Computer simulation of flocculation for fine hematite particle with FLUENT

The CFD (computational fluid dynamics) software-FLUENT was used to simulate under different stirring speed. The turbulence kinetic energy ¿, the effective energy dissipation ¿ and spiral vortex micro dimension ¿ were introduced as criterions to evaluate flocculation effects and interpret the complex phenomenon in the course of flocculation.Jar test and numerical simulation were conducted to study the hydraulic condition´s influence on the flocculation by changing the stirring speed, quantitative relationship was established among ¿, ¿, stirring speed and sedimentation rate Es. The fluid in jar test is fine hematite ore(average size 21.35 ¿m) slurry which density is 2%. The flocculant is maise starch. The influence of hydraulic conditions on flocculation can be interpreted by turbulence kinetic energy ¿, effective energy dissipation e and spiral vortex micro dimension ¿%.