Separative Power of 2-Up 1-Down Ideal Cascades

Abstract

Interstage flows are analyzed for ideal cascades composed of asymmetric separation elements. It is shown that, in such a cascade, the separative power is additive, that is, the summation of the separative powers of all stages equals the total separative power of the ideal cascade composed of asymmetric separators. This is proved by calculation establishing that the total sum of interstage flows is equal to that obtained by dividing the total separative power of the cascade by the separative power per unit flow of the elements. A similar additive property is also evidenced for separative powers relevant to the desired and undesired materials. As a concrete example, a 2-up 1-down cascade is discussed.