CFD-Based Analysis and Optimization of Gas Cyclones Performance

Gas-solids cyclone separators are for more than a century widely used as industrial equipment. Due to its relevance, a large number of experimental, theoretical & computational studies have been reported in the literature aiming at understanding and predicting the performance of cyclones in terms of pressure loss and collection efficiency (cut-off diameter).
The cyclone performance parameters are governed by many geometrical and operational parameters (e.g., the gas flow rate & temperature). This chapter focuses only on CFD based analysis and optimization of the effect of the geometrical parameters on the flow field pattern and performance of tangential inlet cyclone separators. The study was limited to reverse-flow gas-solids cyclone separators operating at low solids loading.
The objective of this study is four-fold. Firstly, determine the most significant factors affecting the cyclone performance based on previous studies and statistical analysis of data using response surface methodology. Secondly, study each (significant) parameter separately to obtain more details of its effect on the flow field pattern. Thirdly, obtain the optimum geometrical ratios for minimum pressure drop. Finally, obtain the most efficient cyclone design for best performance (minimum pressure drop and minimum cut-off diameter) using genetic algorithms. The outcome of this study is new optimal design to replace the standard design for improved superior performance.

ISBN:978-1-4948-7575-6

Jaar van publicatie:2014

Trefwoorden:Cyclone separator, Discrete phase modelling (DPM), Optimization, Surrogate models, Large eddy simulation (LES)