Improvement of the ZJ-17 machine’s separation device based on computational fluid dynamics

Abstract The primary air stem wire separation device employed in the ZJ-17 machine features a single gas inlet, resulting in airflow instability upon entry into the cavity, leading to vortex formation and backflow. This instability adversely affects the separation efficiency of the primary air stem wire, causing significant weight discrepancies in individual cigarette production. By analyzing the stem separation device using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and conducting test verifications, the design of the primary air separator cavity is optimized, with the double arc guide rectifier identified as the final design solution. The results demonstrate that the optimized double arc-oriented rectifier device boasts a straightforward structure, ensuring stable and dependable operation. It effectively reduces the number of substandard products, enhances the neutrality and stability of cigarette weight, yields substantial economic benefits, and enhances the consistency of cigarette internal flavor absorption.