Hydrocyclones

 

Scalable Filtration with Single & Multi-Cone Hydrocyclones

The ALSI HDC Series Hydrocyclones serve as high-performance separators utilizing centrifugal force to remove suspended solids from liquids. These separators are designed for continuous operation with minimal maintenance and are ideal for applications where high flow rates, abrasive particles, or space constraints make traditional filtration systems.

For higher throughput and scalable performance, multi-cone hydrocyclone assemblies combine multiple cones within a single system to maximize capacity without sacrificing efficiency. By multiplying the number of active separation zones, multi-cone units deliver precise, high-volume filtration while maintaining a compact system footprint.

Whether used as a primary separator or integrated into a larger filtration process, single- and multi-cone hydrocyclones offer a proven solution for removing abrasive particles, reducing system wear, and improving water quality in a wide range of industries.

High-Efficiency

Provides high-efficiency filtration without media

Fine Filtration

Available for fine (20 micron) or Coarse (25 micron) filtration cut point

Concentrate Dirt

Can effectively concentrate dirt for removal through pressure filtration

How Hydrocyclones Work

Hydrocyclones operate by leveraging the principles of centrifugal force to separate particles from fluid streams. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the process works:

1. Tangential Inlet

Fluid enters the hydrocyclone tangentially at high velocity, creating a powerful circular flow pattern inside the conical chamber.

2. Vortex Formation

As the liquid spirals downward, centrifugal forces push denser particles outward toward the chamber wall while the lighter fluid moves inward toward the center.

3. Solids Discharge (Underflow)

Separated solids, now concentrated at the outer edge, spiral downward along the cone wall and are discharged through the underflow outlet at the bottom of the unit.

4. Clean Liquid Outlet (Overflow)

Meanwhile, the clarified liquid reverses direction in a tighter, inner spiral—called the vortex finder—and exits through the overflow outlet at the top.

Benefits of Hydrocyclone Filtration Systems

Hydrocyclones offer a powerful combination of simplicity, efficiency, and durability—making them a preferred choice for industrial solid-liquid separation. Whether used in standalone configurations or as part of a multi-stage filtration system, these units deliver consistent, maintenance-free performance in even the most challenging environments.

  • No moving parts = virtually maintenance-free
  • Continuous separation with no downtime
  • Handles abrasive or high-solid-load fluids
  • Compact design fits easily into existing systems

 

Hydrocyclone vs. Multi-Cone Hydrocyclone Usage Matrix

Criteria Single Hydrocyclone Multi-Cone Hyrdocyclone
Flow Rate Medium to High Very High, Demanding Flows
Solids Loading Moderate High Solids Concentration
Footprint Constraints Ample Space Needed Limited Space, Compact
System Needed
Redundancy/
Flexibility Needs		 Not Critical Important – Cones can be
Isolated/Serviced Individually
System Downtime Downtime Acceptable Minimal Downtime Required
Separation Efficiency Adequate for General Use Enhanced Efficiency with
Multiple Smaller Cones
Scalability/
Modularity		 Fixed Capacity Easily Scalable by
Adding/Removing Cones
Maintenance Frequency Moderate Reduced per-cone Wear;
Better for Continuous Use
Cost Considerations Lower Initial Investment Higher Initial Cost,
Better ROI for Large Systems
Typical Applications General Industrial, Agriculture –
Low to Moderate Demand		 Mining, Oil & Gas, Power Plants,
High-throughput Industrial Use

 

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