Optimization of the overall performance of cyclone separators

This paper reports the results of an experimental investigation to determine the optimum performance of a reverse-flow cyclone with tangential air inlet. The influence of certain design and operating parameters such as the inlet gas velocity, the cyclone inlet width, the vortex finder length, and the vortex finder diameter are investigated. The experiments were carried out under ambient conditions for gas inlet velocity range of 10 to 45 m/s and at a constant dust loading. The results showed that the inlet width, the vortex finder length, and the vortex finder diameter have a strong effect on the overall performance of the cyclone. The results also indicated that the effect of varying the geometric parameters is more significant at higher inlet velocities. Specifically, it was found that the vortex finder length has a direct effect on overall performance, such that it reduces back-mixing losses caused by the Bernoulli effect, and particle bounce. The longer vortex finder also minimizes the short circuiting of incoming gasses, preventing the dusty gas from flowing directly from the inlet to the outlet.