A numerical assessment to select the optimal geometry of a specific cyclone separator of wheat flour processing

Abstract

In this study, the effect of the cyclone body height on the flow field within the specific cyclone and also on the performance parameters of the cyclone has been investigated. The five heights of the cyclone as various configurations were I = 600, II = 675, III = 750, IV = 825, and V = 900 mm. A pressure‐based solver was used and the turbulent Reynolds stress model was utilized to simulate the flow. Then, the Lagrangian discrete phase model was used to simulate the solid phase. As the height of the cyclone increases, the pressure drop decreases. Also, the best separation efficiency and the highest particle velocity value were achieved at a height of 750 mm. The maximum values of turbulence intensity, skin friction coefficient, and strain rate were obtained as negative components of cyclone performance at the cyclone body height of 900 mm. The height of 750 mm was recognized as the best height of the cyclone's body.Practical ApplicationsApplying numerical simulation in food processing is a novel method to minimize equipment construction and reach a high‐accuracy design. Computational fluid dynamics can provide an accurate and detailed flow analysis in the cyclone separators utilized in the flour processing plant. The dimensional analysis can help the researchers to achieve the optimum design and enhance the cyclone performance by reducing pressure drop and increasing separation efficiency. Also, the maintenance cost would be significantly reduced due to detecting the critical sections and strengthening them.

A comparative evaluation of energetic and exergetic performance parameters in syrup purification and evaporation lines

“…They calculated the highest exergy destruction and the lowest exergy efficiency for the first evaporator (Bapat et al, 2016). Recently, some innovative studies were conducted related to the various processes in the field of foods and industrial applications, so these fields still need more detailed investigations using new methods (Abdi et al, 2023;Aghaei et al, 2022;Aghdamifar et al, 2023;Akhoundzadeh Yamchi et al, 2024;Dizajyekan et al, 2021Dizajyekan et al, , 2022Emami et al, 2024;Mohammadzadeh et al, 2021Mohammadzadeh et al, , 2022Rezvanivand Fanaei et al, 2021;Rezvanivand Fanayi & Nikbakht, 2015;Zobeiri et al, 2021).…”