Cyclone Performance By Velocity

Cyclones performance is improved by increasing collection effectiveness or decreasing energy consumption.  The object of this study was to quantify the pressure drop and fine particulate (PM_2.5) emissions of modified 1D3D cyclones at inlet velocities from 1600 to 3500 fpm using cotton gin trash as a test material.  Cyclone exhaust was passed through filters.  Laser diffraction particle size distribution analysis was used to estimate PM_2.5 emissions.  As prior research predicted, there was a strong correlation between cyclone pressure loss and inlet velocity, about a 45% reduction in pressure loss for a 25% reduction in inlet velocity.  PM_2.5 emissions also decreased when operating 25% below the design inlet velocity.  Operating below the design inlet velocity to reduce pressure losses would reduce both the financial and the environmental cost of procuring electricity.  The simultaneous reduction in emissions was unexpected.