CFD Investigations of Cyclone Separators with Different Cone Heights and Shapes

Abstract

Due to the great achievements in the field of optimization of the design of cyclone separators, non-standard solutions are sought to increase their performance. Therefore, in this study, we consider the impact of different cone and cylinder height variants on the performance of cyclone separators. Additionally, we propose non-standard shapes for these sections. Three different heights: H/D = 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5, with D (the main cyclone body diameter), are analyzed. Since the cone is one of the most important geometrical entities, three different shapes viz. a straight (conventional) profile, a concave profile as well as a convex profile are also taken into account. Cyclone performance is rated at three different inlet velocities viz. Uin = 10 m/s, 15 m/s, and 20 m/s. Hence, a total of 27 simulations have been performed using the Reynolds stress model. It becomes apparent from the present study that the pressure loss is lowest in the convex variant, whereas the separation efficiency is better in the conventional design. Furthermore, an increase in the length of the cylindrical section reduces pressure drop with a mild decrease in the collection efficiency in all variants.