Investigations of the flow field inside a square cyclone separator using DPIV and CFD

Abstract

This study used CFD and DPIV to investigate the flow field inside a square cyclone. For CFD, turbulent flow was modelled using 3D RANS equations (with an RSM complementary model). The results of the analysis indicate that the flow inside a square cyclone has two constituents: an outer, free flow and an inner, forced flow in the centre, as with cyclones with the traditional structure. Furthermore, the results indicate that the corners of a square cyclone generate additional vortexes that cause pressure drop to increase (but may, at the same time, potentially improve separation efficiency). The two methods provided highly consistent results. DPIV may be a very good method for validating results obtained with CFD, including for the analysis of flow fields.

CFD Investigations of Cyclone Separators with Different Cone Heights and Shapes

“…To account for the near-wall effects, we use the standard wall function. Such numerical settings were also used by [16,[47][48][49][50].…”

CFD Study of Novel Vortex Finder Pressure Drop Holes to Enhance Cyclone Separators Performance

“…These parameters collectively define the physical dimensions and characteristics of the cyclone, playing a pivotal role in shaping its flow pattern and governing its operational efficiency. Modification of geometric parameters, including the vortex finder's shape and size, cyclone separator configuration, diameter, inlet entry angle, and height, significantly enhanced the cyclone separator performance [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]. Various studies, such as those by Xiong et al [15] observed that the inclusion of both reflux cone and spiral gap (15° clockwise rotation) designs in the vortex finder led to a significant 73% decrease in pressure drop, while simultaneously increasing the total separation efficiency by 9%.…”