Performance Prediction Model for Designing a Multiple Electro-cyclone System

Abstract

Electro-cyclones allow simple and cost effective removal of fine particles by improving the collection efficiency of conventional cyclones with the application of external electric fields. However, understanding of design and operational parameters for optimizing the performance of electro-cyclones are still limited due to the complexity of the removal mechanism and the lack of prediction models. In this study, the particle collection efficiency of electro-cyclones has been analyzed using simple theoretical models, and the system configuration of multiple electro-cyclones has been evaluated especially for the removal of fine particles less than 5 µm which are limited in conventional cyclones. Based on the Stairmand high efficiency cyclone design, the effects of external electric field on a single and multiple units were investigated. Parallel operations of multiple electro-cyclones, consisting of 10 units, potentially provided the cut off diameter less than 0.3 µm by lowering flow rate and operation load for each unit. For a multiple configuration, the collection efficiency was improved as the number of units increased, while the flow speed variation due to the parallel operation was insignificant.