Numerical Simulation and Influence Analysis of Geometrical Parameters in Gas–Solid Separation Process for a Cyclone Separator

The cyclone separator is a widely used separation instrument that can be applied in dust removal, mist removal, etc. The geometrical parameters that directly affect the airflow and separation process of a cyclone separator play a significant role in operating performance. In the present paper, numerical simulations are conducted to understand the flue gas flow and solid particle motion involved in the separation process of a dust removal cyclone separator. The effects of geometrical parameters on separation efficiency and pressure drop are thoroughly discussed. It is revealed that the separation of flue gas and dust particles depends on the reversible spiral flow arising from the cyclone structure. While the L/D ratio is 1.7, an undesirable flow and particle motion is obtained. As the H/D ratio is increased, the separation efficiency and the separator resistance both drop. In the process, the de/D ratio is increased from 0.6 to 0.7, and flue gas flow becomes worse, resulting in a dramatical descent in separation efficiency and pressure drop. The cut-off particle diameter is about 6 μm, and the particle size has little influence on pressure drop.