title: Improvements of the cyclone separator performance by down-comer tubes.
abstract: Enhancement of fine particle (PM2.5) separation is important for cyclone separators to reduce any extra purification process required at the outlet. Therefore, the present experimental research was performed to explore the performance of cyclone separators modified with down-comer tubes at solid loading rates from 0 to 8.0 g/m(3) with a 10 m/s inlet velocity. The study proved the effectiveness of down-comer tubes in reducing the particle re-entrainment and increasing the finer separation with acceptable pressure drops, which was pronounced at low solid loading conditions. The experimental results were compared with theories of Smolik and Muschelknautz. Theories were acceptable for certain ranges, and theory breakdown was mainly due to the neglect of particle agglomeration, re-entrainment and the reduction of swirling energy, as well as the increase of wall friction due to presence of particles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Architectural and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. Electronic address: sganegama2-c@my.cityu.edu.
authors.forename: Sakura
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ganegama Bogodage
authors.affiliation: Department of Architectural and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
authors.forename: A Y T
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Leung
keywords: Cyclone separator; Down-comer tube; Overall collection efficiency; Pressure drop; Solid loading rate