Studying the effect of vortex finder eccentricity on the gas cyclone performance

Abstract

In this study, cyclone separator, with nine different vortex finder eccentricities are simulated computationally (CFD). The numerical technique is based upon solving three dimensional, incompressible, turbulent flow governing equations using the Reynolds stress turbulent model. The results show that moving the vortex finder eccentricities in two directions is more effective than moving it in one direction only. Case 5 achieves the lowest pressure drop where the vortex finder eccentricity is moved in the positive x and y directions toward the cyclone inlet. It is found that moving the eccentricities in both x, y directions towards the cyclone inlet reduces the pressure drops by 31% and decreases the collection efficiency by 17.4% compared to case 0 (where the vortex finder is concentric in the cyclone centerline).