Zigzag Configurations and Air Classifier Performance

Abstract

The fundamental aspects of zigzag air classifier configurations are studied in terms of the design and operation of a waste‐to‐energy production facility. The development of a method of performance evaluation defined by operating range is examined. Historically, air classification has been used in industry and agriculture in mineral extraction, limestone sizing, and seed and grain cleaning. However, the adaption of air classifiers to resource recovery and waste‐to‐energy production facilities presents new problems due to the complex and variable nature of the wastes. A series of configurations providing a continuous range of zigzag classifier shape components are tested. Each configuration is evaluated to determine its efficiency of separation, and sensitivity to operating air speeds. Results indicate that the configuration of a zigzag classifier does not influence its peak efficiency of separation. However, findings point to distinct limits on operating parameters which lead to peak efficiencies for the different configurations. These operating range values represent the sensitivity of the air classifier to changes in the air flow. A major finding concerns the effect of configuration on the particle size distribution observed in the material exiting the classifier: smaller particles appear to be influenced by configuration changes and larger particles do not. A new method for classifier performance evaluation is developed and applied.