Performance Evaluation of a Multi-Dustbin Cyclone Separator using CFD

Abstract

Cyclone separators are widely used in industry to separate particles from gas flows. This research examined the performance of a multi-dustbin cyclone separator as a variant of the basic Stairmand design. The study was conducted computationally on a standard cyclone and a modified cyclone, both of 150-mm diameter and 600-mm height. The Reynolds stress model was used to simulate flow turbulence and the discrete phase model was used to simulate the particle migration behaviour in the flow. The simulation was validated by comparing the simulation results of velocity profile and particle collection efficiency with experimental data from the literature. The simulation results demonstrated that the implementation of multiple dustbins has a significant effect on the cyclone efficiency within the studied inlet velocity range. Moreover, the modified design showed a higher particle collection efficiency with small particle sizes < 2 microns.