Effect of apex cone shape on fine particle classification of gas-cyclone

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of apex cone shape on particle separation performance of gas-cyclones by experiment and CFD studies. It is found that the optimum apex cone angle is 70 degrees. The minimum 50% cut size was obtained by use of this special apex cone. From the flow visualization method by use of soap foam, the upward flow and downward flow coexisted on the surface of this special apex cone. The clear interface between upward flow and downward flow was detected on the apex cone angle of 70 degrees. The effect of the apex cone angle on particle separation performance decreases under high inlet velocity conditions, because most particles are moving in the area away from the apex cone. The particle separation performance and flow visualization results qualitatively supported the 3-dimensional CFD simulation based on the direct method. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.