Removal of dyes from aqueous solution by sorption with fly ash using a hydrocyclone

Methyl orange is an anionic water-soluble carcinogenic azo dye. Excessive dye concentration in water is a major health concern worldwide. In this current study, experiments have been conducted to remove methyl orange from aqueous solution using fly ash as an adsorbent in a continuous mode by using a hydrocyclone. A spiral rib has been introduced in the cylindrical part of the conventional hydrocyclone to increase the performance and this hydrocyclone is called as a ribbed hydrocyclone. Experiments were carried out to analyse the performance of particle separation and dye removal efficiency of the ribbed hydrocyclone. The cut size d50 of the ribbed hydrocyclone was 21 μm at a slurry flow rate of 50 LPM. Maximum methyl orange removal efficiency was 66% for the initial concentration of 60 mg/l for the dose of 2 g/l at a slurry flow rate of 50 LPM. The novelty of the current study revealed that the ribbed hydrocyclone is more efficient than conventional one and it could be used for the removal of both fly ash and methyl orange in a continuous mode.