Computation of Turbulent Flow in a Cyclone Chamber with a Reynolds Stress Model. 2nd Report. Numerical Prediction of Cyclone Performance.

Abstract

The Reynolds stress model and the standard k-ε eddy viscosity model were applied to highly swirl-confined flows in six types of cyclones, which are widely used as centrifugal separators in industrial applications, in order to numerically predict the collection efficiency of dust particles and the pressure loss across the cyclone. The Reynolds stress model can capture the feature of the highly swirling turbulence field accurately, while the standard k-ε model misrepresents the flow characteristics due to the error in its eddy viscosity hypothesis. Prediction of the collection efficiency is, therefore, improved by the Reynolds stress model over the standard k -ε model. In addition, the pressure losses obtained by the Reynolds stress model calculation are in good agreement with experimental data.