unit, their designs have shared common issues including:

  • High wear in the transfer zone
  • Poor control over the flow split to the secondary cyclone and
  • A need to operate the hydrocyclone at high pressures

Our team are experts in innovative engineering.

We have purposely built the Cavex® DE cyclone to deliver superior performance in the above areas, with greater flow control and reduced wear in the transfer zone.

Additionally, we strive to meet the varying needs of customers and diverse applications with:

  • Our knowledgeable technical team
  • Reliable supply and inventory levels
  • Global presence and
  • Extensive after sales and service networks

Applications

Our Cavex® DE hydrocyclones are best suited for separation and classification of precious metals and minerals including copper, gold, silver, iron ore, lithium, phosphate, rare earths, potash and soda ash.

  • Bauxite / Alumina
  • Chrome
  • Copper
  • Gold
  • Iron
  • Kimberlite
  • Limestone
  • Lithium
  • Mineral Sands
  • Molybdenum
  • Nickel
  • Oil Sands
  • Zinc

Processes

  • Fines Recovery
  • Fines Removal / Desliming
  • Producing Dry / Stackable Tailings
  • Thickening (Paste)
  • Water Recovery
  • Wet Classification

Ancillary Products

Cavex® Hydrocyclone Air Core Boosters

When fitted to a hydrocyclone, the Cavex® Air Core Booster (ACB) helps to improve overall cyclone performance by improving cyclone efficiency and capacity. By producing a larger and more stable air core inside the hydrocyclone, our range of Cavex® Air Core Boosters (ACB) enhance the volume flow split to the overflow. This is particularly effective when combined with a large apex. If you'd like to improve the efficiency and performance of your hydrocyclone, our range of Cavex® Air Core Boosters can help.

Recommended Industries: Mining, Sand and Aggregates

Product Specifications

We can develop customised hydrocyclone solutions and provide simulations, drawings and mass balances depending on your application and requirements.

If you need help or advice on a custom design, get in touch with our team of experts.

MATERIALS

Metal, rubber-lined

DESIGN

Two-stage hydrocyclone in one single unit

SIZE RANGE

250mm to 650mm diameter

HOUSINGS

Steel

LINERS

Solid poly liner, monolithic ceramic liner or urethane liners

PRESSURE CLASS

0-250kPa

TEMPERATURE RANGE

0-80°C

Compare Products

MATERIALS
DESIGN
SIZE RANGE
HOUSINGS
LINERS
PRESSURE CLASS
TEMPERATURE RANGE

Cavex® DE Hydrocyclone

Metal, rubber-lined
Two-stage hydrocyclone in one single unit
250mm to 650mm diameter
Steel
Solid poly liner, monolithic ceramic liner or urethane liners
0-250kPa
0-80°C

Cavex® 2 High-Efficiency Hydrocyclone

Typically metal rubber-lined
Cavex® LIG+ internal shape/design
40mm - 800 mm diameter
Metal, Dough Moulded Compound (DMC)
R55®, Linatex® premium rubber and monolithic ceramic liners
0-250kPa
0-80°C

Cavex® CVX Classifying Hydrocyclone

Typically, metal rubber-lined
Cavex® laminar spiral inlet geometry design
40mm to 1200mm diameter
Corrosion-resistant, polyester or carbon steel
Solid poly liner, monolithic ceramic liner or urethane liners
0-250kPa
0-80°C

Replacement Parts

The highest-wearing parts of a hydrocyclone are the cyclone spigot and apex. These will need to be replaced throughout the lifetime of your hydrocyclone, depending on the application. For more information about replacement of parts, please contact our team. 

Product Upgrades and Modifications

Our Cavex® DE hydrocyclones can be customised to suit various applications, with a variety of cyclone spigots and vortex finders to maximise production.

You can also upgrade or modify your hydrocyclone with an Air Core Booster (ACB) for enhanced performance.

Services and Maintenance

Cavex® hydrocyclones are backed by our unrivalled global support network that spans across more than 60 countries world-wide.

This means that our experts are here to support you, every step of the way, wherever you may be.

Our expert team will work alongside you to deliver:

  • Customised cluster solutions
  • Customised lining to maximise wear life and reliability
  • Total hydrocyclone performance analysis

Our extensive global network can provide services on site or at one of our 160+ dedicated service centres.

Get in touch with an expert