Separation Efficiency of a Cyclone Separator with a Turbulence-Suppressing Rotating-Insert

Abstract

This paper presents further experimental investigations with a cyclone separator. Specifically, an altered wall boundary condition, that of an internal rotating insert, as a technique which not only enhances the separating field, but, more importantly, diminishes the turbulence level within the cyclone is discussed. The data presented clearly illustrate that the proposed geometry is both turbulence suppressing and separation enhancing. Additional data presented for the efficiency with the insert show more than 10 percentage point improvement even for modest rotation rates. This improvement in the cyclone separator efficiency is significant and increases the potential of the cyclone as an air pollution control device.