Effects of operating variables on the yeast separation process in a hydrocyclone

Abstract

This work involved the use of a hydrocyclone to separate yeast from alcoholic fermentation suspensions. The performance of the hydrocyclone was quantified using empirical models that describe the capacity, total separation efficiency, flow ratio, and reduced separation efficiency as a function of the concentration of the suspension and the operating pressure drop. The results showed capacities of 0.1283 to 0.1820 m3/h, total separation efficiencies of 81.96% to 92.19%, reduced separation efficiencies of 0.63% to 58.44%, and flow ratios ranging from 81.05% to 84.85%.