Cyclone separator theories to predict performance and flow characteristics

Several theoretical approaches for predicting performance parameters (collection efficiency, pressure drop, and velocities) of cyclone separators have been developed due to their extensive use in particle handling industries. Expensive and time-consuming experiments to analyze the swirling flow inside the cyclone separators could be avoided with reliable theoretical approaches. However, there are only a limited number of cyclone theory evaluations in the literature. This study investigated the accuracy of cyclone theories by comparing experimental and numerical data at a particle loading rate of 1.0 g.m-3 operating at 5 and 10 m.s-1. General agreements between the theories were revealed by Muschelknautz’s theory for collection efficiency and Shepherd and Lapple’s theory for pressure variations at low solid loading conditions; disagreements were found to be due to the theories’ insensitivity to influences from the particle phase and the frictional wall effect inside cyclone separators.