Hydrocyclone feed pressure must be converted into head at the actual mud density, then checked against cone count, manifold losses and pump curve. Pressure alone does not prove the cones are separating correctly.
What this calculation covers
This page is the calculation worksheet for converting hydrocyclone manifold pressure into feed head at the actual mud weight. For the broader operating explanation of why feed head changes cone performance, use the hydrocyclone feed-head guide; this page stays focused on pressure-to-head arithmetic, SG sensitivity and field acceptance checks.
| Input | Why it matters | Bad input warning |
|---|---|---|
| Target pressure | Defines cone operating energy | Using water head at mud SG |
| Mud specific gravity | Converts psi into equivalent head | Wrong SG distorts pump duty |
| Cone count | Changes total flow demand | Too many open cones starve pressure |
| Manifold condition | Controls distribution to cones | Uneven feed hides bad separation |
Core equations
Equivalent head (ft) = pressure psi x 2.31 / mud specific gravityThis lets hydrocyclone feed pressure be compared with pump head on the curve.Required cone flow = active cone count x flow per cone at target pressureOpening more cones without pump capacity lowers pressure and changes cut performance.Worked engineering interpretation
| Result condition | Interpretation | Field action |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure low | Underfeeding, excess cone count or pump issue | Check active cones and pump curve |
| Pressure stable | Good starting condition | Still inspect underflow and overflow |
| Pressure high | Restriction or wrong cone condition | Check roping, plugging and valves |
| Head mismatch | Density conversion or gauge error | Recalculate with actual SG |
Acceptance criteria
Common calculation traps
| Hydrocyclone Feed Pressure and Head Calculator check | Required field evidence | Stop or redesign trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Duty definition | flow, head, speed, density correction, motor load and the installed system curve are recorded with units and operating state. | The duty is described only by equipment name or nameplate capacity. |
| Installed-route confirmation | Line length, elevation, valves, receiving point and material condition are checked. | The route cannot be restarted or isolated safely after a stop. |
| Process acceptance | The downstream process becomes stable after the correction. | One gauge improves while flow, quality or reliability gets worse. |
Engineering depth
For Hydrocyclone Feed Pressure and Head Calculator, the engineering review must stay tied to the installed duty. Record flow, head, speed, density correction, motor load and the installed system curve, then compare the result against measured flow, pressure, current or air demand, material condition and downstream stability. Do not approve the arrangement from catalogue capacity alone.
