Effects of Cyclone Diameter on Performance of 1D3D Cyclones: Cutpoint and Slope

摘要

Cyclones are a commonly used air pollution abatement device for separating particulate matter (PM) from air streams in industrial processes. Several mathematical models have been proposed to predict the cutpoint of cyclones as cyclone diameter varies. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between cyclone diameter, cutpoint, and slope of the fractional efficiency curve (FEC) based on empirical data. Tests were performed comparing cutpoints and FEC slopes of 15.24, 30.48, 60.96, and 91.44 cm (6, 12, 24, and 36 in.) diameter cyclones with poly-disperse PM having an aerodynamic mass median diameter near 10 � m. The mass of PM collected by the cyclones and the mass and particle size distributions of PM that penetrated the cyclones were used to determine each cyclone's FEC, characterized by a cutpoint and slope. The cutpoints of cyclones showed no relationship to cyclone diameter, while the slope of the cyclone FECs increased as cyclone diameter increased. Statistically different collection efficiencies were observed among the 30.48, 60.96, and 91.44 cm (12, 24, and 36 in.) diameter cyclones. None of the previously published mathematical models analyzed in this article accurately predicted cyclone cutpoint.