The purpose of this study was to experimentally determine the feasibility of using hydrocyclone separators for the concentration and clarification of dredge spoil. Since hydrocyclones are also well suited for the task of separating solids into fractions, the feasibility of using hydrocyclones for the recovery of sand and gravel while rejecting fine silt was also investigated. The experimental program was conducted with hydrocyclones and hydrocyclone series designed for overflow flow rates of about 10 gallons per minute. Six dredge spoil samples two clay slurries and one sand were used to determine the effect of particle size, viscosity of the fluid, and inlet solids concentration upon the effectiveness of the hydrocyclones. Attempts were also made to increase performance by chemically flocculating the solids upstream of the separators.

Under Contract No. DACW39-72-C-0050 by Office of Engineering Research, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Bibliography: leaves 66-67.